Head of Department, Social Work and Development Title of Position: Head of Department, Social Work and Development Reports to: Executive Dean Work location: 432 - 434 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, or other locations as required. Position Context Sydney Metropolitan Institute of Technology (Sydney Met) is a registered private higher education institute with a vision for socially equitable and culturally responsive education. Sydney Met is a values-driven College that aims to produce graduates who are passionate about making positive social impact encapsulated in the statement Education for Change. Our ambition for our graduates is that they are equipped to bring social change and innovative ideas to their communities. The Head, Department of Social Work and Development, is a key leadership role at Sydney Met. Through our Department of Social Work and Development, Sydney Met delivers the undergraduate Bachelor of Social Work, accredited with TEQSA and provisionally accredited with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) that commenced in 2023, and is currently seeking accreditation for the postgraduate Master of Social Work (Qualifying), Graduate Diploma of Graduate Diploma in Human and Community Services, and Graduate Certificate in Human and Community Services. We seek a passionate, innovative leader with values consistent with the Sydney Met ethos and a demonstrated commitment to quality teaching and learning, inclusion, and environmental sustainability for our expanding Department of Social Work and Development. The Head, Social Work and Development, will be responsible for managing the department, including recruiting and managing staff, liaising with the AASW, cultivating and growing sustainable partnerships with industry, maintaining and continuously improving the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment in our social work course, and developing new curriculum aligned with the Sydney Met vision. As a key leadership position within the College, the Head, Social Work and Development, will also be expected to work with the College leadership more broadly and contribute to College-wide initiatives to enhance the quality of all course offerings at Sydney Met. The Head of Social Work and Development also contributes to the Academic Board, particularly through the Academic Board sub-committees, the Teaching and Learning Committee, the Research and Scholarship Committee and the Course Advisory Committee. Key Accountabilities Providing leadership of the Department of Social Work and Development in relation to staff teaching and learning, recruitment and performance management of academic staff. Advancing initiatives to support continuous improvement of teaching, learning, assessment, and student experience for the department, aligned with Sydney Met vision and policy. Identifying and pursuing partnerships and opportunities with industry relevant to social work field education, student placement, and community development. Maintaining the relevance and viability of courses offered by the department, recognising opportunities for curriculum development in priority areas aligned with the Sydney Met ethos, and preparing proposals for new courses where required. Developing a positive culture within the department aligned with Sydney Met values that promotes respect, inclusion, and teamwork when engaging with staff across the College, including leading through example. Leading the implementation of the Sydney Met Strategic Plan, Teaching and Learning Plan, and generative Artificial Intelligence Action Plan at departmental level. Leading scholarly activity and research in areas of social work and/or community development, including maintaining and developing research and scholarly outputs. Contributing to departmental teaching in areas of expertise. Identifying and pursuing opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in teaching, scholarship, and/or research within and outside the College. Contributing to broader College initiatives, including through leadership of committees and working groups, as agreed with the Executive Dean. Other Duties: Actively engage with academic governance committees. Attend College events/forums as required. Contribute to College marketing, recruitment, and community engagement. Observe principles and practices of Equal Employment Opportunity. Comply with Work, Health and Safety responsibilities, accountabilities, and authorities at Sydney Met. Work within Sydney Met's governance framework. Qualifications PhD in an area relevant to social work and/or community development. Professional social work qualification (Bachelor or Masters). Membership/eligible for membership of AASW. Selection Criteria Demonstrated academic leadership and management skills with evidence of leading teams to successfully deliver outcomes. Research and scholarship in a relevant discipline. Demonstrated teaching experience and understanding of contemporary teaching and learning practices for working with diverse student cohorts. Demonstrated understanding of social work curriculum and accreditation requirements. Demonstrated high-level spoken and written communication skills for working with teams and organisations, including skills for influencing, negotiating, building consensus, and for building strong, effective professional relationships. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain professional networks in the social work or human services sector. Understanding of Work, Health and Safety regulation, policy, and practice. Understanding of essential human resources principles and practices. Salary and benefits are commensurate with qualifications and experience. Closing date: 12 December 2024 by 11.59 pm. Please note that applications are considered on a rolling basis until filled. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. #J-18808-Ljbffr