Department of Human Services
Job reference: 847331
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Here at the Department of Human Services (DHS), we strive to deliver modern programs, services and policy that strengthen communities and enable South Australians to actively participate in community life. With people at the heart of what we do and a commitment to child safety, ageing well and supporting people with disability, we work to increase inclusion, independence and decision-making, and help our communities when it matters most.

Child and Family Support

Our Child and Family Support Division provides stewardship and service delivery for the Child and Family Support System, designed to help children and their families with early targeted assistance to reduce incidents of child maltreatment and prevent children entering the child protection system.

• Lead a major statewide service system focused on child and family support
• Provide strategic leadership on prevention, early intervention and service reform
• Partner across government, NGOs, Aboriginal organisations and research sectors to drive system-wide outcomes

The Executive Director, Child and Family Support is a crucial executive leadership role within DHS, accountable to the Chief Executive for leading a major statewide service system. You will provide high-level strategic advice on service reform and delivery, leading the design and implementation of prevention and early intervention strategies. This role is central to delivering government priorities and shaping long-term outcomes for South Australian children and families. 

You will oversee the delivery and integration of community-based services, strengthening access, coordination and outcomes for children and families through connected, place-based service models.

Scope and Impact

• Leadership and statewide service system, delivering prevention and early intervention supports for children and families
• Accountability for significant public investment, including multi-million-dollar grants and funding programs supporting vulnerable communities
• Oversight of a complex organisational structure, including senior executive and general management roles
• Responsibility for driving outcomes aligned to Closing the Gap priorities and broader government reform agendas
• Influence across state and national policy, funding and service system design.

Key duties

• Provide strategic leadership of Child and Family Support, ensuring delivery of high-quality, integrated services
• Lead system reform to strengthen prevention, early intervention and family support responses
• Deliver evidence-informed policy, research and innovation to position South Australia as a national leader
• Oversee funding programs, investment priorities and performance outcomes
• Ensure coordinated, place-based service delivery across government and non-government sectors
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships, including with Aboriginal communities, to support culturally responsive service design
• Represent the State at national forums, influencing policy, funding and intergovernmental agreements
• Provide executive leadership, performance oversight and capability development across the division
• Drive continuous improvement, governance and accountability across all areas of responsibility.

Why join us

• Lead a high-impact portfolio shaping outcomes for children and families across South Australia
• Influence state and national reform agendas in a critical human services domain
• Drive innovation in prevention and early intervention policy and practice
• Contribute to a values-led organisation committed to inclusion, respect and improved community outcomes.

Full working rights in Australia.
Ability to obtain a National Police Check and any other required screening.
Some interstate and intrastate travel may be required.

SAES-Level2 - Executive

30 Jun 2029

Lynette Taylor
Phone: 0431 293 861
Email: ltaylor@hardygroupintl.com

Applications close: 22/06/2026 5:30 PM

Attachments:
- Role Description - Executive Director Child and Family Support - SAES.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.