Head of Schools and Early Years

Applications are invited for this senior management role, which can be worked remotely anywhere within Australia with the requirement to travel to Manly, NSW on a quarterly basis. Some additional travel may be required.

Reporting to the General Manager, School and Early Years, the Head of Schools & Early Years Services is one of three key leadership positions in the Schools and Early Years Business Unit and is responsible for managing the delivery of Royal Far West’s Schools and Early Years Services.

Overseeing several multidisciplinary teams, this role leads the provision of evidence based, family centered, effective and sustainable services, enabled by strong internal and external relationships. The Head of School and Early Years Services is responsible for the effective planning and delivery of allied health services into schools and early years settings both in-community and via telehealth . Key accountabilities include that key KPIs are met and that the service is effective, safe and in line with clinical best practice, meeting volume and budget targets.

We are looking for an experienced and passionate clinical leader who will inspire a high performing team delivering child developmental services into unique communities across multiple jurisdictions This role ensures clinical services are trauma informed, evidence informed and culturally safe. An important part of the role is working closely with the Partnerships and Operations teams and other internal and external stakeholders to continually improve our model of care. The role also supports the process of retaining existing funders and securing new funding opportunities.

ABOUT US At Royal Far West, we believe every child has the right to access the services they need to thrive, no matter where they live. We provide multidisciplinary health and disability services for children from rural and remote Australia with developmental, behavioural, learning and mental health difficulties. Our programs are delivered on-site at our head office opposite Manly beach, via telehealth, and through in-community visits to rural and remote communities.

Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of children who live in rural and remote communities. We are passionate about working with country children, their families, schools and local health providers to provide high quality support and improve outcomes. In joining our dynamic and growing team, you will help us to grow and innovate to ensure more country kids can access the care they need.

Royal Far West is a rewarding, meaningful and inspiring workplace which offers a diverse work experience, a knowledgeable health care team and exciting projects and initiatives.

Royal Far West was honoured to be recognised as one of Australia and New Zealand’s Best Places to Work on the prestigious annual list, published by The Australian Financial Review and Boss Magazine. We were proud to rank 6th on the Government, Education and NFP list, from nearly 700 nominated organisations.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

An organisation committed to offering staff flexibility: our culture genuinely believes in offering flexibility to staff to balance their work and home lives. We offer up to five care days per year in addition to annual leave and offer a purchase leave scheme.

Remote workingopportunities: WFH and flexible work arrangements available or work at our head office opposite the Beautiful Manly beach

Attractive remuneration: base salary + 12% superannuation and salary packaging will be offered to the successful candidate. See details at www.gosalary.com.au

Paid Parental Leave:14 weeks offered to staff with over one year of service

As our newest recruit, you will have:

Tertiary qualifications in psychology, social work, speech pathology, or occupational therapy and registration with the relevant professional body.

Demonstrated experience in operational management of an allied health team, including delivering strong program performance and clinical outcomes.

Substantial experience delivering services to children or young people with developmental, behavioural, mental health and/or learning disorders with a track record in delivering positive outcomes.

Superior interpersonal, engagement and relationship building skills with a proven ability to build collaborative relationships with a wide range of internal and external clients, partners and stakeholders.

Demonstrated experience in managing a program budget and controlling expenses against revenue .

A track record in delivering on outputs and outcomes on time, to a high standard and in line with budget expectations.

Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, able to build credibility and influence across a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders

A strong track record in people and process management, with a focus on developing, supporting and inspiring clinicians within a multi-disciplinary team

Proven ability to be a clinical thought leader, providing strategic clinical direction and advice and to build effective internal and external stakeholder networks

Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to trauma informed practice, children’s health, indigenous health and working with schools in rural and remote communities.

High level of competence using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and video platform software (e.g. Zoom).

Demonstrated ability to exercise judgment, maturity, initiative, and diplomacy in professional approach.

A strong understanding of the strengths, challenges and needs of school systems, and experience working in partnership with education to deliver health services.

Ability to travel as required.

Qualities

Results orientated.

Adaptable, flexible and resilient.

Energy, initiative, commitment to teamwork and collaboration, focus on outcomes and respect for others

ABOUT OUR CULTURE Royal Far West is a rewarding, inspiring workplace which offers a diverse work experience. It is one of our strategic priorities to elevate and harness our people power and systems to help country children for generations to come. We have a knowledgeable and innovative multidisciplinary clinical team. We strive for a positive and committed workplace culture.

OUR CORE VALUES Caring- We show genuine care, compassion and interest in our families,our partners and each other. We respect, listen, recognise and support each other’s needs and celebrate our differences.Connected- We are deeply connected to our purpose, with our feet inthe sand and our hearts in the bush.We build meaningful relationships by collaborating openly and honestly. We work as a team with our families, partners, communities and each other.Passionate- We go the extra country mile for our families, partners, communities and for each other. Improving the lives of country kids and giving them a voice inspires and energises us to bring our best selves to work every day.Impact- We are committed to creating positive and lasting change. We are accountable and solutions focused, harnessing our knowledge and capabilities to think creatively, adapt and solve problems responsibly.

Our values are inegral to everthing we are as an organisation.As you consider whether this role is for you, plesae take time to relfect on our values to see if they resonate with you.

HOW TO BE CONSIDERED: To apply for this position, please submit your CV and Cover Letter which includes briefly addressing the essential criteria by clicking on the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply for This Job’ button. For further information please contact Tamara Muggridge – People & Culture Generalist via:*******@royalfarwest.org.au

A position description is available on the Royal Far West careers page https://www.royalfarwest.org.au/current-opportunities/

Only those applicants who have the right to work, and are currently residing in Australia can be considered.

Royal Far West will be in shut down from 19 December 2025 - 8 January 2026 so please be patient for us to process your application once received.

Royal far West is privileged to work with First Nations communities and families. We are committed to the process of reconciliation and we value and respect the diversity of our employees.

Royal Far West does not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable law.

Royal Far West encourages applications from minorities and all other qualified applicants.

As a child safe organisation, all employees at Royal Far West are required to provide a NSW Working with Children Check

This position holder will also need to provide aCriminal Record Check at the time of appointment.

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