Overview
Life at Mission Australia
When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we're building hope and possibility for all.
Your Opportunity
Every night in Darwin, people who are sleeping rough and impacted by alcohol and other drugs need more than shelter. They need safety, dignity, and care. As Program Manager of the (DSUS), you will play a pivotal role in making that happen. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity where your work directly supports people at their most vulnerable, while strengthening a service that is vital to the community. You will lead a dedicated team delivering a 24/7, culturally respectful service that provides a safe place to sleep, compassionate engagement, and meaningful pathways to health and wellbeing support. Working closely with NT Police, Larrakia Nation Night Patrol, NT Health and community partners, you'll ensure the shelter operates safely, compliantly and with a strong focus on people first. This is an on-site position that suits an experienced leader who thrives in fast-paced, complex environments. Someone who can balance operational oversight with genuine empathy, cultural safety and trauma-informed practice. From workforce leadership and rostering to budgets, compliance and continuous improvement, you'll be trusted to keep the service strong, responsive and impactful. Participation in an on-call roster every six weeks is required, reflecting the shared responsibility of supporting a service that never sleeps.
Your Key Responsibilities
* Lead, manage, and develop the DSUS team to deliver high-quality and a contractually compliant, people-focused service.
* Oversee staff recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and professional development.
* Manage budgets, expenditure, and financial compliance requirements.
* Ensure service operations meet KPIs, compliance standards, and funding guidelines.
* Build and maintain effective relationships with funders, stakeholders, NT Police, NT Health, Larrakia Nation, and other community service providers.
* Support frontline staff and ensure culturally sensitive and respectful interactions that contribute to people's health and wellbeing.
* Coordinate staff scheduling rosters for a 24/7 service.
* Drive a culture of continuous improvement and maintain consistency across service delivery.
* Adopt a culturally safe service that considers the physical, spiritual, cultural, emotional and social wellbeing of First Nations people.
Requirements for Success
* Relevant degree with experience or associate diploma with substantial experience in a similar setting.
* Significant leadership experience, including managing people, budgets, and compliance.
* Strong experience in alcohol and other drug (AOD) services.
* Excellent understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols.
* Understanding of trauma-informed practices (TCI desirable).
* Comfortable working with vulnerable people who are impacted by alcohol or other drugs.
* Skilled in conflict resolution, stakeholder management, and decision-making under pressure.
* Proven ability to deliver outcomes in a complex service environment.
* First Aid and CPR certificate is desired but not mandatory.
* Full driver licence with no restrictions.
* Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children / vulnerable people.
Your Benefits
* Rewarding work – every day you know you're making a real difference.
* Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax.
* Free external, confidential counselling and access to support services.
* Volunteering opportunities.
* Extra leave available including an additional public holiday, additional annual leave day on your work anniversary and the opportunity to purchase further annual leave.
Our Culture
Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career. We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you're skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia. If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email or visit our for additional contact details. We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us for more information.
How To Apply
Click 'Apply' and send your application today. As a committed employer, we will respond to your application. Applications for this role are shortlisted as received and we are interviewing through the advertising period. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you.
Location: Garramilla (Darwin) NT 0828
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