Team Leader - Foster Care & Youth Services

About the role

Wesley Dalmar Children's Services, part of Wesley Mission, is looking for an experienced Team Leader to lead and grow its Out of Home Care services across the New England region, including Armidale and Tamworth. The role sits within the foster care and Supported Independent Living services and involves guiding, mentoring and supporting carers, children, young people and staff. It is a full-time leadership position with autonomy, reporting to the Program Manager and directly supervising Case Managers.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain the agreed number of foster carers and provide them with training, support and annual carer reviews
• Provide professional supervision to staff and support Case Managers in case planning, care provision, placement stability and maintaining connections with birth families
• Support staff in developing professional skills and oversee induction, mandatory training and the annual Employee Contribution and Development process
• Work with carers, families, the DCJ and community stakeholders to build safe, stable placements
• Assess referrals and match children with foster families, and coordinate case reviews and referrals with other agencies
• Ensure client records are kept in the case management system (Carelink) and that policies, confidentiality and child protection principles are followed

Required profile

• Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Social Welfare, Human Services or a related discipline
• Experience with children, young people and families, ideally in Out of Home Care, Permanency Support Programs or similar
• Experience building community partnerships and stakeholder networks
• Experience supporting foster carer recruitment, assessment, training or development
• Experience working in Supported Independent Living or similar care settings
• Knowledge of the Children's Court system, relevant legislation and court documentation
• Current unrestricted driver's licence and availability for some after-hours work

Required skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and contemporary case management systems
• Strong written and verbal communication, including report writing and case documentation
• Knowledge of therapeutic care frameworks, trauma-informed practice and child protection practice

What we offer

• Generous salary packaging benefits
• Fully maintained vehicle provided
• Professional supervision, mentoring and career development
• Opportunity to shape and expand services in a growing region

Applications require a CV and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria, submitted by 6 November 2026. Applicants must pass pre-employment checks, including a Working with Children Check, and agree to the organisation's values and code of conduct.