Program Manager - Inner South-East Youth Services

Why this role matters

The Salvation Army (Salvos) Youth Services encompasses a range of programs for vulnerable young people, their families, and the community. Our services have a strong focus on prevention and early intervention and enable access to safe accommodation options, Holistic case management, community outreach programs and programs that teach vital independent living skills. 

About the role

As the Program Manager for Inner South East, this is your opportunity to lead Youth Homelessness programs across the East and South Metro regions, including Upton Road Refuge, After Hours, Crisis accommodation and outreach programs. You will provide strong frontline leadership, operational oversight and program management to ensure service quality, compliance, financial sustainability and positive outcomes for young people.

Reporting to the Regional Manager – South, this is a permanent full-time position, based onsite in St. Kilda, Victoria. Travel will be required across the Inner Southeast region and participate in an on-call roster.

Conditions 

Compensation is in accordance with the SCHADS Award – Level 7.

How you will make an impact

• Lead operational delivery of all Youth Services programs across East Metro and South Metro/Upton Road.
• Provide supervision and leadership to Client Services Coordinators and frontline teams, ensuring consistent practice and professional development.
• Monitor program performance including KPIs, accreditation, compliance, client outcomes and corrective actions.
• Implement strategic priorities by translating state and regional strategies into operational plans and team actions.
• Manage budgets and workforce planning including rostering, recruitment coordination, staffing levels and resource utilisation.
• Strengthen sector partnerships by maintaining relationships with community partners and representing TSA in regional forums.

What you will bring

• Degree qualification in Social Work, Welfare, Community Development or a related field, with relevant senior management experience.
• High‑level understanding of contemporary youth work practices.
• Experience providing leadership, supervision, performance management and development to multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong capability in operational management, including governance, risk, accreditation, budgeting and service delivery oversight.
• Experience in sector leadership, including participation in community or government bodies.
• Commitment to culturally safe, inclusive and trauma‑informed practice, including Psychologically Informed Environments.
• A current Employee Working with Children Check
• A current Victorian Drivers Licence

What we offer

Eligible employees can access a meaningful and supportive employment experience, including:  

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + $2,650 meal entertainment benefit
• Generous Paid Parental Leave (12 weeks primary / secondary carers)
• Purchased Leave Scheme (up to 8 weeks) + 5 days paid TSA program experience leave
• Access to EAP, wellbeing initiatives and Fitness Passport
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supports including Burra Burra Network, Cultural Events, Sorry Business & Ceremonial Leave
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• A purpose‑driven culture grounded in faith, compassion and justice

How to apply

If you’re passionate about leading high‑impact Youth Services and ready to support young people across the Inner South East region, please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your alignment with the role’s requirements.

Together we can build brighter futures for young people.

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

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