Here at the Department of Human Services (DHS), we strive to deliver modern programs, services and policy that strengthen communities and enable South Australians to actively participate in community life. With people at the heart of what we do and a commitment to child safety, ageing well and supporting people with disability, we work to increase inclusion, independence and decision-making, and help our communities when it matters most.

Our Disability and Specialised Services (DaSS) Division delivers essential support to South Australians through high-quality NDIS services, sector reform, inclusion-focused policy. We provide direct disability supports through Supported Independent Living, and specialised care through our Disability, Clinical and Quality Services, as well as Aged Care Projects. Our work is strengthened by Corporate and Engagement teams, ensuring strong governance, collaboration and positive outcomes for people we support.

Role Details

An exciting opportunity to shape the future of DHS Disability Services and Specialised Services Supported Independent Living Services. As an Area Manager, you will shape services and systems across a defined geographic area, ensuring participants receive consistent, responsive and compliant supports that promote choice, safety and wellbeing.

About the Role

Reporting to the Assistant Director, you will provide operational management and leadership across a defined Supported Independent Living service area, ensuring delivery aligns with NDIS Practice Standards, safeguarding requirements and organisational priorities. You will lead and support Team Leaders and their teams to strengthen practice quality, respond to complex participant needs and deliver evidence-based services that support positive and sustainable outcomes.

A key focus of the role is building and maintaining strong internal and external partnerships with participants, families, guardians, community providers and government and non-government agencies. Through collaboration and shared accountability, you will ensure services are coordinated, responsive and person centred, and that participant experiences and outcomes are continuously improved.

What We are Looking For

We are seeking an experienced, values driven human services operational leader who can operate confidently in a complex service delivery environment. You will bring:

• demonstrated service operations management experience in disability, health, community or human services, ideally within NDIS funded service environments
• strong knowledge of evidence-based person-centred Active Support service models, NDIS Practice Standards, safeguarding, compliance and quality management frameworks
• proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, provide clear direction, and foster a culture of accountability, safety and continuous improvement
• experience managing operational systems, resources and budgets to deliver sustainable and high-quality services that achieve organisational outcomes
• well developed relationship building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with participants, families, carers, and a broad range of stakeholders
• sound judgement and capability in managing complex participant needs, incidents, complaints and risk within a governance framework.

What We Offer

• a meaningful human service operational leadership role supporting improved outcomes for South Australians living with disability
• an inclusive, values-led workplace that promotes respect, diversity and psychological safety
• ongoing professional development and leadership capability opportunities
• the opportunity to contribute to system improvement and service innovation within Disability and Community Services.

Special Conditions

• National Police Check required.
• Employment-related Screening Check required.
• Full working rights in Australia.
• Must hold a current Australian issued driver’s licence (equivalent to minimum class C).
• The incumbent will be required to participate in a rotating on-call roster that meets the needs of the service.
• Multiple positions available across three locations - Daw Park/Marion, Mount Gambier/Daw Park, Mawson Lakes.

A position description is attached.