Job Description

• Full Time, Permanent Role
• Location: Shellharbour or Wollongong NSW
• Salary of $112,709 + Super + NFP Salary Packaging
• 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 advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we’re building hope and possibility for all.

Find out more about us and our purpose

Your opportunity

At Mission Australia, we believe strong communities are built on respect, inclusion and genuine connection. We are proud to be expanding our service footprint through new locations delivering the Community Living Support (CLS) program.

CLS provides planned, person‑centred supports within clear service frameworks, promoting independence, safety and meaningful participation in community life. We are seeking a Program Manager to play a foundational role in shaping this high‑quality program while remaining closely connected to the people and communities it supports.

In this role, you will provide hands‑on leadership to frontline teams, embed strong operational and governance practices, and work collaboratively with participants, families and local stakeholders to create a welcoming, inclusive service that reflects Mission Australia’s values and makes a real difference from day one.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Lead the day‑to‑day delivery of the program to ensure services are safe, consistent and delivered in line with CLS requirements and Mission Australia standards
• Provide leadership, supervision and support to frontline staff, fostering a positive, values‑led team culture
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, funding agreements, policies and safeguarding requirements
• Oversee the delivery of person‑centred supports that align with individual goals and promote independence and community participation
• Build and maintain strong relationships with participants, families, carers, community partners and key stakeholders
• Manage program operations, including staffing, rosters and resources, to ensure sustainable and effective service delivery
• Monitor program performance, contribute to reporting requirements and support continuous improvement activities

Requirements for success

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in community services, social work, human services, management or a related discipline
• Demonstrated experience leading community‑based or human services programs, with the ability to balance people‑focused practice and operational requirements
• Strong leadership capability, including the ability to support, coach and motivate frontline teams
• Sound understanding of person‑centred practice and delivering supports that align with individual goals and outcomes
• Knowledge of compliance, safeguarding and quality frameworks within funded human services or NDIS‑related environments
• Hold a current valid drivers licence and Working with Children Check (WWCC)
• Well‑developed communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to work effectively with participants, families and community stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities, resources and reporting requirements
• Alignment with Mission Australia’s values and a genuine commitment to strengthening communities and creating positive social impact

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.

Your benefits

To ensure our employees feel valued, empowered, and celebrated, we provide a range of employee benefits including:

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support
• Volunteering opportunities
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
• Extra leave including: Mission Australia Thank You Day & Work Anniversary Day off

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 prioritise 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 or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at Deadlycareers@missionaustralia.com.au

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia

How to apply

Click ‘Apply’ and send your application today!

As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer, we will respond to your application.

Applications are shortlisted as they are received. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you