• Permanent | Full Time
• Location: Dandenong 3175
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we stand together with anyone who needs us, for as long as they need us. Find out more about us and our purpose.  

Your Opportunity

Mission Australia is on the lookout for a Program Manager, for our Victorian ParentsNext program.

ParentsNext supports parents and carers who receive Parenting Payment to plan and prepare for work by the time their youngest child reaches school or 6 years of age. Support includes help with developing skills, training or work experience, sourcing financial support, training and other work-related expenses and connecting to local support services such as counselling, family violence, housing, and various other community based organisations

The ParentsNext Program Manager is responsible for the operational management of ParentsNext in the South East Melbourne & Peninsula Region. This includes managing a large team across 8 sites to achieve the objectives and outcomes of the ParentsNext program. The Program Manager is also responsible for developing and maintaining effective working relationships with key stakeholders in the Southern East Melbourne & Peninsula Region.   

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Lead the local team in the delivery of program requirements to clients
• Manage the delivery of service commitments to achieve client outcomes
• Influence operational activities by contributing to the ongoing development and improvement of the service
• Meet all program targets, compliance and KPIs and program budgets
• Raise awareness of the ParentsNext Program within local communities, and develop collaborative relationships with key external stakeholders
• Develop and maintain relationships with other key internal stakeholders including the Practice Leadership Team, Human Resources and Finance.

Requirements for Success

• Substantial experience in leading and managing teams in a complex service delivery setting
• Experience in a similar role, and understanding of Employment Services would be highly advantageous
• Relevant degree with experience or associate diploma with substantial experience
• Demonstrated ability to deliver service outcomes on time and in compliance with funding requirements
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders
• Previous experience in budget and financial management
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated interest in community and social outcomes
• A personal alignment with the values of Mission Australia
• Current Driver’s Licence
• COVID-19 vaccination

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people and child-safe certificate. 

Culture & Benefits  

A career with Mission Australia will offer you rewarding experiences to make a difference to the lives of Australians in need. We have an innovative and supportive culture guided by our values of compassion, integrity, respect, perseverance, and celebration.

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications and referee checks.  

Our culture 

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.  

We’re committed to the safety and wellbeing of each other and the people we serve. 

We recognise and respect diversity. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia. 

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia. 

If you need support to submit your application, please email [email protected], using the subject line: Program Manager - Parents Next enquiry via EthicalJobs. 

Your benefits 

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference 
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay) 
• Generous discounts with health insurance and major retailers  
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support. 

How to Apply

To be considered for this opportunity, please click ‘Apply for this job’ and send your cover letter and resume today. As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer, we will respond to your application.

For more information, feel free to view the Position Description via  Program Manager, Level 2 -Dandenong.pdf

For further information regarding working with us, visit Working for Mission Australia. 

Applications will be shortlisted as they are received. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you.