Program Manager - North East Youth Services

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Permanent full‑time Program Manager for North East Youth Services leads Youth Justice and Youth Homelessness programs across Greater Shepparton and Wodonga, including Middleton Street Youth Refuge, Life and Living Skills and Youth Participation Programs. You will provide operational leadership, frontline supervision and strategic oversight to ensure high quality, compliant service delivery and positive outcomes for young people, reporting to the Regional Manager North. The ideal candidate has a relevant degree, senior management and operational experience, knowledge of contemporary youth work practices, homelessness and Youth Justice, and a commitment to culturally safe trauma‑informed practice, plus a current Working with Children Check and Victorian Driver’s Licence. To apply, tailor your resume and a focused cover letter to align with the role's requirements, KPIs and governance, highlight measurable outcomes and collaboration with partners, note travel and on‑call duties, and apply early as positions close when a suitable candidate is found.

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 North East, this is your opportunity to lead the delivery of Youth Justice and Youth Homelessness programs across the Greater Shepparton and Wodonga regions, including Middleton Street Youth Refuge, Life and Living Skills & Youth Participation Programs. 

You will provide operational leadership, frontline supervision and strategic oversight to ensure high‑quality, compliant and effective service delivery that achieves positive outcomes for young people.

Reporting to the Regional Manager – North, this is a permanent full-time position, based onsite in Shepparton, Victoria. Travel will be required across the greater Shepparton/Wodonga regions and participation in an on call roster (one week a month).

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 Northeast 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 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 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 empowering young people and ready to lead high‑impact Youth Services across the North East region, please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your alignment with the role’s requirements.

Together, we can build safer, stronger 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