Program Manager - Outer South 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 Outer South East, this is your opportunity to lead Youth Homelessness programs across the Frankston & Peninsula and Gippsland regions, including Tools for Trade, Reconnect, Youth Family Reconciliation. 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 on-site in Frankston and Gippsland, VIC. Travel will be required across the Frankston, Peninsula and Gippsland regions, and participation 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 the Frankston and Peninsula region, ensuring quality, compliance and strong client outcomes.

• Provide supervision and performance management to Client Services Coordinators and frontline teams, building capability and maintaining consistent practice standards.

• Oversee program performance, including KPIs, accreditation requirements, budgets, staffing levels and resource utilisation.

• Drive service development and improvement, contributing to state-wide planning, national frameworks, research and evaluation initiatives.

• Strengthen partnerships and sector presence, representing TSA in regional forums and maintaining strong relationships with community partners and service providers.

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, youth homelessness and Youth Justice systems.

• Demonstrated experience leading teams, managing performance and building positive, accountable workplace culture.

• Strong capability in operational management, including risk management, governance, budgeting, workforce planning and service compliance.

• Experience contributing to sector leadership, advocacy, policy development or community/government bodies.

• Commitment to culturally safe, inclusive and trauma‑informed practice.

• A current Employee Working with Children Check

• A current Victorian Driver’s 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 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.

• 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.

How to apply

If you’re passionate about making a difference and ready to join a team dedicated to creating positive change, please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your alignment with the requirements of the role.

Together we can build a brighter future.

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