Manager CWU (Identified)

Manager Child Wellbeing Unit (CWU) - Identified

At the NSW Department of Education we educate and inspire lifelong learners from early childhood through schooling to vocational education and training.

• Temporary Full-Time until 30 June 2028
• Located in Parramatta with flexible working arrangements available
• Salary from $129464 to $142665 plus employer Superannuation contribution and annual leave loading

This position is targeted for recruitment of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person and is authorised by the Departments Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Management Plan in accordance with Part 9A of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). In the event there are no suitable Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants all other applications will be considered. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to indicate their identity in their application and should be willing to provide confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent either during the application process or prior to appointment if successful. More information can be found in the policy library underConfirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent.

About Child Wellbeing and Mental Health Services (CWMHS)

Child Wellbeing and Mental Health Services (CWMHS) delivers targeted student support in areas such as child protection disability mental health and complex needs. The service aims to better align and coordinate psychological and child protection services in schools respond effectively to urgent local issues and promote best practice in service delivery.

About the role

As Manager of the Child Wellbeing Unit (CWU) you will lead the Departments operational and strategic practices in child protection within the education system including oversight of culturally informed consultation and advice to support schools communities and interagency includes:

• Supporting a highly skilled team of identified professionals who assess and respond to child protection concerns including providing culturally informed advice and consultation. Collaboration with interagency (such as Schools government agencies and the non-government sector) to ensure responses are in line with best practices policies and legislations.
• Design and manage effective operation intake systems staff rostering and work allocations.
• Undertake case reviews and quality assurance to evaluate student outcomes improve practices and alignment to legislations and policies.

For further information please click here to view the role description

About you

As the newly appointed Manager Child Wellbeing Unit you will bring strong leadership experience within complex service systems alongside a deep understanding of culturally safe practice in child protection and education contexts. You will lead with respect for Aboriginal cultural authority support high-quality decision-making and create an environment where identified staff are supported valued and able to do their work safely and effectively.

You will be experienced in guiding professional judgement mentoring staff and balancing statutory responsibilities with culturally informed community-centred approaches. Your ability to build trusted relationships with schools Aboriginal communities and interagency partners will support improved outcomes for children and young people.

The ideal candidate will also have:

• Experience in risk assessment and providing clear culturally informed advice in complex situations.
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring supervising and supporting staff including through culturally safe leadership and reflective practice.
• Proven ability to build and sustain strong partnerships across education community and interagency settings.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in social sciences or a related discipline; or equivalent relevant experience.
• Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Departments Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Departments Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECGto ensure respect for Aboriginal cultural authority self-determination and community-led decision-making.

Essential requirements of the role

• Hold a valid clearance to work with children (Working with Children Check) for paid employment.

• This position is designated for the employment of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. This initiative is authorised by the Departments Equal Employment Opportunity Management Plan in accordance with Part 9A of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants must provide documentation upon appointment. More information can be found in the policy library under Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements
• 35 hour working week
• Competitive salary sacrificing employers contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
• Flex Leave entitlements generous holidays & leave conditions
• Opportunities for advancement and mobility across the Department to support your career growth

How to apply

Attach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role and 2 targeted questions below

Targeted Question 1

Describe your experience leading a team in a complex service environment. How have you supported workforce capability cultural safety and high-quality child-centred practice while ensuring alignment with legislation policy and community expectations (max 300 words)

Targeted Question 2

This role supports identified positions who work closely with Connected Communities schools and respond to consultation into a central service including the provision of cultural advice and guidance. Describe how you have worked alongside Aboriginal staff or teams to support culturally informed consultations. How did you enable culturally safe decision-making and respectful partnerships with schools communities or agencies and what impact did this have on practice or outcomes for children and young people (max 300 words)

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials independently. The selection panel values authentic and personally written responses that reflect your own experience insights and alignment with the Departments values and priorities.

Please refer to the Applicants Guide to Applying to assist you with your application.

If you are an existing Education Support Staff (corporate staff) with the NSW Department of Education click here for instructions on how to submit your application.

All other applicants please submit your application by clicking Apply Now.

Note: the selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role which includes a National Criminal History Check.

This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment you will be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number (for paid employment). Visit the website for more information.

Candidates must have Australian work rights (citizens permanent residents New Zealand citizens or a valid work visa). Ongoing (permanent) roles are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens while temporary roles welcome applicants with a visa.

Closing date 10th March 2026 at 11:59pm.

For role enquiries please contact Krista Sanders atand for recruitment process enquiries please contact Julie Nguyen at

We welcome applications from all ages and genders Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples culturally and linguistically diverse groups the LGBTQIA community veterans refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team () or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.

A recruitment pool may be created through this recruitment process. A recruitment pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role and who may be considered for a range of similar roles including temporary term or ongoing roles over the next 18 months.