Program Manager - Barwon AOD & Mental Health Services

The Salvation Army Australia; Geelong; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Parental leave

Flexible working

Health & wellness initiatives

Cultural supports for Aboriginal andt

Training & development

Social impact / purpose-driven careers

Job summary

The Salvation Army Australia invites applications for a Program Manager in Barwon AOD & Mental Health Services, responsible for leading residential and community programs, outcomes, and budgets in the Barwon region. The role reports to the Regional Manager and is a permanent full-time position based on-site with flexible work arrangements in Corio, VIC.

You will drive strategic priorities, build workforce capability, and strengthen partnerships to deliver high-quality, person-centred care for

Qualifications

• Experience leading programs in AOD or mental health settings.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, outcomes, and stakeholder partnerships.
• Postgraduate leadership or health management qualification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery and ongoing development of Barwon AOD and Mental Health programs.
• Oversee risk, performance, and budget management across services.
• Build workforce capability and strong governance of service delivery.
• Strengthen stakeholder engagement and cross-team collaboration.
• Ensure person-centred practice and high-quality outcomes.

Skills

AOD sector experience

Mental Health experience

Community Health experience

Program leadership experience

Education

Nursing or Social Work or Psychology or Allied Health or Health Management or related

Job description

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

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
• 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

About us

The Salvation Army (Salvos) 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, the Salvos are always there providing support, safety, community, and opportunity

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.