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PROGRAM MANAGER

Gender Representation

56% Female

Median Age

44

Median Weekly Earnings

$2584

Average Weekly Hours

44 Hours

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

A Program Manager oversees the planning, delivery, and evaluation of services that support people affected by social disadvantage, such as homelessness, family violence, disability, or mental health.

They manage day-to-day operations of programs, ensuring they meet funding obligations, staff capacity, quality standards, and client outcomes. This includes leading teams, preparing reports, managing budgets, and building relationships with funders and partner agencies.
 

Program Managers also play a key role in continuous improvement—analysing data, reviewing client feedback, and refining service models to better meet community needs. This leadership position requires a mix of strategic thinking, team development, and operational excellence. It's ideal for someone with a strong background in community service delivery who is ready to influence bigger-picture impact. A Diploma or Degree in Community Services, Social Work, Human Services, or Business Management is typically required, along with several years’ experience in program coordination or team leadership.

MARKET SIZE & ECONOMIC IMPACT

Australia’s community services industry is one of the largest and most essential sectors in the country’s social and economic landscape. Employing over 1.7 million workers, the industry spans a wide range of support roles across youth work, family services, homelessness support, community development, and crisis response. Its size continues to grow in response to rising demand for wraparound support services in both metropolitan and regional areas.
 

The community services sector plays a pivotal role in social cohesion, early intervention, and long-term wellbeing—helping individuals and families overcome barriers such as housing instability, unemployment, mental health challenges, and family violence. It is a significant contributor to national employment and supports many government-led programs and non-profit initiatives across Australia.
 

Sustained government investment through the NDIS, child protection services, mental health reform, and homelessness strategies continues to fuel growth across the sector. As Australia shifts further towards preventative, person-centred, and trauma-informed care models, the need for qualified community services professionals is expected to rise—making it a resilient, purpose-driven career path with a strong future outlook.

EMERGING TRENDS & FUTURE OUTLOOK

Australia’s community services industry is undergoing significant transformation as the country responds to increasing social complexity, population growth, and a renewed focus on early intervention, prevention, and long-term social impact. As support systems shift away from reactive models, community services professionals are becoming central to coordinated care, advocacy, and holistic wellbeing.
 

One of the most notable trends is the integration of community services into cross-sector teams, where youth workers, case managers, community development officers, and support coordinators collaborate with health, housing, and justice systems to deliver wraparound care. This multidisciplinary approach ensures more responsive and individualised support for vulnerable groups. There is also a strong emphasis on trauma-informed, culturally safe, and strengths-based practice—particularly when working with First Nations peoples, refugees, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Community services workers are expected to foster empowerment, inclusion, and resilience by tailoring supports to each person’s lived experience and cultural background.
 

Technology is reshaping service delivery, with a growing use of case management software, digital intake tools, and virtual support options. Online platforms are making it easier to connect clients with services, monitor engagement, and support individuals in remote or under-served areas through virtual outreach, tele-counselling, and digital goal tracking.
 

Looking ahead, the demand for skilled professionals in community services is projected to increase—especially in areas such as youth justice, homelessness, mental health, and family violence prevention. There is also strong potential for leadership roles as organisations adapt to reforms, expand services, and prioritise community-led solutions. Overall, the future of the community services industry is centred on compassion, adaptability, and empowerment—offering purposeful, people-focused careers for those committed to building a more inclusive and resilient Australia.

CURRENT & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Step into Executive and Strategic Leadership Roles

Experienced Program Managers can move into higher-level roles that shape service direction and sector priorities:

  • Director of Services or Operations Manager in not-for-profit or government-funded organisations

  • General Manager overseeing multiple programs or regional teams

  • CEO or Executive Officer of community organisations or peak bodies

  • Policy & Advocacy Lead roles within sector-wide initiatives or government agencies

Expand into Sector Development and Systems Reform

Program Managers are often called upon to influence change beyond their own organisation:

  • Contribute to service design, workforce strategies, or system-wide improvement initiatives

  • Take part in pilot programs, co-design workshops, or reform consultations (e.g. aged care, NDIS, mental health reform)

  • Lead internal quality improvement projects aligned with national standards and funding body expectations

Diversify into Specialist Program Areas

With a broad skillset, Program Managers can pivot into specialist domains as community priorities shift:

  • Family violence and gender equality programs

  • First Nations community initiatives

  • Youth justice or early intervention programs

  • Refugee, CALD, or LGBTQIA+ inclusive services

  • Digital transformation and innovation portfolios

Make a Lasting Impact on Community Outcomes

Whether you lead one program or many, this role allows you to:

  • Improve service access and quality for vulnerable groups

  • Ensure programs are delivered with dignity, equity, and respect

  • Shape the next generation of frontline workers, team leaders, and advocates

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH

CORE SKILLS YOU NEED

Strategic Planning & Program Oversight

Compliance & Quality Management

Leadership & Team Development

Data-Driven Decision-Making

Sector
Collaboration

Do you want to lead community programs, improve outcomes for vulnerable populations, and shape the future of essential services? Becoming a Program Manager in Community Services is a powerful way to turn your leadership, planning, and people skills into meaningful social impact.
 

You don’t need a university degree to start—you just need strong organisational skills, a passion for community wellbeing, and a commitment to inclusive leadership. With the right training, you’ll be ready to oversee service delivery, manage teams, meet compliance standards, and lead positive change. To become a Program Manager (Community Services), you’ll typically need to complete a nationally recognised qualification such as:

  • Diploma of Community Services

  • Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management

  • Diploma of Leadership and Management

  • Certificate IV in Mental Health

  • Certificate IV in Disability

  • First Aid & CPR (HLTAID011)

  • Short Courses in Quality Improvement, Governance, Data Analysis, or Trauma-Informed Leadership

GET QUALIFIED TO START YOUR CAREER

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