Barkuma is seeking an experienced and values-driven Participant Development Manager to lead our Participant Development Team and support positive outcomes for people with disability across their journey with Barkuma.

About Barkuma:

Barkuma is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through providing diverse range of services. For more than 50 years, we have fostered an environment of self-determination, endless opportunities for learning and growth for our customers. Our aspirational goal is to become a leading provider of high-quality employment, transition, and in-home support services for both current and future customers. At the heart of our mission is our purpose to partner with individuals on their journey towards their best life.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Executive Manager, Operations and Growth, the Participant Development Manager plays a critical leadership role in overseeing participant intake, onboarding, development and transition planning across Barkuma services. In-depth understanding of NDIS intake, onboarding and service delivery is required to lead a small team focussed on providing quality services to new and existing participants. The role also leads intake and onboarding for non-NDIS services in open employment and school transition services.

This is a leadership and operational role that works closely with participants, families and guardians, Operations, Safeguarding, Accommodation and Respite Services (ARS) and external providers to ensure participants receive coordinated, person-centred support and are connected to the right services and opportunities.

The role provides leadership to the Participant Development Team while also contributing to the development of service models, transition pathways and practical tools that support participants to achieve their goals and navigate important life transitions, including leaving school, entering employment, developing greater independence, or retirement.

As a key member of the leadership team, you will help strengthen Barkuma’s approach to participant development, transition and service delivery while ensuring appropriate risk, safeguarding, compliance and quality requirements are maintained.





Key Responsibilities:

- Lead, support and develop the Participant Development Team.
- Oversee participant intake, onboarding, service agreements, documentation and NDIS-related processes.
- Work with participants, families and relevant stakeholders to support goal setting, planning and life transitions.
- Develop and improve participant pathways across employment, accommodation and other services.
- Work with the ARS team to strengthen developmental and person-centred approaches to service delivery.
- Support the management of participant complaints, safeguarding matters, risks and investigations.
- Work closely with the Safeguarding Team on incident trends, participant feedback, PBS and risk and support planning.
- Support Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) claims and related compliance requirements.
- Ensure participant records and service documentation are accurate and maintained appropriately.
- Establish and improve referral pathways and processes to support coordinated participant outcomes.
- Lead and contribute to quality improvement, strategic projects and service development initiatives.

About You

You are a collaborative and people-focused leader who is passionate about supporting people with disability to achieve meaningful outcomes. You are comfortable working across a complex organisation and can balance strong relationships and person-centred practice with operational requirements, risk and compliance.

You will bring:

- Demonstrated leadership experience in a complex or cross-organisational environment.
- Current knowledge of the NDIS, IEA and disability service provision.
- Strong understanding of participant intake, onboarding and transition planning.
- Strong communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.




- A strengths-based and person-centred approach to supporting people with disability.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complexity, identify opportunities for improvement and translate ideas into practical outcomes.
- Sound knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Qualifications and Clearances:

- Tertiary qualifications in Disability Studies or an equivalent qualification allowing access to Developmental Educators Australia Inc.
- Current registration with the relevant professional association or body, including ongoing professional development requirements.
- Current NDIS Worker Check or willingness to obtain.
- NDIS Worker Orientation Module 'Quality, Safety and You' or willingness to obtain.
- Current DHS Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain.
- Appropriate Child Safe Environments certificate or willingness to obtain.
- Appropriate infection control certificate or willingness to obtain.

Special Conditions:

- Work rights for Australia.
- Ability to work and travel across Barkuma sites as required.
- Current Australian Driver's Licence. (restricted P2 licence and above)

Benefits of Working with Barkuma:

- Permanent role with $18,550 salary packaging option.
- Enjoy 5 weeks of annual leave.
- Supportive, flexible and diverse team culture.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Access to a minimum of 6 annual EAP sessions.
- Free flu vaccination.

To find out more about Barkuma visit us at:

- www.barkuma.com.au
- www.facebook.com/barkumainc
- www.linkedin.com/company/barkuma-inc

To Apply:

Please click the 'Apply' button to lodge your application, including a cover letter and your Resume.

Barkuma acknowledges that each individual, regardless of their background or abilities, brings diverse talents and skills, ensuring the best outcomes for our clients. We encourage applicants with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the LGBTIQ+ community, and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply.

With respect, no recruitment agencies please. Candidates must have work rights for Australia. Barkuma is an equal prospect employer.

Shortlisted applicants only will be contacted.

Thanks P&C; Team

📌 Participant Development Manager (Elizabeth)
🏢 Barkuma
📍 Elizabeth