Service Manager

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander leader, or someone with significant experience working with Aboriginal communities, to join us in the role of Service Manager for Taingi Yaitya-Itya – previously known as our Aboriginal Community Connect suite of services. This impactful role is deeply rooted in cultural understanding, community empowerment and healing-informed practice.

This is more than just a leadership position. You’ll guide and shape culturally safe and responsive services that directly support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people facing challenges related to alcohol and other drugs, homelessness, mental health, and social isolation. Join us and become part of a bold, compassionate team making genuine change.

What’s the role?

As our Service Manager for Taingi Yaitya-Itya, you’ll use your deep cultural understanding and leadership expertise to:

• Lead a culturally strong team dedicated to the delivery of culturally safe, trauma-informed, client-centred services.
• Build and strengthen meaningful partnerships with Elders, Traditional Owners, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).
• Coach, mentor, and support direct reports, who lead teams across Taingi Yaitya-Itya services.
• Ensure our services genuinely reflect community need, values and aspirations.
• Foster a workplace culture grounded in respect, accountability, and cultural safety.
• Drive continuous improvement and compliance with quality and funding frameworks.

Who are you?

First and foremost, you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and are known for your extensive community-based work.

You’re someone who knows how to lead with cultural insight, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to decolonising service delivery. Your experience in community or health services, particularly with Aboriginal communities, is matched by your passion for social justice and continuous improvement.

You’re a natural communicator, a supportive mentor, and someone who confidently navigates collaboration across diverse agencies.

You’ll also bring:

• Relevant qualifications in social work, community services, or related fields.
• Strong leadership experience, ideally in a management role.
• Expertise in contract management, budgeting, and report writing.
• Proven experience working collaboratively across health, AOD, or community service environments.
• A culturally safe, person-centred approach to care.
• Strong community ties or lived experience that deeply informs your practice.

What’s in it for you?

Apart from knowing you’re genuinely making a difference every day, Uniting Communities offers:

• Generous salary packaging options (up to $15,900 per year pre-tax, plus an additional $2,650 Meals and Entertainment card). To see how this could potentially benefit your take home pay, visit our salary packaging provider, Access Pay.
• Access to Cultural leave, purchased leave options, and paid parental leave.
• Flexibility and an inclusive work environment committed to your wellbeing and professional growth.

You’ll be joining a passionate, supportive team dedicated to driving meaningful change.

Learn more about our work and the benefits on offer unitingcommunities.org

How to apply

We’d love to hear from you!

Please submit your application as soon as possible, as we'll review applications on an ongoing basis. For more information, reach out directly to Pooja Wankhede – Senior Talent Acquisition Adviser on 0427 983 018

Uniting Communities considers that being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under sub-s 56(2) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA). Applications for this position are therefore only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strat Islander applicants. We take the safety of children, young people, and vulnerable adults seriously. Successful candidates must adhere to our code of conduct and undergo relevant pre-employment checks.