Program Manager (Wee Care And Althea House)

PROGRAM MANAGER (WEE CARE AND ALTHEA HOUSE)

Since 1974, Althea Projects Inc. has been supporting and strengthening the capacity of vulnerable people within Townsville and the surrounding regions.  Our main programs are Foster & Kinship, Wee Care Residential and Althea’s Community Hub, from which we deliver a range of services. Our Wee Care and Althea House  Services provide crisis, emergency and short-term residential services for children aged 0-11 years.

We are looking to appoint the Program Manager (Wee Care and Althea House) on a permanent full-time basis.   The successful applicant will have extensive experience in the management of child focused residential services with a background in child protection and trauma informed care.

Reporting to the Service Operations Manager and working as part of the leadership team, you will be responsible for:

• Management of all Residential Care services, including both residentials, ERF, Playgroup and Family Contact Service and associated compliance requirements.
• Working closely with the Service Operations Manager to ensure contemporary and effective services are delivered which meet evolving statutory needs and funding models.
• Maintaining a high standard of Care and well-being that provides for physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs of children in the services.
• Leading and managing the Residential Care Services team (including volunteers)
• Developing and managing rosters
• Ensuring the Program meets all legislative and funding requirements, including the Human Services Quality Framework (HSQF).
• Maintaining high functioning programs and ensuring service delivery targets and organisational standards are achieved, and funding body requirements are met.
• Undertaking supervisory and people management responsibilities and activities in accordance with legislated requirements and organisational policies and procedures.
• As a member of the leadership team, work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to develop, implement, and report on the operational program and budget. 
• Ensure the ongoing safety, suitability, and maintenance of the Residential Care Services properties.

In return, we offer you the following:

• An opportunity to help change lives
• Supportive management and team
• SCHADS Award Level 7 wages; and 5 weeks’ annual leave
• Attractive salary packaging up to $15,900 p.a.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Annual flu injections 
• Monday to Friday working pattern, with occasional out of work hours (on-call on a rotational basis is a requirement of this position)
• Birthday Leave

How to Apply

Please submit your resume together with a succinct response to the selection criteria (2 pages maximum), providing examples of relevant knowledge, skills and experience.  

Applications will close at 5.00pm on 1 March 2024, however we retain the right to start screening and interviewing any suitable candidates prior to this date.

Selection Criteria:

1. Experienced manager with relevant graduate qualifications in Social Work, Early Childhood, Human Services, Behavioural Science with extensive relevant experience.  Postgraduate qualifications and/or further specialised professional development highly regarded. 
2. Proven track record in the operational and financial management of child focussed residential, day care facilities and services.
3.  Significant knowledge and experience gained of procedures, protocols, and legislation applicable to the child protection and family support services.
4. Significant skills, knowledge and experience relating to residential and family support services, legislation, practices, and interventions in the use of appropriate techniques and interventions to achieve outcomes for children experiencing trauma.
5. Proven experience providing human resources support to team members, with knowledge of human resources management practices, employment and safety legislation and diversity principles.
6. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including written skills, negotiation, conflict management and engagement with children with trauma and their families.
7. Strong cultural awareness and understanding of Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures and the issues which impact upon them in society.
8. Driver’s license, and the ability to satisfy child and personal history screening; and current positive notice (Blue Card).