Manager - DSLS

Summary:

The Manager, DSLS will lead a multi-disciplinary team team under the Development Support and Learning Support (DSLS) programme. You will oversee and implement DSLS developments inthe Early Childhood (EC) and Early Intervention (EI) landscape, in consultation with the Head of Allied Health, Children Services. You will develop strategic plans to engage and prepare preschools to be DSLS-ready. You will also oversee initiatives and collaborations with mainstream preschools and community organisations.

JOB SCOPE/KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations and Administration

• Develop short- and long-term strategic plans to ensure programme growth, with guidance from the Assistant Director and/or Director.
• Establish operating, control, and administrative policies and procedures.
• Provide input to develop, implement, and review programme policies and procedures.
• Ensure operations and systems meet service standards and good corporate governance, achieving Key Performance Indicators set by funders/Director.
• Manage and guide the DSLS team to maintain service standards for clients with learning and developmental needs and their caregivers.
• Serve as the primary administrative liaison with stakeholders and external organisations, coordinating timely submission of statistics to funding bodies.
• Engage external institutions and community partners to support clients and caregivers in need.

Programme Management

• Plan and project for additional or replacement of fixed assets and resources.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, including taxes, licensing, safety, and control.
• Develop strategic plans to generate income, monitor expenditure, and enhance community outreach.
• Manage audits conducted by MSF, ECDA, and NCSS, if required.

Staff Management

• Support the Assistant Director and/or Director in developing career progression and responsibilities for DSLS staff.
• Orient new staff to organisational structure, policies, procedures, and HR matters.
• Assign responsibilities and delegate authority.
• Set standards, evaluate staff performance, and identify training needs in consultation with the Assistant Director.
• Participate in planning, recruitment, management, and retention of team members.

Client Management

• Build and maintain positive relationships with clients and caregivers.
• Manage feedback and queries from clients, caregivers, the public, and authorities, in consultation with the Assistant Director.
• Develop strategic plans to strengthen caregiver engagement.

Collaboration with External Organisations

• Explore opportunities to sustain collaborations with preschools, creating inclusive programmes and raising awareness of inclusion.
• Lead networking with community organisations to identify collaboration opportunities.
• Participate in SPD events and support organisational networking with VWOs, funding bodies (e.g., MSF, NCSS, Tote Board), and corporations to secure programme funding and sustain financial viability.

Professional/ Staff Development

• Lead, attend and contribute regularly in staff meetings and other relevant meetings.
• Attends training and courses for personal and team upskilling
• Participate in internal / external workgroups to contribute to new service development.

Any other duties

• Undertake any other duties as assigned by Director, Children Services and Chief Executive Officer, SPD.

KEY REQUIREMENT

1.   Master or Bachelor degree in any discipline related to early childhood intervention and education, special education, allied health with at least 3 years of supervisory experience.

2.   Good communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to build relationships.

3.   Effective decision-making, problem solving skills and the ability to make sound judgements

4.   Capacity to work effectively in response to work demands (responding to client needs in a different circumstance including critical incidents)

5.   Ability to contribute to a positive team culture where members strive for the highest standards of service delivery

6.   Ability to adapt to change and a willingness to embrace new strategies and techniques

7.   Programme planning, implementation and review experience and experience working in the social services sector will be advantageous.

8.   Experience in working in cross-functional/multi-disciplinary teams will be beneficial.