At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage social work services to improve outcomes for Australians in need.
- Company: Services Australia, a key player in government service delivery.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, generous leave, and support for health and wellbeing.
- Other info: Opportunity for ongoing or fixed-term appointment with career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Tertiary qualifications in Social Work and experience in service management.
The predicted salary is between 117000 - 143000 $ per year.
Services Australia (the Agency) is at the frontline of government service delivery, supporting millions of Australians with economic, health and social wellbeing payment and services. We’re making government services simple, so people can get on with their lives. Our goal is to make it easier to engage with the services that Australians rely on. To achieve this goal, we’re transforming the way we work to deliver a simple, helpful, respectful and transparent experience for customers.
The National Manager, Social Work Services provides leadership, strategic advice and professional expertise on behalf of the agency to support quality services and improved outcomes for customers. The position is responsible for leading the largest group of social workers in the Australian Public Service. As a key member of Services Australia’s executive, the role provides professional and timely advice to the Minister, the Chief Executive Officer and senior executives.
Social Workers are available through a national network of service centres, telephony services, online channels and outreach support such as mobile service centres. This ensures that the social work service is accessible and responsive for all Australians regardless of geographical location. The National Manager is responsible for the performance and quality of the social work service to ensure Australians receive a timely and professional service.
Social Workers also play a critical role in the support of Agency service delivery staff, including providing professional advice to improve outcomes for customers. This includes training, case consultation, staff support following critical incidents and contributing to professional leadership in local teams. The role provides expert advice and support across the agency regarding the delivery of quality services and programs to customers in response to customer circumstances including mental health, family and domestic violence, homelessness and unsupported youth.
As part of a whole-of-government response, on behalf of the agency, the role is also responsible for leading the social work services emergency management capability to support Australians affected by disasters, emergencies and terrorist attacks.
The successful candidate will have proven experience and extensive knowledge in the governance and management of social work services and community engagement, including the delivery of targeted services for priority customer groups. This includes being able to manage a geographically dispersed network of social workers, delivering on performance expectations to professional standards. The successful candidate will also have a proven ability on creating a positive work culture and developing innovative work practices to support customers experiencing vulnerability, within a large service delivery network.
Tertiary qualifications are required:
- A degree or equivalent in Social Work
- Membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers
- Working with Children or Vulnerable People Check
The role may be filled on an ongoing or non‑ongoing (fixed term) appointment. A merit pool may be established to fill similar roles as they become available within an 18‑month period.
Location consideration will be given to high quality candidates who reside in Canberra. Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane may be considered by exception.
Salary and benefits: The Senior Executive Band 1 level offers an attractive remuneration package, including 15.4% superannuation and salary packaging options. Conditions that support your health, wellbeing and lifestyle. Generous leave provisions, including accruable annual leave of 23 days per year with the capacity to purchase an additional 4 weeks’ annual leave per year after 12 months service. Accruable personal leave including sick and carers leave at 18 days per year.
To apply you need to be an Australian citizen. You will also need or have the ability to acquire an Australian Government security clearance, to the appropriate level for the position. This will be arranged for you, if you’re successful.
Before applying, please obtain and review the Candidate Information Pack from Hays by emailing servicesaustralia@hays.com.au. For a confidential conversation regarding the role, please contact: servicesaustralia@hays.com.au. All queries received will be kept in strict confidence.
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme, you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job.
Please note, applications close 11:30PM AEDT, 31 March 2026.
National Manager, Social Work Services employer: Services Australia
Services Australia is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where ICT Project Managers can thrive. With a focus on employee growth and development, the agency provides opportunities to work on large-scale digital services that impact millions of Australians, all while embracing flexible work arrangements. Join us to be part of a team that values innovation and user-centred outcomes in delivering critical government services.
