Job Description

The Senior Manager, AES provides leadership, management and strategic oversight for an assigned AES service area, such as DAC or DCMP. The role holds overall accountability for the performance, quality, sustainability and development of the assigned service, ensuring that it is person-centred, outcomes-focused and aligned with Rainbow Centre's strategic priorities, practice frameworks, policies, funding requirements and regulatory obligations.

The Senior Manager translates organisational and service strategies into operational priorities and leads their implementation. The role is accountable for service planning and performance, workforce and resource management, quality and risk governance, service development, stakeholder partnerships and the leadership and development of multidisciplinary teams.

While the Senior Manager provides oversight of practice quality and ensures appropriate professional governance within the service, complex case consultation, discipline-specific professional supervision and specialist practice leadership may be undertaken by Senior Social Workers, Senior Allied Professionals or other designated practice leads, as appropriate.

Critical Work Functions

Service Strategy and Development

1. Service Planning: Lead the planning, implementation and review of the assigned AES service area, translating organisational priorities and service strategies into clear operational plans, priorities and outcomes
2. Service Development: Identify emerging needs, service gaps and opportunities for innovation, and lead the development and enhancement of programmes, interventions and service models to better meet the needs of adults with disabilities and their families
3. Service Integration: Strengthen integration across programme, therapy and other professional functions to ensure coordinated, holistic and person-centred service delivery
4. Strategic Alignment: Partner with the Head, AFCS to shape service strategies, priorities and development plans, ensuring alignment with organisational direction, sector developments, funding requirements and the evolving needs of clients and families
5. Change Leadership: Lead service transformation and change initiatives within the assigned area to improve service effectiveness, operational efficiency, knowledge management and client outcomes

Programme Operations and Performance

1. Operations Leadership: Provide overall oversight of the day-to-day operations of the assigned service area, ensuring effective, efficient and consistent service delivery
2. Resource Stewardship: Plan and optimise the allocation and deployment of human, financial and physical resources to meet service demands, achieve outcomes and ensure responsible utilisation of organisational and funding resources
3. Operational Performance: Establish and monitor operational priorities, performance indicators and service targets, taking timely action to address performance gaps and emerging operational issues
4. Programme Governance: Ensure programmes and services are delivered in accordance with organisational policies, funding conditions, regulatory requirements, professional standards and established operating procedures
5. Capacity Planning: Assess service demand, workforce capacity and operational requirements to inform manpower planning, scheduling and resource deployment
6. Operational Improvement: Lead reviews of operational processes and systems to identify opportunities for improved productivity, service quality, client experience and resource utilisation

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

a) Stakeholder Leadership: Develop and maintain effective relationships with families, caregivers, community organisations, service providers, government agencies, professional networks and other stakeholders to strengthen service outcomes

b) Partnership Development: Identify and establish strategic partnerships that enhance access to resources, expertise, opportunities and support for adults with disabilities and their families

c) Family Engagement: Strengthen meaningful engagement with families and caregivers, incorporating their perspectives and needs into service planning, delivery and improvement

e) Sector Representation: Represent the assigned service area at relevant professional, community and sector platforms, contributing to the advancement of disability services and inclusive practices

People Leadership and Capability

a) Team Leadership: Provide direction and leadership to life coaches and allied professionals, establishing clear expectations, priorities and accountabilities aligned with service objectives

b) Performance Management: Set performance expectations, conduct performance reviews, provide constructive feedback and address performance issues in a timely and appropriate manner

c) Capability Development: Identify capability gaps and lead the development of staff through coaching, mentoring, training, professional development and opportunities for cross-functional learning

d) Team Culture: Foster a collaborative, inclusive and psychologically safe team environment that encourages accountability, professional growth, innovation and continuous improvement

e) Professional Practice: Promote effective collaboration between allied professionals, life coaches and other professionals to support integrated and high-quality service delivery

f) Talent Development: Identify and develop staff with leadership potential within the assigned service area

Quality Assurance, Evaluation and Risk Management

1. Service Outcomes: Establish and monitor appropriate outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness, quality and impact of the assigned service
2. Performance Analytics: Analyse service, operational and financial data to identify trends, performance gaps and opportunities for improvement, and translate insights into actionable interventions
3. Quality Improvement: Lead quality improvement initiatives and periodic service reviews to strengthen service standards, client outcomes and operational effectiveness
4. Risk Governance: Identify, assess and manage strategic and operational risks affecting service delivery, client safety, staff wellbeing and organisational reputation
5. Policy Governance: Develop, review and strengthen policies, procedures, protocols and operating guidelines to support consistent, safe and effective service delivery
6. Audit and Compliance: Oversee readiness for internal and external audits, reviews and regulatory requirements, ensuring that findings are appropriately addressed and corrective actions are implemented
7. Reporting and Accountability: Provide timely and accurate reports on service performance, outcomes, risks, resource utilisation and key developments to the Head, AFCS and relevant governance forums

Job Requirements

• A recognised degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy, or a related discipline A relevant postgraduate qualification in management, leadership or a related field (including Diploma in Special Education) would be advantageous
• At least 6-8 years of relevant experience in disability services, social services, allied health, programme management or a related service environment, with demonstrated experience in managing programmes, services or multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated experience in leading service development, quality improvement, operational planning and stakeholder engagement
• Experience in managing and developing staff, including performance management, coaching and capability development
• Experience in managing resources, risks and operational performance would be advantageous