Justice Programs Manager

Justice Programs Manager - Work Ready, Release Ready Rewarding role, leading an established team and performing program, promoting second chances and working to reduce reoffending across South Australia. Work Ready, Release Ready is a pioneering program that supports individuals engaging with correctional services to build skills, confidence, and readiness to find a job while settling back into the community. The Role Reporting to the Executive Manager, you will oversee the delivery of the Work Ready Release Ready (WRRR) Program across multiple South Australian correctional facilities—including Mobilong, Port Augusta, Cadell, APC, Mount Gambier, Port Lincoln, and the Adelaide Women’s Prison—as well as in community settings. Your leadership will drive program performance, stakeholder engagement, and employment outcomes for participants transitioning back into the community. Key Responsibilities Lead, manage, and continuously improve the South Australian Department for Correctional Services funded WRRR Program across participating prisons and in the community. Oversee the WorkPlace Program through OARS to ensure employment targets are met. Provide accurate, timely written and verbal reporting to DCS’ Executive, senior leadership, and other key stakeholders. Achieve KPI targets set collaboratively by Workskil, DCS, and OARS. Ensure compliance with all contractual, deed, policy, and guideline requirements. Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with key stakeholders. Design and implement operational strategies and employment initiatives to improve outcomes for prior offenders. Deliver culturally informed services, with a strong commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants. About You You’re an accomplished leader who thrives in a complex, purpose-driven environment. You bring sound judgment, compassion, and the ability to motivate teams working with vulnerable cohorts. You Will Bring: Proven leadership experience with the ability to guide and motivate a high‑performing team. Bachelor-level qualifications in Psychology, Social Sciences, Criminology, or a related field. At least 3 years’ experience working with ex‑offenders, or within the prison or justice systems. Demonstrated management experience in a program or service delivery environment. Strong ability to interpret complex administrative procedures and performance requirements. Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship‑building skills. High proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite. Current driver’s licence and willingness to travel intrastate/interstate as required. Location: Salisbury or Kilkenny with travel across metropolitan and regional SA required. Employment Type: Full Time, Fixed Term 15/01/2027 Hours: 8.30am – 5.00pm, Monday – Friday. Why Join Us? Make a meaningful difference in your community. Help participants gain confidence, skills, and work readiness. Be part of a team that values respect, inclusion, and growth. If you have the relevant skills and experience—or transferable skills that could truly make a difference—we’d love to hear from you The Application Process If you progress through our screening process, there are a few other requirements which we’ll need for you to obtain as follows (at Workskil Australia’s cost): National Police Clearance Working Rights Check Want to know more about Workskil Australia? Check us out Workskil Australia is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer and we particularly welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, applicants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and applicants who have a disability. We deliver a range of employment and community services to children, young people and their families and are committed to creating a safe environment for children and young people in the delivery of these services. Be careful - Don’t provide your bank or credit card details when applying for jobs. Don't transfer any money or complete suspicious online surveys. If you see something suspicious, report this job ad. #J-18808-Ljbffr