Programs Coordinator

Overview

Waves of Wellness (WOW) Foundation is a for-purpose mental health charity committed to changing the face of mental health. We strive to change lives through innovative mental health and wellbeing programs based on our three pillars of wellness: social inclusion, connection to nature, and engagement in meaningful activity. Our mission is to create and implement innovative mental health programs that break down the barriers and stigma that prevent people from being well.

The WOW Surfing Experience (WOWSE) is an 8-week evidence based learn-to-surf program for people experiencing mental health issues. It facilitates functional recovery, while promoting social inclusion, engagement and enhanced quality of life. The program introduces surfing to participants as a way to improve physical health, mental health and wellbeing in a neutral, non-intrusive environment in addition to providing participants with weekly mental health discussions and skill development for. The program uses the ocean and surfing as a conduit to explore, stimulate and facilitate positive health outcomes. 

The program is facilitated by mental health clinicians which partner with local surf schools to deliver the WOWSE. Each week, the program addresses a different mental health theme allowing participants to learn new skills and strategies through lived experience, storytelling, and connection with like-minded individuals. Clinical expertise facilitates functional recovery and meaningful connection. A therapeutic graded approach is essential to promote recovery in a supported environment rather than overwhelming participants. Through involvement in this program, participants gain the opportunity to learn how to use surfing as a coping strategy for their mental health.

About the role:

The Programs Coordinator role drives our national programs forward. Working with a dedicated and passionate team, this pivotal role coordinates program logistics and supports the delivery of our national surf therapy programs. 

The Programs Coordinator provides expert administrative support to a national team of 9+ sites including program scheduling and other site logistics such as maintenance of relevant licenses, permits and insurances, assistance with funding applications to support program delivery and reporting back to funding partners on programs delivered. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Program planning and administrative support on a national level
• Team scheduling, volunteer recruitment and coordination 
• Maintaining key program relationships with stakeholders (schools, mental health services, community groups, etc)
• Overseeing intake and referral process of program participants, and volunteers using CRM (Salesforce)
• Ensure safety management plans are in place at each location
• Ensure all relevant permits, insurances and other required documentation is in place for each site location including coordinating local surf schools and managing governance of surf school accreditation 
• Developing and managing participant engagement with upcoming programs
• Grant application writing and reporting back to funding partners 
• Act as the first point of contact for program participants and enquiries. 

What you’ll have: 

• Demonstrated track record of program coordination, project management, or other strong organisational skills 
• High level competency in communication skills, both written and verbal
• Working with Children Check (to be provided prior to appointment)
• Police Clearance Check (to be provided prior to appointment)

Desirable: 

• Tertiary qualifications Business Management, Project Management, Administration or related degree.
• Experience in NFP 
• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Psychology or related degree

How to Apply

Please email your resume and cover letter highlighting relevant academic and work experience to ***************@foundationwow.org. The cover letter should address the criteria listed above. 

While we thank all candidates for their interest, only candidates selected for an interview