About the Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA)

We are the NSW peak body representing non-government agencies delivering services to children and their families who need support. We work with our members, partners, government and non-government agencies and other peak bodies to bring about positive systemic reform that will deliver better outcomes to the lives of children, young people and families.

About This Position The Project Officer provides project coordination, administrative support and stakeholder liaison to support the successful delivery of ACWA’s strategic goals. This role assists in developing resources, organising sector workshops, tracking project milestones, and maintaining communications across ACWA’s member agencies, government partners, and community services.

Key Responsibilities

Project Implementation & Coordination

- Help develop project plans.

- Support the rollout of project plans, maintaining project documentation and tracking progress against timeframes and milestones.

- Assist in gathering data and researching contemporary child protection, out-of-home care (OOHC), and early intervention practices to inform project outcomes.

- Draft progress reports, data summaries, and acquittals for funding bodies (e.g., Department of Communities and Justice).

- Support the development of submissions to government on a range of topics related to child and family wellbeing.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

- Act as a key point of contact for project-related enquiries from ACWA member organisations, non-government organisations (NGOs), and community partners.

- Coordinate, schedule, and provide secretariat support for project reference groups and steering committees.

- Help draft high-quality project communications, updates and briefings tailored to sector leaders and practitioners.

- Help with coordinating and facilitating consultations with member agencies, peak bodies and lived experience representatives to inform ACWA’s policy positions and submissions to government.





Sector Capacity Building & Resource Development

- Assist in creating evidence-informed guides, toolkits, training materials, or resources aimed at upskilling child and family practitioners.

- Support the planning and execution of sector-wide forums, webinars, or portions of the biennial ACWA Conference.

Administration and Other Responsibilities

- Undertake general administrative tasks including booking venues and managing expense tracking.

- Assist in coordinating the development and implementation of policies, practices and procedures.

- Actively represent and promote ACWA as required.

- Participate in ACWA’s Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group.

- Other tasks as required.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

- Task completion: Assigned tasks delivered to a high quality and within agree timeframes.

- Stakeholder Satisfaction: Positive feedback from stakeholders regarding project communication and event coordination.

- Reporting and documentation: Reports and documentation are prepared thoroughly, with high literacy standards and submitted on time. Internal documentation is up-to-date and well maintained.

- Team Alignment: Collaborative work ethic demonstrated across all ACWA teams.

Selection Criteria

Essential Criteria

- A good understanding of the community services sector, child protection, or family support systems in NSW.

- Demonstrated experience in a project support, project coordination, or similar role.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write clear reports and converse professionally with a range of stakeholders





- Strong time management skills with a proven track record of managing competing priorities effectively.

- Understanding of the strengths, resilience and issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and the ability to partner with First Nations communities and organisations.

Desirable Criteria

- Relevant tertiary qualifications in Social Sciences, Social Work, Project Management, or a related discipline.

- Experience working within or closely alongside a peak body or non-profit member-based organisation.

Special Conditions

- Engagement is subject to a satisfactory National Criminal History Check and a current Working with Children Check (WWCC).

- Occasional travel within NSW to interface with regional sector groups may be required.

Conditions of employment

Location: Based in Sydney. Grade and level: SCHADS Award Grade 3. Hours: 4 days per week (30.4 hours per week, with the opportunity for some flexibility in work arrangements by negotiation). Duration: Temporary - 18 months. Salary packaging: Attractive salary packaging options are available. Checks: National Police Check and a current NSW Working with Children Check are mandatory.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates

ACWA welcomes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. At ACWA, reconciliation is embedded in how we operate, engage and advocate across the child and family sector. It is a practical, ongoing commitment to recognising, respecting and supporting the rights, cultures and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

An significant part of our commitment is encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to work with us and ensuring that our workplace is culturally safe and inclusive.

How to apply

Click 'Apply' to submit your online application. Please include a resume and a letter outlining how you meet the selection criteria.

Applications close 5.00pm Thursday 27 August 2026.

For more information about the role please email Kate Spalding at ••••@acwa.asn.au

📌 Project Officer (Sydney)
🏢 ACWA
📍 Sydney