Foster Care Program Director

 About Us

Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) is a proud Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) committed to healing, supporting, serving and protecting Aboriginal communities across the Mallee region. Guided by our Elders and grounded by Our Lore, MDAS exists to strengthen the resilience, independence and wellbeing of our Mob. We walk alongside individuals and families through every stage of life – caring, empowering, educating and advocating so people can be their very best selves. Our programs span across health, wellbeing, family services, community support and culture. With deep community roots and strong regional presence, MDAS is moving confidently towards becoming a sector leading ACCHO known for its cultural authority and practical life-changing outcomes.

Role Overview

MDAS is seeking an experienced Foster Care Program Director to provide strong program leadership and drive quality, culturally responsive foster care services.

In this role, you will lead key initiatives across carer recruitment, assessment, training and retention, while strengthening compliance, child safe practice and service systems. You will play an important role in ensuring Aboriginal children and young people remain safe, supported and connected to culture, family, community and Country.

This is a permanent full time position based at our Mildura office.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Foster Care program, ensuring high-quality, child-centred, culturally safe and trauma-informed services for children, young people, carers and families,

• Lead program governance, workforce planning, budget oversight, service reporting and continuous improvement activity to strengthen accountability, service quality and outcomes,

• Lead a program-wide culture of Aboriginal self-determination, cultural safety, child-centred practice and trauma-informed care across foster care service design, delivery and review,

• Champion children and young people’s participation, rights and voice, with particular attention to Aboriginal children and young people and children with diverse needs.

 Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Extensive senior leadership experience in foster care, out-of-home care, child and family services or a related human services environment,

• Advanced knowledge of child safe practice, child protection, out-of-home care, foster care governance, reportable conduct, risk management, complaints handling and regulatory compliance.

• Proven capacity to lead multidisciplinary teams, supervise managers or senior practitioners, build workforce capability, manage change and foster a culture of accountability, reflection and continuous improvement.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills,

• Highly developed stakeholder engagement, negotiation and partnership skills,

• Relevant tertiary qualification in social work, psychology, human services, community services, management, leadership or a related discipline; postgraduate qualifications in leadership, management or child and family practice are highly desirable.

Other Requirements

• Current National Police Check.

• Current Employee Working with Children Check

• Current Driver's Licence

MDAS strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and is committed to fostering a cultural safe and inclusive workplace.  

For a confidential discussion please contact, Executive General Manager Family and Community Services, Andrew Arden on 03 •••• •100.