Residential Rehabilitation Program Manager

Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation – Saint Kilda VIC

Ngwala Willumbong is a leading provider of culturally safe and effective support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We are committed to supporting individuals affected by alcohol and other drug misuse, providing them with pathways to recovery through holistic and culturally appropriate rehabilitation programs.

Employing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People at Ngwala is essential to maintaining culturally aligned services. We STRONGLY encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this role and others as they become available.

About the Role

The Residential Rehabilitation Program Manager leads the day-to-day operations of Ngwala’s residential rehabilitation program, ensuring the delivery of secure, culturally responsive, and high-quality alcohol and other drug (AOD) recovery services. The role oversees staff, supports program development, and maintains effective systems for administration, data collection, and reporting. Working closely with clients and the broader Ngwala team, the Manager promotes positive client outcomes through quality case management, individual recovery planning, and culturally appropriate program activities. This position plays a key role in creating an environment that empowers Aboriginal people to achieve positive change, strengthen wellbeing, and reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities:

Staff and Program Management

- Lead the delivery of program objectives, ensuring compliance with organisational, funding, and regulatory requirements.
- Monitor program performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement through audits, incident reviews, observations, and staff feedback.
- Investigate complaints and incidents in a timely manner and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Maintain accurate program records, registers, and operational documentation.




- Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and performance management to staff.
- Participate in recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes as required.
- Ensure all staff receive comprehensive induction, training, and information necessary to perform their roles effectively.
- Foster a positive, culturally safe, and supportive workplace environment that promotes accountability, teamwork, and service excellence.

Client Management

- Assisting CSU in client intake process using the Comprehensive Assessment Tool (CAT)
- Ensuring the daily care and activities of clients are carried out as per the roster
- Advocating on behalf of clients where appropriate (this may include attending court, etc.)
- Sign off on individual treatment plans (ITPs), care and exit plans
- Reviewing client ITPs and support clients and staff to achieve set goals
- Review client files weekly
- Oversee that webster packs and medication is provided to clients as required
- Oversee the ordering, collecting, checking and recording of webster packs and scripts (ensure copies are placed in files)

House Management

- Ensure each resident is accommodated in a comfortable environment which is in good
- working order which meets QIP, Rooming House Standards
- Supervise and monitor daily activities of the centre
- Ensure all client appointments and program attendance are recorded and kept
- Conduct monthly meetings
- Prepare rosters for the centre staff
- Conduct internal audits of client files
- Ensure resources are effectively used
- Facilitate the processing of paperwork and client applications

Stakeholder/Partner Relationships

- Liaise with the community and various agencies and provide referrals
- Act as a main point of contact for external agencies
- Manage in house expenses (e.g. kitchen supplies) and adhere to program budgets
- Monitor petty cash and report cash flow to the Finance Team.

Data Management

- Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records, case notes, and documentation.
- Ensure client confidentiality and professional i

📌 Residential Rehabilitation Program Manager (St Kilda)
🏢 Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal
📍 St Kilda