SafeKIDS Program Manager – Cairns

Act for Kids; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 135,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Extra leave

Fitness Passport

Employee Assistance Program

Professional development

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Act for Kids is seeking a Program Manager (Out of Home Care Services) to lead its SafeKIDS portfolio, providing operational, workforce and practice leadership across residential out-of-home care services to ensure trauma-informed, culturally responsive care for children and families.

The role requires leading managers, building capability, and collaborating with communities and stakeholders, with regular travel to remote communities in Far North Queensland.

Qualifications

• Hold a tertiary qualification in human services, social work, psychology, allied health or related discipline.
• Substantial leadership and management experience in therapeutic residential/out-of-home care.
• Experience leading managers and multidisciplinary teams in complex, regulated services.
• Eligibility to work in Australia and willingness to obtain required checks.
• Suitability checks required prior to engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead a diverse portfolio of out-of-home care services, driving operational performance and child-centred practice.
• Develop and support leaders through coaching, supervision and workforce planning.
• Strengthen governance and organisational performance via quality, risk, compliance and financial oversight.
• Build partnerships with communities, government and sector stakeholders to improve outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Tertiary qualification in human services/related field

Job description

We're excited to welcome a Program Manager (Out of Home Care Services) to lead our SafeKIDS portfolio. In this leadership role, you'll provide operational, workforce and practice leadership across residential out-of-home care services, ensuring children and young people receive safe, culturally responsive and trauma-informed care. Working closely with leaders, communities and key stakeholders, you'll drive service excellence, strengthen organisational capability and support meaningful outcomes for children, families and communities.

• Level 8 SCHCADS Award.
• Salary range: $135,343 - $140,675 + Superannuation.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly, including to remote communities in Far North Queensland.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a diverse portfolio of out-of-home care services by driving operational performance, service quality and culturally responsive, child-centred practice.
• Develop and support leaders through coaching, supervision and workforce planning that builds capability, accountability and service excellence.
• Strengthen governance and organisational performance through oversight of quality, risk, compliance, financial management and continuous improvement.
• Build trusted partnerships with communities, government and sector stakeholders to enhance outcomes for children, young people and families.

Please read the full position description for more information.

About You

• Hold a relevant tertiary qualification (human services, social work, psychology, allied health or a related discipline) with professional registration (if required), and a membership in a professional association (desirable).
• Substantial leadership and management experience in therapeutic residential care, out-of-home care, child protection or a closely related human services environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading managers and multidisciplinary or geographically dispersed teams in complex, highly regulated services.
• Eligibility to work in Australia (proof of eligibility required), including holding or obtaining required checks (Working with Children Check or professional exemption).
• Willingness to undergo and pass a Suitability Check before engagement in the provision of care services by licensed out-of-home care service providers under the Child Protection Act 1999 and Child Protection Regulation 2011.

About Act for Kids

Act for Kids is a for-purpose organisation that delivers evidence-based support services to children and families who have experienced or are at risk of harm. Our teams are at the heart of everything we do, and we are united by a single purpose to help keep kids safe, heal from trauma and lead happy lives and thrive.

You will have access to

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + an additional $2,650 for meals/entertainment.
• Extra leave, including wellbeing days, study, exam, and pet leave.
• Fitness Passport including discounted fitness memberships to a range of facilities for you and your family.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program including 24/7 counselling and wellbeing portals.
• Ongoing professional development through our annual PD fund and structured support.
• Flexible work arrangements and a team that truly values what you bring.

Make a difference every day in a values-led organisation. We’re more than just a workplace—we’re a community built on shared values: Professional, Ethical, Team, Caring, Courageous, and Collaborative. We’re proud to be recognised for our commitment to inclusion as Inclusive Employer 2023-24 and 2025-26 by the Diversity Council Australia.

We encourage and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all backgrounds and identities.