Program Manager - Barwon AOD & Mental Health Services

The Salvation Army Australia; Geelong; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax‑fee

Flexible working arrangements

EAP and health & wellness initiatives

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

The Salvation Army Australia is seeking a Program Manager for Barwon AOD & Mental Health Services in Corio, VIC. This on-site role leads residential and community programs, driving outcomes, budgets, and workforce capability in a complex health context.

You will report to the Regional Manager in a permanent full-time capacity and work with stakeholders to ensure high-quality, person-centred service delivery.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, Allied Health, Community Services, Health Management or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in the Alcohol and Other Drugs, Mental Health or Community Health Sector.
• Experience in program leadership, service delivery, workforce management and quality improvement within a health or human services environment.
• Postgraduate qualification in Leadership, Management, Health Management or Public Health (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Lead risk and performance management to ensure compliance and drive continuous improvement across service delivery.
• Drive program planning and delivery through strategic oversight and budget management.
• Build workforce capability and culture through strong leadership, coaching and performance management.
• Strengthen stakeholder engagement by fostering collaborative partnerships that enhance service integration and client outcomes.
• Champion safe, person-centred practice with leadership on complex presentations.

Skills

Program leadership

Performance management

Quality improvement

Stakeholder engagement

Team coaching

Education

Nursing/Health degree

Postgraduate Leadership/Health Management (desirable)

Job description

Number Of Positions Available

1

About Us

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities. We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

Why this role matters

The Salvation Army (Salvos) is one of Australia’s largest providers of alcohol and other drug (AOD) programs including withdrawal management, residential and non-residential rehabilitation, and harm reduction programs. Salvos services go beyond addressing the core issues and challenges associated with problematic substance abuse and provide participants a place of hope, compassion, and dignity to recover safely.

About The Role

As the Program Manager for our Barwon AOD & Mental Health Services, you will lead the delivery, performance, and ongoing development of residential and community-based programs across the Barwon region. You will drive strategic priorities, manage program outcomes and budgets, build workforce capability, and strengthen stakeholder partnerships to ensure high-quality, person-centred service delivery. Your leadership will be instrumental in achieving operational excellence and improving outcomes for people experiencing complex alcohol, other drug, and mental health needs.

Reporting to the Regional Manager, this is a permanent full-time position, based on-site with flexible work arrangements, located in Corio, VIC.

Conditions

Compensation is in accordance with SCHADS Award Level 7.

How You Will Make An Impact

• Lead risk and performance management to ensure compliance, strengthen governance, and drive continuous improvement across service delivery
• Drive program planning and delivery through strategic oversight, performance monitoring, and effective resource and budget management
• Build workforce capability & culture by developing high-performing teams through strong leadership, coaching, and performance management
• Strengthen stakeholder engagement by fostering collaborative partnerships that enhance service integration and client outcomes
• Champion safe, person-centred practice by providing expert leadership on complex presentations and promoting excellence in service delivery

What You Will Bring

• Tertiary qualification in Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, Allied Health, Community Services, Health Management or a relevant related discipline
• Demonstrated experience in the Alcohol and Other Drugs, Mental Health or Community Health Sector
• Demonstrated experience in program leadership, service delivery, workforce management and quality improvement within a health or human services environment
• Postgraduate qualification in Leadership, Management, Health Management, Public Health or a related field (desirable)

What We Offer

• 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
• Flexible working arrangements
• 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

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people.

We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal people 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 Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

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

Applications will close as soon as a suitable candidate is secured.