Program Manager

time left to apply End Date: September 12, 2025 (28 days left to apply)

job requisition id JR104795

• $118,169 + super + NFP salary packaging benefits
• Permanent Full Time Contract
• Location: Boorloo (East Perth) WA 6004
• 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 .

Common Ground is a landmark new initiative in Perth, delivering permanent, supportive housing for adults experiencing homelessness, rough sleeping, or living on low incomes. The development will feature 112 self-contained units, communal areas, on-site support services, and commercial spaces. Input from a broad range of stakeholders, including Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and people with lived experience of homelessness, has shaped the design to ensure the needs of tenants are met.

As the Program Manager for this exciting new service, you will lead the establishment of a pioneering service model for Western Australia in a high-demand environment. This is an on-site position requiring strong leadership in navigating multiple systems, managing competing priorities, and driving operational excellence. You will oversee a team of approximately 15–20 staff, with multiple direct reports, and be instrumental in setting service standards, ensuring compliance, and fostering collaborative partnerships. This position offers a high level of autonomy and requires excellent organisational, teamwork, and communication skills.

You will be required to be on call on a rotating weekly roster.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop a high-performing team to deliver contractually compliant and client-focused services.
• Oversee operational planning, resource allocation, and service delivery to meet program targets and KPIs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the community housing provider managing the property, government agencies, and community organisations.
• Maintain a high level of understanding and knowledge of the trends in the housing and homelessness services sector, policy developments, best practice and other relevant service providers.
• Manage budgets and authorise expenditure in line with organisational policies and procedures.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring compliance with funding guidelines, quality frameworks, and Mission Australia policies.
• Adopt a culturally safe service that considers the physical, spiritual, cultural, emotional and social wellbeing of First Nations people.
• Provide leadership in complex client engagement, including case reviews, complaint management, and client outcomes.
• Represent the service at sector events, stakeholder meetings, and community engagement initiatives.

Requirementsfor Success

• Substantial leadership experience (5+ years) in community services management, ideally within residential and homelessness programs.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in human services (social work, mental health, AOD) or an associate diploma with significant experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage diverse teams and services in complex, high-demand environments.
• Proven experience in budget management, financial oversight, and achieving service outcomes in line with contractual requirements.
• Strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols.
• Capacity to remain calm under pressure, comfortable with ambiguity, and adept at managing competing priorities.
• Personal alignment with Mission Australia's values and commitment to positive community outcomes.
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) Certificate or willingness to obtain.
• First Aid Certificate is desired but not essential.
• Full driver licence with no restrictions.

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.

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 )
• Extra leave available including an additional public holiday, additional annual leave day on your work anniversary and the opportunity to purchase further annual leave.

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.

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

How To Apply

To be considered for this opportunity, click 'apply' and send your application today

Applications for this role are shortlisted as received and we are interviewing through the advertising period. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you.

Mission Australia is a national Christian charity motivated by a shared vision of an Australia where everyone has a safe home and can thrive.

Since 1859, we've been standing alongside people in need across Australia, offering real hope that has lasting impact.

Backed by our supporters, churches, partners, and funders, we work together for the long-term wellbeing of anyone who needs us, reflecting our values of respect, compassion, integrity, perseverance and celebration.

We collaborate with people experiencing homelessness or disadvantage to tackle the root causes of their challenges through providing access to safe, affordable homes and innovative, evidence-based support services.

Every day we deliver homelessness crisis and prevention services, provide social and affordable housing, assist struggling families and children, address mental health issues, fight substance dependencies, support people with disability and much more.

Mission Australia believes a person's circumstances shouldn't define their future and that given the right support, everyone can reach their full potential.

That's why we stand together with Australians in need, until they can stand for themselves.