Head of Department - Social work

Role type: Permanent, Full-time 

Join the Acknowledge Education Team: Igniting Potential, Fostering Growth! 

Acknowledge Education is a leading training provider with campuses throughout Australia offering a variety of courses in a range of industries such as health, community services, social work, business, civil construction, and hospitality. In our 139-year history in education, we remain true to our mission to stay a challenging, relevant, and creative leader in the education industry. 

True to our name, we acknowledge and celebrate the unique aspirations and achievements of every student. From our roots as an English language school in Victoria, ​we've evolved into a national academic powerhouse, with campuses in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane educating over 6,000 students every year.​ 

To find out more about us, please visit https://www.acknowledgeeducation.edu.au/about-us/ 

About the Role 

Acknowledge Education is looking for a Head of Department (HoD) to lead the MSW(Q), accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). The program launched in September 2024 and is being delivered across Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth. The structure of the program is three units each trimester with a new intake three times a year. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Provide academic leadership and oversee program development. 
• Ensure compliance with AASW and TEQSA accreditation standards. 
• Drive curriculum enhancement and field placement opportunities. 
• Lead and manage academic staff across multiple campuses. 
• Engage with stakeholders to support program growth and quality. 
• Monitor student outcomes and ensure continuous improvement. 

Qualifications & Experience 

• PhD in Social Work, eligible for AASW membership. 
• Proven leadership experience in social work or related academic programs. 
• Strong knowledge of AASW standards, ASWEAS and experience in managing and developing accredited programs. 
• Experience in multi-campus program delivery (preferred but not essential) 
• Commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and social justice. 

Attributes 

• Strong communication and collaboration skills. 
• Visionary leadership with strategic focus on program growth. 
• Passion for student success and fostering a supportive learning environment. 
• Understanding of field education complexities in social work. 
• understanding the unique challenges and opportunities in balancing academic quality with business objectives, student recruitment, and regulatory compliance. 
• Willingness to engage in interstate travel. 

Program Rollout Status 

• Program Start: First trimester commenced in September 2024. 
• Accreditation: Fully accredited by AASW and TEQSA. 
• Delivery: Currently running across Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth. 
• Growth: Anticipated to expand rapidly in the next few years. 
• Content Development: Core curriculum developed; ongoing content enhancement needed. 

Why work with us  

• Opportunities to grow within the organisation  
• $1,500 professional development allowance  
• Incredibly committed and supportive team of student-centric professionals  
• Flexibility to work from home during non-teaching hours (For Academic staff)  
• Be part of a fast-growing organization working in an agile environment  
• Acknowledge education is part of UP Education group – Be part of a leading education provider: https://www.up.education/  

To Apply:  

Questions about your identity help us appreciate the diversity of individuals looking to work with us, ensuring we’re attracting applications from people with identities and perspectives that are as diverse as our students.  

We are an equal opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to equity, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.