POSITION VACANT 

SOCIAL SERVICES MANAGER

Maternity Leave Position

An exciting opportunity exists for a suitably qualified, enthusiastic person to lead a dynamic team focused on providing quality children’s, youth and family services. This position presents an opportunity for you to propel your career in social services.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the management and operational matters associated with youth, families and community cultural services delivering high quality educational and recreational programs, information and referral services.

This is a temporary maternity leave position for a minimum period of nine months with the possibility of ongoing employment after that period. It is a full time position for 35 hours per week and an attractive salary package reflecting the qualifications and skills of the successful applicant will be negotiated.

Child Protection Laws in NSW, require Council to conduct checking of recommended applicants for children’s services positions. All successful applicants will also be required to undergo a medical assessment prior to appointment.

Position information, including selection criteria can be obtained from Council’s website  or by contacting the Bingara Office on (02) 6724 2000 or Warialda Office on (02) 6729 3000.

Applications, addressing the selection criteria, are to be marked confidential and addressed to:      

General Manager

                                  Locked Bag 5 

                                 BINGARA NSW 2404

Applications must be received no later than 4.00pm Friday 19th February 2010.

Gwydir Shire Council
Position Description
 
Position Title:       Social Services Manager
Business Unit:     Social Services
Award:                 Local Government (State) Award 2007
Reports To:          General Manager
Prepared By:       Human Resource Officer
Prepared Date:    21st January 2010
   


POSITION OBJECTIVES:

To continually review the social needs of the Gwydir Shire Community focussing on the three main target areas of children, youth and families and the production of a Social Plan focussing on the development and promotion of programs for these groups.

Responsible for the management and operational matters associated with youth, families and community cultural services delivering high quality educational and recreational programs, information and referral services.

To advise and guide the General Manager, Council staff, Council and the public in critical and strategic planning matters to ensure all matters relevant to youth, families and community cultural services are understood and considered.

Lead and coordinate staff to ensure the activities of the unit are consistent with management plan requirements.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

To develop opportunities for positive relationships among the main target groups and the community through information, support and referral, identification of needs and the provision of a range of educational and recreational activities, programs and events.

Production and review of the Council’s Social Plan with action programs to address the issues highlighted as requiring attention. The plan must also address the particular areas required under the relevant legislation.

Consult and work with community groups, service providers and key government and non-government agencies to deliver the actions required to address the identified needs.

Provide strategic input and advice to specific projects to the General Manager to ensure he is effectively supported.

Contribute to the preparation of the Business Unit’s portion of the annual Management Plan and Budget and quarterly reviews.

Plan and develop a comprehensive range of programs, services and facilities in the community, while addressing major social needs gathered from advisory bodies, research and committees.

Liaise with other youth and children focussed services and establish links towards the development of community partnerships.

Production of reports and correspondence as required.

Generate purchase orders and payment of invoices as required.


ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

The position reports to and is responsible to the General Manager.

Internally, the position is required to liaise with managers, supervisors and employees throughout the organisation.

Externally, the position is required to liaise with parents/guardians, children, schools, educational service providers, social workers and government departments.


EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Gwydir Shire Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and appoints on the basis of merit. Merit is determined by assessing the applicant’s abilities, qualifications, experience, work performance and personal qualities relative to the requirements of the position.

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

The employee has an obligation and responsibility to ensure the employee does not place themselves or others at risk of injury or illness. So as to meet this obligation the employee shall:

• Adhere to Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S), obligations and adopt sound working practices.
• Follow all safe working procedures and practices designed for the employee’s work.
• So as to avoid, eliminate or minimize potential hazards when the employee becomes aware of a potential hazardous work related condition or practice, either eliminate where practical such conditions or practice, or report, or advise the employee’s supervisor of same as soon as possible.
• Ensure that instructions to protect the employee’s health and safety are followed and all personal protective equipment provided is used and maintained.
• Ensure that the risk management process is followed and that hazard inspections and risk analysis (assessment) are conducted regularly in areas which are the responsibility of the employee.
• Comply with any OH&S Responsibility and Accountability Statement adopted by Council from time to time.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

ESSENTIAL

• Class C Driver’s Licence
• Relevant tertiary qualifications (e.g. Degree in Social Sciences, Youth Work, Childcare or equivalent) and/or minimum  4 years experience working with a diverse range of children, youth and families.
• Demonstrated current knowledge of the needs and issues affecting children, youth and families.
• Current experience in researching, planning and coordinating community events, activities and programs.
• Experience in facilitating and chairing meetings and/or committees including minute taking and organising correspondence.
• Understanding of Community Development and issues facing minority groups and community based organisations.
• Demonstrated leadership ability to supervise and coordinate teams to work cooperatively at all levels within the organisation and in the wider community.
• Demonstrated knowledge of funding sources, application process and/or ability to attract funding to the project.
• Experience in working with or liaising with child protection agencies.

DESIRABLE

Local Government experience.

Download job description and selection criteria

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