About Us:

DCC Industry Group is dedicated to enriching lives through our key divisions: Youth & Communities, Allied Health, Workforce, and Disability Services. Our goal is to provide services that empower individuals across all stages of life, supporting their well-being and personal growth in every aspect of their journey.

About The Role:

The Operations Manager for Youth, Families, and Communities at DCC Industry Group will be responsible for overseeing the effective delivery and management of family-based care services. The role involves leading a team of professionals to ensure all operations align with the DCC’s mission of creating compassionate solutions for every stage of life. Key duties include developing and implementing strategic initiatives to promote optimal outcomes, ensuring compliance with child protection standards, and driving continuous service quality improvements. The manager will collaborate with both internal stakeholders and external partners to refine placements that address a range of needs, from emotional support to practical resources. This role requires a passionate leader with a strong background in family-based care, excellent organisational skills, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of children and young people in care.

Main Responsibilities will include:

Oversee and manage the Foster and Kinship Care service division, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and objectives.

Lead and develop a high-performing team, setting clear expectations and empowering staff to reach their full potential.

Monitor compliance with case plans, assessments, and ethical standards, addressing any concerns promptly.

Ensure adherence to policies and procedures, focusing on matching issues and achieving the best outcomes for children and families.

Lead the recruitment, selection, assessment, and training of foster and kinship carers, collaborating with marketing and recruitment teams to maintain a steady pipeline.

Work with Learning & Development to design and implement training programs for carers and staff.

Provide supervision and support to direct reports, fostering professional growth through regular feedback.

Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed and report any concerns to Executive Management.

Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure staff comply with legislation and service agreements.

Promote a child-focused, family-centred framework, ensuring services meet client needs and reflect best practices.

Drive continuous improvement by recommending practice developments and identifying service expansion opportunities.

Manage case consultations, complex cases, and provide advice on human resource functions such as performance management and recruitment.

Contribute to the development of projects and services that support children and families, ensuring quality and evidence-based practice.

Monitor service performance and collaborate with funding bodies for submissions and evaluation.

Provide specialist advice and support to leadership and staff, ensuring high service standards.

Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and foster strong partnerships with key stakeholders.

Selection Criteria:

Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field is required.

Minimum of 3 years of experience in operational leadership and in-depth knowledge of family-based care.

Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines related to Child Protection and family-based care.

Demonstrated senior or executive experience working in the Youth Services space with young people from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Excellent leadership capability that can demonstrate the ability to focus on team growth and development.

Exceptional stakeholder management skills interacting with people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Experience in risk management in a high risk / crisis response environment.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people.

Attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping and documentation. Strong administration skills is a must.

Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Flexibility and adaptability in responding to changing needs and situations.

Commercial acumen; understanding of commercial drivers, risks and business opportunities across People & Culture, Finance, Marketing and Quality & Compliance.

Practice frameworks – application of strength-based practices.

Demonstrated competency in strategic planning and business development.

Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operations metrics.

What’s on offer:

Permanent, full-time employment

Set roster – Monday to Friday

Company vehicle

Salary between $115,000 to $125,000 per annum plus Super

Access to Employee Assistance Program

Work with a friendly, supportive and passionate team

Supported by an Executive Management team with a clear vision

Qualifications/Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field.

Police check

Working with Children Check.

NDIS Worker Screening Check.

LCS2/7 check.

Right to work in Australia on a permanent, full-time basis.

Psychometric, numerical and literacy assessments.

Does this sound like you? Please submit your resume and covering letter addressing the key responsibilities within the position description.

We’re committed to promoting diversity and cultural inclusivity. DCC Industry Group is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds, including CALD, LGBTQIA+, women, and First Nations people.