Youth and Wellbeing Services Manager

Lead culturally safe, youth-focused programs that strengthen community wellbeing Njernda Aboriginal Corporation at Echuca is seeking a dynamic and culturally knowledgeable Youth and Well-being Services Manager to lead a diverse portfolio of programs supporting Aboriginal young people, families, and community. This leadership role oversees a range of wellbeing, justice, engagement, and cultural programs, ensuring services are culturally safe, trauma-aware, and responsive to community needs. The role provides strategic and operational management of staff, trainees, and programs - working closely with the CEO, Elders, internal teams, and key external partners to deliver strong, positive outcomes for young people. Identified Role – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants only In this role, you will: Lead day‑to‑day operations and strategic planning across youth, wellbeing, justice, and engagement programs Build a positive, culturally strong workplace culture and support staff training and development Ensure trauma‑aware, culturally appropriate, and compliant service delivery Manage budgets, staffing, reporting, KPIs, and program performance Strengthen partnerships with ACCOs, mainstream services, justice agencies, schools, and community stakeholders About You: Tertiary qualifications in youth work, social work, community services, child/family services or similar Strong understanding of Aboriginal culture, community needs, and youth wellbeing Demonstrated leadership in multidisciplinary, high‑pressure service environments Knowledge of youth justice, child protection, mental health and the Children, Youth & Families Act Excellent communication, staff management, conflict resolution, and partnership‑building skills Lead culturally safe, youth-centred services that empower Aboriginal young people and strengthen community wellbeing. Selection Criteria Essential: Qualifications Tertiary qualifications in the field of children and youth services, social work, social welfare, community services and/or residential care Skills Demonstrated capacity and knowledge of managing intensive support programmes relevant to children, youth and well‑being services Demonstrated knowledge and understanding Aboriginal culture and issues relating to the needs of Aboriginal families in the area Demonstrated understanding of the Children, Youth and Families Act and child protection procedures Demonstrated understanding of and working with the relevant legislations and acts pertaining to youth justice, child protection and the mental health system Demonstrated ability to connect with Aboriginal communities and carers in a cultural appropriate manner Ability to work effectively in complex, crisis‑driven, multi‑disciplinary, high‑pressure situations with diverse groups, especially children, youth, families and diverse groups with complex needs Demonstrated experience in program planning, design, development and implementation Experience in budgeting, financial control, and providing clear written reports and statistical data, coupled with well‑developed computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel) Ability to conduct professional supervision, assess staff learning needs, review performance, and address staff Human Resource issues including performance issues Proven leadership, verbal and written communications skills with the ability to manage and develop staff, advocate, mediate, and resolve conflicts, while communicating effectively across diverse backgrounds Demonstrated ability to develop and work collaboratively partnerships with external parties Experience 5 years of experience in a similar role or significant relevant experience Satisfactory evidence of: Pre‑employment checks not limited to at least two professional referees Proof of identity and qualifications National police check, Working with Children’s Check, full Victorian driver’s licence Disclosure of any pre‑existing illness/injury and vaccination status in line with Njernda’s current policy and procedure As applicable – eligibility to work in Australia, professional regulatory licences, registration and current good standing, and clearance on aged care banning orders Desirable Work experience in regional Australia Please submit your application via Seek by December 21, 2025, including your resume and a cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria, as well as the details for at least two referees. #J-18808-Ljbffr