Senior Director, Clinical Development

Council Jobs; Canberra; On-site; AUD 162,000 - 198,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Director, Clinical Development at ACT Government Health and Community Services leads the Clinical Development Unit to deliver major practice-change initiatives. This role requires coaching and managing staff to ensure successful delivery of evidence-based guidance and specialist advice for CYF’s operations within the child and family sector.

The Senior Director advances the strategic vision, drives service reform, and strengthens workforce capability, fostering a culture of

Qualifications

• Must have experience leading teams in a community services environment.
• Demonstrated ability to drive change using evidence-based practice guidance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Clinical Development Unit to deliver practice change initiatives.
• Coach and manage unit staff to achieve outcomes.
• Provide evidence-based practice guidance and clinical specialist advice to CYF teams.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Strategic planning

Education

Relevant tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Social Welfare, Social Science or related discipline

Job description

Classification: Child and Youth Protection Professional Level 6
Salary: $179,945 plus superannuation
Position No: 54684
Directorate: Health and Community Services
Advertised (Gazettal date): 02 November 2026
Contact Officer: Maria Kanellopoulos on***************@act.gov.auor(02) 6207 6***

Details: The Senior Director, Clinical Development role is responsible for the leadership of the Clinical Development Unit. This role involves leading, coaching, and managing the Clinical Development Unit staff to ensure the successful delivery of significant practice change initiatives. Their core focus will be to lead the unit to deliver practice change through evidence-based practice guidance and clinical specialist advice and specialist services for CYF’s operational teams and the child and family sector, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

The Senior Director is also responsible for delivering the strategic vision of CYF and the CSPA Branch, facilitating continuous improvement through established change and project management methodologies. The Senior Director supports the CYF Chief Practitioner in delivering contemporary child protection and youth justice practice across the ACT, driving service reform, strengthening workforce capability and embedding a culture of continuous improvement.

Health and Community Services Directorate (HCSD) is an inclusive employer where all people are respected and valued for their contribution. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, People with Disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, mature age workers and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people.

Eligibility/Other requirements:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Social Welfare, Social Science or related discipline are essential.
• CYPP 6 must have at least five (5) years of practical experience working with children, young peopleand/or their families in a social work/case management and/or leadership role.
• Experience leading teams in a community services environment is essential.
• Prior to commencement, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.
• Prior to commencing this role, a current registration issued under theWorking with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required. For further information on Working with Vulnerable People registration refer to -Apply for or renew a WWVP registration - Access Canberra (act.gov.au)
• Driver’s license (C class) is essential.
• As this role is likely to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and young people, cultural awareness, and capacity to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is highly desirable.

Please note: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who do not have these qualifications, but who have appropriate and relevant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage and experience are eligible to apply.

Notes: This is a temporary position available for a period of 12 months with the possibility of extension and/or permanency. A merit pool may be established from this selection process and will be used to fill vacancies over the next 12 months.

Closes: 16 November 2026

Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.

Where an offer of employment is for a fixed-term period, any related temporary contracts within the Territory will be issued in compliance with the requirements and applicable exceptions outlined in the Fair Work Act.

The ACT public service is committed to closing the gap, underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved. More information can be found here ACT Closing the Gap Implementation Plan - ACT Government Transparency Portal.