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.

Althea’s Community Hub is a day centre for those who are vulnerable, homeless or at risk of homelessness. We provide these individuals with the opportunity to socialise and be supported and valued as members of our community. Services delivered from the Hub include emergency relief support, case management, access to essential and specialist services, meals, showers and laundry facilities, participation in organised events and opportunities for paid voluntary work. The centre also delivers our social enterprise, Morehead Meals, which produces affordable, ethical, healthy and delicious meals, available for purchase to everyone in our community.

We are looking to appoint the Program Manager (Community Hub) on a permanent full-time basis. As the Manager of the Hub, you will provide a safe environment for customers and staff and will oversee the provision of daily care, case management and community/outreach support and assistance. You will lead, mentor and support a small team comprising senior case worker, centre coordinator, administration, cook and community care workers.

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

• Management of Hub operations including centre-based, outreach and mobile homelessness, emergency relief services and compliance requirements.
• Oversee our social enterprise, Morehead Meals ensuring it delivers affordable, healthy and delicious meals in accordance with safe food handling requirements.
• Oversee the provision of daily care, user facilities, case management and community/outreach support and assistance to all customers of ACH.
• Oversee and direct ACH Case Workers to ensure that client-centric case management addresses individual needs of people who are homeless, or those at risk of homelessness.
• Maintain high functioning programs and ensure service delivery targets and organisational standards are achieved, and funding body requirements are met.
• Engage and represent Althea’s Community Hub across key local and regional stakeholders, community organisations and government agencies.
• Lead and supervise the ACH team (including volunteers), ensuring a safe and harmonious work environment free from bullying, discrimination and harassment.
• Undertake 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 that customer activities are monitored, rules are abided by within the Hub and protocols achieve intended outcomes or are updated as necessary.
• Ensure the ongoing safety and maintenance of the Hub; including meeting all quality assurance activities are actioned and documented as required.
• Work in accordance with all relevant legislation including Homelessness Program Guidelines, Specifications and Requirements, Fair Work Act 2009, Information Privacy Act 2009, Privacy Act 1988, Human Rights Act 2019, Anti-Discrimination Act 1991, Food Act 2006.
• Act in accordance with our mission and values at all times.
• Actively contribute to maintaining a culture which values health, safety and wellbeing.
• Any other duties as reasonably required and which fall within the scope of this level.

In return, we offer you the following:

• An opportunity to help change lives.
• Supportive management and team.
• SCHCDSI Award Level 7 wages; and 5 weeks’ annual leave.
• Attractive salary packaging up to $15,600 p.a.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Annual flu injections.
• Support to achieve your Food Supervisor Certificate.
• Monday to Friday working pattern, with occasional out of work hours.

Applications may close early, we retain the right to start screening and interviewing any suitable candidates prior to this date.

Selection Criteria

1. Bachelor level qualifications in Human Services, Behavioural Science or equivalent; with relevant experience in the provision of services to people who are vulnerable and homeless.
2. Knowledge of the sector and understanding of the issues facing the homeless and how to address these; and experience in evaluating and case managing individual needs.
3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including written skills, negotiation, conflict management and ability to maintain and grow a wide range of professional networks.
4. Cultural awareness and understanding of Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures and the issues which impact upon them in society; and experience in providing culturally appropriate engagement.
5. Effective time management, with the ability to oversee and organise a range of activities and individuals, maintaining a solutions focus, positive, calm and resilient demeanour.
6. Proven leadership and support provided to team members, with knowledge of human resources management practices, employment and safety legislation and diversity principles.
7. First aid certificate and the ability to obtain and satisfy child and personal history screening; and current positive notice (Blue Card).

A full position description is attached below.