This is a Department built entirely for children and young people and their communities.  Our ultimate goal is to work together to ensure that every child and young person in Tasmania is known, safe, well and learning.

The child is at the centre of everything we do and the way we do it.

Role Overview

The Tasmanian Department for Education, Children and Young People is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader for the newly established role of Executive Director – Care and Custodial Support Services. This senior executive position is central to the Department’s reform agenda, overseeing the delivery of therapeutic, child-centred services across a continuum of care settings for children and young people engaged with the Tasmanian child safety and youth justice system.  The successful candidate will lead statewide operations, drive continuous improvement and the expansion of tailored care options for children and young people, and work collaboratively across government and community sectors to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and development of Tasmania’s most vulnerable children and young people.

Duties

Lead the delivery of high-quality services across the youth justice continuum, including Out of Home Care, improving the approach to therapeutically designed services that respond to the needs of children and young people. Provide definitive, high-level strategic advice and recommendations to a broad range of diverse stakeholders including the Secretary, Agency Executive Board, senior Government Officers and the Minister on matters related to the areas of responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the delivery, improvement and expansion of care services provided to children and young people engaged with Tasmania’s child safety and youth justice system, ensuring they are therapeutic, child-centred, and culturally safe.
• Service Excellence: Oversee statewide care coordination and custodial support services, ensuring compliance with legislation and best practice.
• Foster Collaboration: Represent the Department and collaborate with government agencies, statutory bodies, and community partners to co-design and implement integrated service responses.
• Governance and Accountability: Manage resources effectively, uphold child safety standards, and contribute to the Department’s senior leadership and strategic direction.

Period of Appointment

ASAP for 5 years.

Hours per fortnight

73.5 hours per fortnight

Essential Requirements

• Current Tasmanian Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (Registration Status - Employment).

• The Head of the State Service has determined that the person nominated for this job is to satisfy a pre-employment check before taking up the appointment, on promotion or transfer. The following checks are to be conducted:

1. Conviction checks in the following areas:
   1. crimes of violence
   2. sex related offences
   3. serious drug offences
   4. crimes involving dishonesty
   5. serious traffic offences
2. Identification check
3. Disciplinary actions in previous employment check

Desirable Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualifications.
• A senior executive with a proven record of management in a large private or public sector organisation.
• Proven leadership in youth justice, child protection, or related human services, with a strong track record of driving reform and service delivery.
• Deep understanding of therapeutic care models, children’s rights and the ability to manage complex political environments and drive systemic change.
• Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships, influence stakeholders, and lead multidisciplinary teams in high-stakes environments.
• Strong alignment with the Department’s values with a commitment to children’s rights, cultural responsiveness, and inclusive leadership.

Statement of Duties and a reference guide to assist with applying online can be found here:

Statement of Duties (PDF)

The State Service Senior Executive Leadership Capability Framework should also be used to assist in the preparation of any application. 

Senior Executive Leadership Capability Framework

How to apply

Electronic submission of application is preferred, please click the 'Apply Now' button.

Applicants should forward/include:

• Comprehensive CV, including two referees
• One page summary that outlines skills and experience aligned to the selection criteria (as outlined in the Statement of Duties) 

NOTE:

1. While applications are invited from employees as per the advertised scope, those applicants whose substantive salary is higher than the advertised salary will not be considered unless they indicate that they are prepared to accept a temporary reduction for the duration of the appointment.

2. The successful applicant is not eligible to receive expenses if they change the location of their residence.

3. All applications must include a valid email address for delivery of acknowledgement and other correspondence.

Applications should be made via the Apply Now button and submitted online by 11.30pm AEDT on the advertised closing date.

Applicants will receive an automatic email confirmation when an application is successfully received.

Should you have any difficulties regarding applying for this vacancy online, please contact Department for Education, Children and Young People, HR Recruitment and Employment via phone +61 3 6165 6285 or email recruitment@decyp.tas.gov.au. 

Applicants needing more information are encouraged to request specific details of the vacancy from the Contact Person.

Name: Peter Whitcombe
Title: Deputy Secretary Child Safety and Youth Justice Operations
Phone: 0407 559 584
Email: peter.whitcombe@decyp.tas.gov.au