Program Manager, South East in Melbourne

• A meaningful role, developing leaders and supporting ACSO's dynamic South East Forensic Residential Services
• Up to $127,421.67 base salary + $11,917.10 Motor vehicle allowance + On Call allowance + 12% superannuation + NFP salary packaging options
• Working for a values-based, supportive organisation where your work has impact every day

At ACSO, we look for people who believe in second chances, who share our values and are passionate about supporting forensic clients to reintegrate back into the community. If you're looking for a great opportunity within ACSO and this sounds like you, read on!

About Us

The Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) is a vibrant, values driven NFP, focused on partnering with Government and the community to co-design services that create real social change. We are an organisation with a bold vision to create a safe and inclusive community where prison truly is the last resort. Our purpose is to strengthen the wellbeing of our communities by advocating for and delivering services which divert people away from the justice system.

The Australian Community Support Organisation recognises the right to a safe and inclusive service without bias. ACSO is committed to the equitable treatment of its participants, employees and partners. We believe in humanity and celebrating the diverse voices of our community through leadership, practice and policy design, to honour and embrace diverse traditions, cultures and experiences of those we support and work alongside.

We work across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

What ACSO can offer you

• Full time, permanent position
• $120,987.67 - $127,421.67 base salary dependent on skills and experience + $11,917.10
• motor vehicle allowance + 12% superannuation
• Additional renumeration corresponding with participation in ACSO's On Call program
• Salary packaging available- Our employees save about $5,500 a year on average
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%
• Located in South East Melbourne- work from our South East residential locations, ACSO hubs or from home, as per operational needs
• Flexible working arrangements - includes options for an accrued day off (ADO) or compressed hours
• Paid parental leave (14 weeks accessible after six months of employment)
• An extra day of paid leave for Foundation Day - a special day off to express our gratitude for your dedication and contributions, as we commemorate the day ACSO was founded by Stan McCormack.
• Learning and development opportunities - In house training suite of client specific training including in Trauma Informed Practice, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), plus best practice training on all aspects of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
• Career progression opportunities - leadership development programs and coaching, opportunities for internal consultancy or secondments to other programs.
• Wellbeing initiatives such as free flu vaccines, professional development vouchers, Employee Assistance Program and Reward and Recognition Program. Our employees matter!
• Dedicated inclusion and diversity initiatives to support employees from all backgrounds and dispositions, including specialised leave for cultural ceremonies or gender affirmation

About the program

The Forensic Residential Services program supports residents with a cognitive disability who are either engaged in or at‑risk of engagement in the criminal justice system. The program operates 24/7, with residential houses across Metro Melbourne and Bendigo.

This role oversees the Forensic Residential Services program across South-East Melbourne, which currently comprises of three residential houses.

About the position

The Program Manager will apply a sound understanding of operational principles and service delivery requirements to their respective program, and guide and support their Team Leaders in the creation of a high-performance culture. Program Managers oversee the achievement of program KPIs, manage escalated operational issues and report to the General Manager on identified risks, incidents and performance concerns in a solution-focused manner. They are responsible for managing their budget, team members and other program resources; for identifying workforce skill gaps and facilitating workshops and forums for employee professional development to increase workforce capability. Program Managers are expected to maintain relevant strategic and contractual stakeholder relationships in their area of practice, and support Team Leaders with local stakeholder engagement.

What we're looking for

• A minimum Bachelor level qualification in an area relevant to the program being overseen or
• A related tertiary qualification and significant relevant work experience
• Desirable but not essential: Post Graduate qualification in commerce, management or leadership, or working toward
• 5+ years sector experience with some experience at management level
• Extensive experience in, and knowledge of, the program area
• Experience and demonstrable success in leading others to achieve performance outcomes
• Experience in managing underperformance issues to fruition
• An ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders in a way that is appropriate for the audience
• Effective negotiation and influencing skills
• A strong business acumen with prior experience in contract and financial management
• Strong understanding of industry trends and activity related to the program area
• Well-developed personal insight and an ability to self-reflect on management of self and others

As ACSO is an NDIS provider, the successful candidate must hold an NDIS Worker Screening Check Clearance before they commence employment in this position. You must also have current First Aid and CPR certification.

To learn more about this position, please contact Acting General Manager- Lianne Finch on 0427 012 ***

Applications close Wednesday 18 November 2026

Applications may close early if a suitable candidate is found sooner, so we recommend applying early!

ACSO proudly acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia's first peoples and pay respect to their rich culture, lores, customs and elders past and present. We strongly embrace the spirit of reconciliation and continue working towards ensuring an equal voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, particularly those who have been touched by the justice system.

ACSO recognises the right to a safe and inclusive service without bias and aims to provide a safe working environment, one which seeks to protect those affected by domestic and family violence and holds those who may use domestic and family violence to account, whilst supporting positive behaviour change.

ACSO embraces diversity within its workforce and encourages applications from appropriately qualified and skilled people regardless of their background. All suitable applicants for this role will be considered regardless of age, ability, race, gender expression, sex, cultural background, spiritual beliefs or lived experience. If you are a candidate that requires any adjustments to participate in the process, please let us know at **@acso.org.au.

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