Program Manager

September 5, 2024

Mission Australia

Alice Springs

FULL TIME

Full Time | Permanent
Salary: $114,173 + Super + Salary Packaging
Location: Alice Springs, NT 0870
Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we stand together with anyone who needs us, for as long as they need us.

Your Opportunity

Stuart Lodge in Alice Springs offers an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness. With 33 rooms and up to 68 beds, the facility provides comprehensive support services, including assessment, case coordination, and case management.

The Program Manager is responsible for leading, managing, and developing a diverse team to deliver high-quality and contractually compliant services under the limited direction of the Area Manager. This role involves providing effective line management and supervision of staff, fostering positive relationships with key stakeholders, and reporting on outcomes. Additionally, the manager supports the Area Manager with administrative tasks including Memorandums of Understanding, progress reports, and budget management, and responds to critical issues through participation in an on-call roster, ensuring timely reporting on service operations and feedback on risks and opportunities.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

Lead the Stuart Lodge team, ensuring effective people management and staff development.
Contribute to the strategic development and ongoing improvement of services.
Regularly review operational procedures to establish and implement best practice standards, policies, and methodologies.
Ensure all participant data and activities are accurately recorded in Mission Australia systems.
Achieve program targets and key performance indicators as outlined in the service contract.
Provide culturally safe services that address the physical, mental, spiritual, cultural, emotional, and social well-being of First Nations people.
Conduct supervision and performance reviews, providing developmental coaching as needed.
Identify staff training and development needs and implement necessary training initiatives.
Address staff grievances and manage disciplinary actions, including terminations, in accordance with Mission Australia policies and procedures.
Manage staff rosters, ensuring adequate coverage during absences due to illness, training, or leave.
Participate in continuous quality improvement activities aligned with the Quality Assurance Framework (QAF).
Support the Area Manager in preparing Memorandums of Understanding (Mo Us), progress reports, quality reports, and service delivery contracts.
Participate in the on-call roster, responding to critical issues and emergencies at Stuart Lodge and the Aherlkeme Development Centre (ADC).
Manage Stuart Lodge’s budget, overseeing income and expenditure.

Requirements for Success

Relevant degree with experience, or associate diploma with substantial management experience in a community services setting.
Extensive expertise and knowledge in the housing and homelessness sector, including best practice approaches.
Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal cultural systems and protocols.
Strong leadership and people management capabilities, with significant experience in leading and managing teams within complex service delivery environments.
Proven track record of delivering service outcomes in compliance with funding requirements and industry standards.
Highly developed communication, coaching, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
Previous experience in budget management and financial oversight.
Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to swiftly adjust focus and direction as needed.
Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively.
Experience in planning and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
Proficient in current office technology systems, including the Microsoft Office Suite, with strong keyboard and IT skills.
Ability to lead and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people.

Our culture

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.

We prioritize the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia.

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email

talentattraction@missionaustralia.com.au

Your benefits

Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference
Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax

Free external, confidential counselling

Volunteering opportunities
Extra leave available including an additional public holiday, additional annual leave day on your work anniversary and the opportunity to purchase further annual leave.
Additional $350 each year to help with cost of living in a remote area
Access to up to 3 additional days Personal/carers leave each year