Band 7 $109,385 - $122,398 per annum (plus super)
Permanent Full Time
About Us
Located 35km to the southeast of Melbourne, Greater Dandenong City Council covers 129 square kilometres and has a population of over 169,000 people. The central activities district is Melbourne's second largest retail and commercial centre and includes large shopping complexes at Dandenong and Keysborough as well as the highly popular Dandenong Market.
Greater Dandenong City Council is the most culturally diverse locality in Australia, with residents from over 150 different birthplaces, nearly two-thirds of whom were born overseas. Key industries include manufacturing, health care and social assistance, retail trade, wholesale trade and transport.
We are a progressive organisation of exceptional character that offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment to approximately 900 employees. We recognise that our staff are vital to the delivery of excellent service to our community and the achievement of our long-term vision. We invest in the development of our people, and we strive to be a workplace that is respectful, engaged, accountable, creative and honest.
About the role
Team Leader - Children's services support provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of key early years initiatives delivered by Council, including the Supported Playgroup program, Preschool Field Officer (PSFO) service, and Central Enrolment system for funded kindergarten. This position plays a vital role in supporting children’s development, strengthening family engagement, and ensuring inclusive, accessible services across the municipality.
The role supervises a multidisciplinary team of early years professionals and is responsible for the coordination and delivery of high-quality programs that respond to the needs of local families, including those experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage. The Team Leader ensures services are aligned with State and Federal priorities, Council’s Children’s Plan, and sector reforms such as Best Start, Best Life.
The role also oversees service planning, performance reporting, funding compliance, and program evaluation. It identifies opportunities to enhance service access and effectiveness, pursues additional funding, and contributes to continuous improvement processes.
This position requires significant expertise in early childhood education and strong leadership skills to manage staff and drive service quality. The Team Leader must possess excellent communication, planning, and stakeholder engagement skills to advocate for responsive services that enhance child and family outcomes across Greater Dandenong.
What we are looking for:
This strategic leadership and operational oversight of key early years initiatives delivered by Council, including the Supported Playgroup Program, Preschool Field Officer (PSFO) service, and Central Enrolment system for funded kindergarten. This position plays a vital role in supporting children’s development, strengthening family engagement, and ensuring inclusive, accessible services across the municipality.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the below:
You need these essential qualifications (or experience), knowledge and skills to carry out this position.
· A degree level qualification in early childhood, education, health, welfare, or related field along with substantial experience or alternatively lesser formal qualifications with extensive relevant experience in community-based project work.
Key responsibilities include:
· The role supervises a multidisciplinary team of early years professionals and is responsible for the coordination and delivery of high-quality programs that respond to the needs of local families, including those experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage. The Team Leader ensures services are aligned with State and Federal priorities, Council’s Children’s Plan, and sector reforms such as Best Start, Best Life.
· The role also oversees service planning, performance reporting, funding compliance, and program evaluation. It identifies opportunities to enhance service access and effectiveness, pursues additional funding, and contributes to continuous improvement processes.
· This position requires significant expertise in early childhood education and strong leadership skills to manage staff and drive service quality. The Team Leader must possess excellent communication, planning, and stakeholder engagement skills to advocate for responsive services that enhance child and family outcomes across Greater Dandenong.
Please ensure you address the key selection criteria outlined in the position description as part of your application.
The successful candidate will be asked to provide evidence of a valid Working with Children Check (employee type with City of Greater Dandenong registered as the organisation) and will be asked to consent to a National Police Check (and where relevant an ‘international criminal history check’), subject to the operation of spent conviction laws. Please note that people with criminal records are not automatically barred from applying for this position. Each application will be considered on its merits.
Benefits of working with us
Council believes in providing an environment where staff thrive, both in the work they do and in how they learn and develop as people and professionals.
Our workplace has an inclusive and diverse culture which encourages innovation and supports your work and life balance. There are plenty of opportunities to learn, develop and grow your career within our expanding and diverse organisation.
Our benefits include
· Competitive salary
· Salary sacrifice childcare (where available)
· Flexible working options supported including hybrid work
· Access to learning & development programs including study assistance
· Reward & recognition programs
· Health initiatives
· Access to our support and wellbeing programs
· A vibrant social club
For more information about our benefits, please visit our careers page: Working with Us
Council will consider flexible working arrangements for all positions. We embrace our diverse community and encourage applications from everyone including people of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander background, people of diverse sexual orientation and gender, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people of varied age, ability, and faith. Council will give due consideration to any workplace adjustments to accommodate the needs of any prospective or existing staff member.
Council is commitment to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment and promoting cultural safety and wellbeing for children with zero tolerance for child abuse and harm.
To apply
To apply for this position please complete the online application form, including your resume, a brief cover letter and address the key selection criteria. You will be required to answer selection questions as part of the application process. The selection process also includes the requirement for reference checks.
Position Description: Team Leader Children’s Services Support - 356.8 KB
Applications close: 5pm, Thursday, 10 July 2025
Further information: Lani Johaan, Coordinator Children’s Services, 8571 1807
