Job description
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for transforming the lives of vulnerable young people? Our client, a well-established not-for-profit organisation, is seeking a Residential and Specialised Support Manager to lead and grow a suite of programs that support young people across Central Queensland. This position can be located in either Rockhampton or Gladstone.
This is an opportunity to manage a portfolio, build strong partnerships and deliver best practice services for young people transitioning through residential care, post-care and specialised support.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, the Residential and Specialised Support Manager will oversee the organisation’s 24/7 Residential Care services and Specialised Support programs, including:
Key Responsibilities
You’re an experienced and driven manager with a strong background in child protection, residential care, or youth services. You’re passionate about creating real outcomes for young people.
You’ll also bring:
#SCR-melanie-ireland
Applicants new to DFP may be asked to provide additional information including work rights status via a survey link – if requested, we ask that you provide this information in order to expedite your application.
DFP welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with disability. In addition, DFP will provide reasonable adjustments for individuals with disability throughout the recruitment process. If you identify as a person with disability and require adjustments to the application, recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please advise via adjustments@dfp.com.au or 1300 337 000 and indicate your preferred method of communication (email, phone, text) so we can keep in touch and meet your accessibility needs.
By clicking 'apply', you give consent that DFP may use your personal information to process your job application and to contact you for future employment opportunities. For further information on how DFP process your personal information please review the DFP Information Collection and Privacy Policy via https://www.dfp.com.au/about-us/policies. Do not submit any sensitive personal information in your resume.
This is an opportunity to manage a portfolio, build strong partnerships and deliver best practice services for young people transitioning through residential care, post-care and specialised support.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, the Residential and Specialised Support Manager will oversee the organisation’s 24/7 Residential Care services and Specialised Support programs, including:
- Residential Care: Delivering trauma-informed care for young people in therapeutic home settings.
- Next Step Extended and Post-Care Support: Assisting young people aged 15–25 as they transition out of care.
- Individual Placement Support (IPS): Providing tailored in-home and community-based services for young people in the child protection system.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, manage and expand residential and specialised support programs across Central Queensland
- Oversee service quality, staff performance, compliance, and operational effectiveness
- Provide strategic direction and support for Residential Care Coordinators, House Managers, and specialised support staff
- Foster partnerships with government departments and community providers
- Maintain program compliance with all relevant legislation, contracts, and accreditation frameworks
- Ensure positive outcomes for young people through a trauma-informed, person-centred approach
- Lead funding submissions and tender applications to support program growth
- Monitor budgets and financial performance in line with contract expectations
- Champion a culture of safety, continuous learning, and staff wellbeing
You’re an experienced and driven manager with a strong background in child protection, residential care, or youth services. You’re passionate about creating real outcomes for young people.
You’ll also bring:
- A Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Behavioural Sciences or a related field
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a senior management role in community or child protection services
- Deep understanding of trauma informed care, child development, and therapeutic practices
- Strong financial acumen and operational oversight capability
- Experience managing government contracts, service agreements, and compliance frameworks
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Proven ability to lead, coach and support multidisciplinary teams across dispersed locations
- A proactive, solution-focused mindset with a strong outcomes orientation
- Current Blue Card (Working with Children) and Yellow Card (or eligibility to obtain)
- COVID-19 vaccination as per public health requirements
- Queensland Open Driver’s Licence (or equivalent)
- Willingness to travel as required
- Strategic leadership opportunity with real community impact
- Purpose-led, supportive and dynamic organisational culture
- Competitive salary aligned to Level 8 SCHADS Award + super + salary packaging
- Opportunity to shape and grow innovative programs across Central Queensland
- Join a team deeply committed to the wellbeing and future of young people
#SCR-melanie-ireland
Applicants new to DFP may be asked to provide additional information including work rights status via a survey link – if requested, we ask that you provide this information in order to expedite your application.
DFP welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with disability. In addition, DFP will provide reasonable adjustments for individuals with disability throughout the recruitment process. If you identify as a person with disability and require adjustments to the application, recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please advise via adjustments@dfp.com.au or 1300 337 000 and indicate your preferred method of communication (email, phone, text) so we can keep in touch and meet your accessibility needs.
By clicking 'apply', you give consent that DFP may use your personal information to process your job application and to contact you for future employment opportunities. For further information on how DFP process your personal information please review the DFP Information Collection and Privacy Policy via https://www.dfp.com.au/about-us/policies. Do not submit any sensitive personal information in your resume.
