Manager, Mental Health Services

Manager, Mental Health Services, Clerk Grade 9/10, Wollongong

• Join a team leading a high-profile state-wide Mental Health Support program delivering mental health and wellbeing support for NSW SES staff and volunteers.
• Work in a volunteer-based agency supporting communities of NSW.
• Full time ongoing role.
• Location: Wollongong with hybrid and flexible working arrangements (regional location may be considered for the preferred candidate).

About the opportunity

An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced Program Manager to join NSW SES as an emergency services provider, to contribute to the development and innovation of our mental health and wellbeing programs across the agency. As part of a state-wide focus on support program and initiatives for our volunteer and staff first responders, the successful appointee will play a critical role in ensuring programs and initiatives are effectively implemented and monitored, internal and external stakeholders are engaged and there are clear benefits to our members in support services offered to them.

This is a unique opportunity for a dedicated program leader to have a significant impact across one of the state's most critical emergency service providers.

About the NSW SES

Our Mission: NSW SES saving lives and creating safer communities.

Our Vision: A trusted volunteer-based emergency service, working together to deliver excellence in community preparedness and emergency response.

The NSW SES serves the community as the lead agency for Floods, Storms, and Tsunamis. We are recognised as the most versatile and widely used emergency service organisation in NSW. Our volunteers are highly skilled, experienced, and well- trained in the wide variety of roles they perform.

With over 11,000 volunteers we are committed to protecting and supporting the diverse communities of NSW. Learn more here

About you

To be successful in this role you will:

• be able to demonstrate strong people management skills and experience and demonstrate the implementation of agency wide programs;
• possess tertiary qualifications and registration as a Psychologist, Social Worker, Allied Health Professional or Nursing background with at least 5 years' post graduate experience involving mental health and/or wellbeing;
• lead and support key mental health and wellbeing programs, from design and establishment to the delivery and ongoing evaluation;
• have strong influencing skills and be competent in developing and maintaining key stakeholder relationships that will enhance the mental health and wellbeing support services offered to our members.

What we can offer you

• You will enjoy a 35-hour work week with the potential for flexible work arrangements such as a nine-day fortnight or a four-day work week depending on the requirements of the role and operational needs.
• You can enjoy a hybrid work environment, time in the office and time working from home.
• Attractive salary range of $129,464 to $142,665 plus 12% superannuation and leave loading.
• Our work is meaningful and rewarding. The SES's mission is saving lives and creating safer communities and you can be an important part of our work.

• We have attractive leave entitlements including parental, sick, flex and recreation leave.
  We care about our people. We have Mental Health & Wellbeing programs and services to support our people and operational and leadership training and development opportunities to develop our people. Some of these include:

• Fitness Passport

• LinkedIn Learning
• Member Assist Program for free confidential counselling support
• Free flu and immunisation program.

You Belong Here

• We care about people as individuals and are committed to diversity, inclusion, and new ways of working. We encourage applications from people of any age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, faith, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
• We want our people to reflect the diverse community we serve and are committed to creating an inclusive and flexible workplace. We want to know what this looks like for you so we can support your success at work.
• If you require reasonable adjustments, we are committed to supporting you throughout the recruitment processes and in the workplace, If you feel you may require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please contact for confidential advice on options.

How to apply

Your application should include as separate attachments:

• A cover letter (maximum of one page) briefly responding to the essential requirements and your interest in the role.
• Responses to each of the targeted questions (maximum of one page per answer); and
• An up-to-date resume of no more than four pages detailing your skills and experience relevant to the role.

Targeted Questions

Please provide an example which best illustrates your experience as a people leader in ensuring you have your team onside to deliver key projects in the mental health and wellbeing arena. In your example, please outline details around the complexity of the organisational setting, and how you managed timelines, expectations, budget, and business expectations to meet key deliverables.

• Provide an example where you were able to influence and gain support from key stakeholders in regard to a new initiative that you believed was going to support and improve service provision for mental health and wellbeing. What was your approach to engagement and ensuring the initiative was successful and contributed to the organisation?

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about this opportunity, please contact Sofia Stavropoulos at or call on

The role description is available here

Talent Pool

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next 18 months. Further information here

Applications close: Sunday, 19 October 2025 at 11:55pm