Independance Programs Manager

Independence Programs Manager (Full Time role)

At Stepping Stone House we truly believe in assisting youth to create their future and be the very best they can be!!

We are currently a seeking a passionate and enthusiastic manager to lead our Semi-Independent and Independent Living programs for young people 16-25 years old who are at risk of homelessness and need support to become Independent. If you love creating thriving teams, working with adolescents and have a desire to help them become the best they can be then this job is for you!

About Stepping Stone House

Stepping Stone House is a not for profit charity that provides accommodation and personal development for children and young people aged 12-24 years old who through no fault of their own find themselves homeless, at risk of homelessness or unable to live at home.  It is an accredited out of home care residential service providing medium to long term accommodation across Sydney. At Stepping Stone House we encourage personal growth and development of children and young people with the aim of empowering the individual to achieve responsible independence. We have a foundation of building resilience through outdoor education and activities.

A few other gems for you:

• Cultural Diversity – 48% of SSH team members were born overseas or their parents were
• Gender Leadership diversity – females make up 80% of the SSH operational leadership team  66% of the SSH Board of directors
• Motivation – 96% of our staff team strongly believe in the Vision, Mission and Values of Stepping Stone House
• Family – 96% of our staff team strongly agree that Stepping Stone House support and respect that I have family responsibilities outside of work
• Career opportunities – 36% of our SSH staff team have been promoted internally

About the Role

In this role you have oversight of three different programs (2 x Group Semi-independent homes plus our Independent Community support program). You will provide leadership, supervision and expert guidance on working with young people who have experienced Trauma. You will also be involved in developing different programs to deliver to young people to assist with their transition to independence including developing our Outdoor Education program which is a pillar of the Stepping Stone House program. This role is based in Dulwich Hill 

Work Life Balance and a sense of fun in the workplace is actively encouraged.

Ideal candidate

To be successful in this challenging role – you will need to be hard working, be flexible in your approach, enthusiastic and show empathy, patience and respect for the people you work with. You will need to be a self- starter, be honest in your approach and have passion for working with adolescents.

What you will be doing – Key responsibilities

• Provide direct line supervision to 3 of our Program Coordinators and Indirect supervision to a team of 9.
• Ensure compliance with Stepping Stone House procedures and structure within the programs. 
• Develop programs to deliver to young people that will progress them towards independence.
• Ensure all direct care being delivered is Trauma informed and in line with Stepping Stone House’s therapeutic frameworks of Attachment, Regulation and Competency (ARC) and Therapeutic Crises Intervention (TCI). 
• Create and Deliver annual activity planners for our Outdoor Education program.
• Advise on strategies to ensure placement stability for each young person and prevents placement breakdowns. 
• Assist with referrals and placement matching for young people entering our group home programs.

And a great deal more – remember this is an exciting and challenging role.

Selection Criteria – candidates must address the essential and desirable selection criteria below with their application. 

Knowledge, Qualification & Experience:

• Degree in relevant social sciences (eg social work, psychology). Further relevant qualifications would be desirable. Equivalent experience will be considered.
• Knowledge of legislative, governance and accreditation requirements for residential services
• In depth understanding of trauma based issues impacting young people who cannot live at home
• Working with Children certification
• Successful team leadership track record
• Cost effective planning and operations of staffing rosters, staff training and service delivery in similar business
• Effective management of relationships with funding agencies and sponsors

Person Specifications:

• Professionalism and passion for the work and the people
• Emotional intelligence and maturity 
• Honest, and trustworthy
• Commercial acumen in identifying and delivering income growth and cost control
• Evidence of collaborative working style and ability to build good working relationships in team
• Track record of innovative and commercially astute design and delivery of professional effective residential services for adolescents that supports achievement of successful independent living. 
• Track record in inspiring the confidence and respect of a Board or CEO in effectively managing relationships at all levels and delivering customer-facing services in a way that builds effective working relationships and manages financial and governance risks
• Demonstrated track record in efficiently designing, documenting and operating according to procedures and standards that achieve and maintain standards
• Cost effective resourcing and rostering of workers in customer facing service delivery to manage labour costs and provide quality services
• Track record of attracting, retaining and developing high performing experienced staff and volunteers
• Record of accomplishment of work practices in accommodation services that create a safe environment for residents and workers with a nil harm outcome.
• Demonstrates interest in learning from and collaboration in partnerships with other providers for improving performance, referrals and efficiency and effectiveness of SSH.
• Wins respect of government agencies, donors and potential partners, promoting confidence for referrals, funding and donations.
• Can evidence consistent professionalism and maturity in dealing with difficult situations that inspires trust, confidence and respect of stakeholders at all levels. 

Stepping Stone House is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applicants who have an Indigenous and / or culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background.

Stepping Stone House provides regular supervision and support for all staff and opportunities for professional development. 

Please note: If your application is successful, you will be required to obtain a Working with Children Check and a Criminal History Check.

Stepping Stone House is a Child Safe Organisation and puts the safety and welfare of our young people first in all the work we do. All safety checks will be prioritised through the recruitment process.