Program Manager

• 12-month Maximum Term opportunity
• Based from Sunshine with hybrid work arrangement (Office/Home)
• Monthly rostered day off (RDO)
• Generous Employee Benefits- Access to salary packaging, Fitness Passport + More

As an asylum seeker or refugee in Australia, the path to stability can be rocky, and we acknowledge the relentless fight for freedoms that some of us take for granted. At Life Without Barriers, we see the strength, resilience, and courage it takes to rebuild a life in a new country.

Through our National Immigration Support Service (NISS), we provide compassionate, culturally safe, and trauma-informed support to asylum seekers and refugees living in the Australian community. We walk alongside individuals and families on their journey, helping them navigate what can be complex and challenging systems and empowering them to reach their goals, one step at a time.

About the role

We are seeking a Program Manager to join our National Immigration Support Services (NISS) team. In this role, you will oversee the delivery of essential services to individuals from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, including asylum seekers and refugees. This role will have specific responsibility for overseeing the Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS) program.

As Program Manager, you will supervise and mentor a dedicated national team, you will ensure the programs are compliant with Federal Government legislation and are being delivered to budget and in line with the client's needs. You will have high level communication and engagement with the Department of Home Affairs. As a strong manager, you will develop your team's skills, act as an elevation point for queries and issues, and promote a positive team culture.

This is a 12 month Maximum-Term paternity cover position based from our Sunshine office, with flexibility to work from office and home.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspire and support NISS teams to grow through culturally responsive leadership that reflects Life Without Barriers (LWB) values and evidence-based practices.
• Ensure the programs are compliant with Federal Government legislation and are being delivered to budget and in line with the client's needs.
• Maintain high standards in documentation, performance, and adherence to both funding and cultural frameworks.
• Create spaces free from harm, where cultural strengths are recognised, and dignity, respect, and belonging are prioritised.

Skills & Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Human Services or related field, with leadership experience in human services settings.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in high-pressure, dynamic environments.
• Strong understanding of refugee, asylum seeker, and migrant support practices, including CALD communities and SRSS program (highly desirable).
• Excellent communication, time management, and analytical skills, with a focus on case coordination.
• An unrestricted driver's licence.

Successful candidates will be required to clear probity checks including National Criminal History Record Check and VIC Working with Children Check

How to Apply

Include your resume and covering letter in one document, click 'Apply' and follow the prompts. For general role enquiries contact Sadna Patel-Thomas via Sadna

Candidates with disabilities who require adjustments to the recruitment process or the application form in an alternate format can visit for information on our access and inclusion work and how to contact us directly.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 21st September2025

Applicants are encouraged to
apply as soon as possible
as applications are continuously reviewed prior to the closing date; and as such the closing date is subject to change without notice.

We want to employ people who reflect the diversity of our clients to ensure we can support each client's individual needs and wants. We encourage people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background and people with disability to apply.