Department for Education
Job reference: 843677
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Manage a Team of Investigators – in a Complex/Sensitive Environment to Ensure the Delivery of Trusted Outcomes for Education

What we offer

• Make a difference – lead highly impactful child protection and misconduct investigation in public service – lead investigations safeguarding integrity across the department
• Lead an expert investigation team – achieve results safeguarding children, working in partnership across the department, government, the wider education sector and community
• Full-time role, weekday work only – business hours (8:00am–5:00pm), flexible arrangements considered
• Salary packaging– boost your take-home pay
• Career pathways– supportive environment with continuous upskilling, mentoring, ongoing professional development, and study assistance
• Employee Assistance Program– confidential support for you and your family
• Work with purpose– influence policy and decision-making, where child safety is the paramount consideration
• Safe and healthy working environment– proactive focus on well-being and workplace safety

Why work with us

Every child and young person deserves a great education.

We have a strategy that aims to unlock every child’s potential now and into the future, one that in partnership with learners, students, parents and the wider South Australian community will build a world-leading public education system. One that is equitable and prioritises learning and wellbeing.

Together we will make our education system the best it can be.

When our children and young people thrive, so do our communities and our state.

About the role

The Manager, Investigations Unit operates within the Incident Management Directorate (IMD) leadership team under broad policy direction, exercising substantial autonomy and delegated authority for the department’s investigation’s function relating to allegations of serious employee misconduct and/or criminal matters.

The Manager has oversight of a highly specialised statewide team of investigators responsible for the assessment and investigation of serious misconduct across metropolitan and regional sites within the department. The role is accountable for operational leadership and management of highly sensitive, complex, and high-profile investigations, ensuring outcomes are consistent with legal and policy requirements and withstand internal and external scrutiny.

As a recognised subject matter expert, the Manager provides expert advice on highly sensitive investigations and critical incidents that deliver outcomes of critical strategic importance to the department which directly influence policy, planning and decision making.

What you will do

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of specialist investigators
• Manage complex, high-profile investigations across metro and regional sites
• Advise executives on critical incidents, influencing departmental policy and practice
• Develop and review policies aligned with legislative frameworks
• Collaborate with external agencies (e.g. SAPOL, ICAC, TRB, Commissioner for Public Sector Employment)
• Deliver specialist presentations and build sector capability
• Provide evidence-based advice to departmental leadership
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in investigation practices
• Promote a strong culture of professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct
• Maintain a safe working environment

What we’re looking for

• Proven leadership in complex and politically sensitive environments
• Extensive investigation experience – misconduct, criminal cases, child abuse, fraud
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills
• Strategic thinker with sound judgement and integrity
• Experience in executive reporting and policy development
• Specialist knowledge of contemporary best practice and legislative compliance
• Strong risk analysis skills – continuously improve outcomes and minimise risk
• Commitment to professionalism and ethical conduct

Qualifications

Essential

• Completed a Law Enforcement Agency Detective training course or equivalent
• Certificate IV in Government (Investigation) or equivalent
• Law enforcement or other relevant investigative background

Desirable

• Experience in misconduct investigations and/or criminal investigations, including areas such as:
  • • Child protection
    • Sexual offending
    • Financial/Deception/Fraud offending

Special conditions

The successful applicant is required to gain a Department for Human Services (DHS) working with children check (WWCC) prior to being employed which is required to be renewed every five years before expiry.

The incumbent will be required to undertake RRHAN –EC (Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect - Education Care) Facilitator Lead (Masterclass) extended course or the online (Fundamentals) course which will be required to be updated every three years. 

For all other Special Conditions please refer to the attached Position Description.

Remuneration

SM1 (SS/SM1) $144,421 per annum (1.0 FTE) + superannuation (12%) and leave loading

Enquiries

Enquiries can be directed to Ashley Grant, Assistant Director, via tel: (08) 8207 2407or email: ashley.grant2@sa.gov.au

Application instructions

Applications should be made through the IWorkForSA website.

Applicants are required to submit a CV, the Application Cover Sheet, Employment Declaration, and a cover letter of no more than two pages addressing the key competencies in the attached position description.

People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and/or those who have a disability are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional note

This is a full-time (1.0 FTE) ongoing role.

 

Applications close: 19/05/2026 11:30 PM

Attachments:
- Application Cover Sheet - PSAct..pdf
- How to Apply PS Act guidelines.pdf
- SM1 - Manager Investigations Unit - IMD - April 2026.pdf
- VL233 Pre-employment declaration.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.