About Us

Country Connect Foundation is a First Nations-led, not-for-profit organisation delivering disability, youth and homelessness services across remote Northern Territory communities. Our work is guided by five core values: Client-Focused, Care, Connection, Community and Consistency. We are committed to delivering culturally responsive, person-centred services that create meaningful and sustainable outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Program Manager to lead our Short Stay Homelessness Program across Nhulunbuy and Ramingining. Based in either Darwin or Nhulunbuy, this position offers an opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness and housing instability across East Arnhem Land.

Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, you will provide leadership and operational oversight of the program, with a strong focus on client outcomes, culturally safe service delivery and continuous improvement.

You will support and develop frontline staff, strengthen relationships with community stakeholders and external agencies, and ensure clients receive coordinated, trauma-informed support that promotes housing stability, safety, independence and connection to community.

This is a diverse and rewarding leadership opportunity for someone who understands the complexities of remote service delivery and is passionate about achieving positive outcomes for vulnerable people.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the day-to-day delivery and ongoing development of the Short Stay Homelessness Program across Nhulunbuy and Ramingining.
- Provide leadership, supervision and mentoring to program staff, building a positive, accountable and supportive team culture.
- Oversee client intake, assessments, referrals, support planning, risk management and exit pathways.
- Ensure services are culturally safe,



trauma-informed and responsive to the needs of Yolŋu clients and people visiting from remote communities.
- Monitor client outcomes, including housing pathways, access to essential services, safety and increased independence.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with Aboriginal community stakeholders, housing providers, government agencies and other service partners.
- Oversee program compliance, client documentation, reporting, funding requirements and quality assurance processes.
- Identify service gaps and opportunities to improve program delivery, client outcomes and operational effectiveness.
- Provide leadership in managing complex client situations, incidents and safeguarding concerns.

About You

We are looking for a capable, compassionate and solutions-focused leader who can balance operational responsibilities with a genuine commitment to improving client outcomes. To be successful, you will bring:
- Demonstrated experience in homelessness, housing, community services or a related human services sector.
- Experience leading, supervising and developing frontline teams.
- A strong understanding of trauma-informed, person-centred and culturally safe service delivery.
- Experience supporting people with complex needs, including coordinating referrals, support pathways and multi-agency responses.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build respectful, collaborative relationships with communities and service providers.
- Experience in program reporting, compliance, quality assurance and continuous improvement.
- Sound judgement,



strong organisational skills and the ability to respond effectively to challenges in a remote service environment.
- An understanding of Aboriginal communities and the unique considerations of delivering services in remote Northern Territory locations.

Tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Community Services, Psychology, Human Services or a related discipline will be highly regarded. Experience working with Yolŋu communities and knowledge of Northern Territory Specialist Homelessness Services and housing pathways will also be highly regarded.

Essential Requirements

Applicants must hold or be able to meet the position's mandatory requirements, including:
- Current NT Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card).
- Current First Aid and CPR Certificate.
- Current C Class Driver Licence.
- NDIS Worker Screening Clearance where required.

The position requires flexibility and a willingness to travel to Ramingining and other East Arnhem communities, including overnight stays where necessary.

Why Join Country Connect Foundation?

- Make a meaningful impact – Lead services that support people experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
- Flexible base location – Be based in either Darwin or Nhulunbuy.
- Leadership prospect – Support and develop a team committed to positive client outcomes.
- Community connection – Work alongside Yolŋu communities and local service providers to strengthen culturally responsive services.
- Opportunity to influence change – Contribute to program development, service improvements and sustainable community outcomes.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced community services professional ready to take on a rewarding leadership opportunity, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and suitability for the position by Applying No or email [email protected].

📌 Program Manager - Short Stay Homelessness Program (Darwin)
🏢 Country Connect
📍 Darwin