Program Manager - North East Youth Services

Why this role matters

The Salvation Army (Salvos) Youth Services encompasses a range of programs for vulnerable young people, their families, and the community. Our services have a strong focus on prevention and early intervention and enable access to safe accommodation options, Holistic case management, community outreach programs and programs that teach vital independent living skills. Our centres are safe and supportive environments creating an ideal environment for growth, where participants feel believed in, valued, listened to, and respected.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Program Manager - North East to lead Youth Justice and Youth Homelessness programs across the Greater Shepparton and Wodonga regions. Leading multidisciplinary teams across accommodation, life skills and youth participation services, you will drive high-quality, trauma-informed support for vulnerable young people. This is your opportunity to shape service excellence, foster a positive team culture and deliver meaningful outcomes that help young people build safer, stronger futures.

Reporting to the Regional Manager - North, this permanent full-time position is based in Shepparton, Victoria, with travel required throughout the Greater Shepparton and Wodonga regions. Participation in an on-call roster (one week per month) is also required.

Conditions

Compensation is in accordance with the SCHADS Award - Level 7.

How you will make an impact

• Lead the delivery of Youth Homelessness and Youth Justice programs, ensuring services are safe, effective, compliant and responsive to the needs of young people
• Inspire, coach and develop Client Services Coordinators and frontline teams, creating a high-performing culture grounded in accountability, wellbeing and best practice
• Drive positive outcomes through strong oversight of program performance, quality standards, compliance requirements, workforce planning, budgets and resource management
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement, contributing to statewide initiatives, service development, evaluation and evidence-informed practice
• Build and strengthen relationships with government, community organisations and sector stakeholders, representing The Salvation Army as a trusted and respected partner across the region
• Advocate for the needs of young people and help shape services that create lasting social impact

What you will bring

• A degree qualification in Social Work, Community Services, Welfare, Community Development or a related discipline, together with significant leadership experience within human services
• Demonstrated experience leading youth-focused services, with a strong understanding of contemporary youth work practice, youth homelessness and/or Youth Justice systems
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop teams while fostering a positive, inclusive and accountable workplace culture
• Strong skills in operational leadership, including governance, risk management, budgeting, workforce planning, service compliance and quality improvement
• Experience working with complex stakeholder groups and contributing to sector leadership, advocacy, policy development or service reform initiatives
• A commitment to trauma-informed, culturally safe and person-centred practice
• A current Employee Working with Children Check
• A current Victorian Driver Licence

What we offer

The Salvos offer eligible employee's a well-balanced package of meaningful benefits including:

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + $2,650 meal entertainment benefit
• Generous Paid Parental leave for primary (12 weeks) & secondary carers, Purchased Leave Scheme (up to 8 weeks) and 5 days paid leave per year to experience working in other TSA programs or activities
• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives incl Fitness Passport Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supports such as: Burra Burra Network (pastoral care network), Cultural Events, Sorry Business and Ceremonial Leave (up to 10 days)
• Ongoing training and development opportunities that enhance on the job skills and proficiency
• Rewarding and fulfilling purpose driven careers that have positive and sustainable / social impacts

How to apply

If you are an experienced people leader with a passion for empowering young people and strengthening communities, we would love to hear from you. Submit your resume and cover letter, outlining your experience and how you meet the requirements of the role.

Together, we can help young people find safety, build confidence and create futures filled with possibility.

Applications will be reviewed as received and will close once a suitable candidate has been identified.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and intersex status. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory National Police Check.

We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration.