Service Manager - Independent Living

Service Manager – Independent Living  

3-Month Contract (with possible extension) | $78.75 – $81.25 per hour + Super | Ballarat  

Imagine stepping into a service where the housing is stable, the support is genuine, and the people living there finally get the chance to build a life on their own terms. 

That's the vision behind this Housing with Support program — a unique model that pairs long-term social housing with dedicated psychosocial disability support. It's not about clinical wards or short-term crisis beds. It's about giving adults living with complex mental health and disability needs a real home, in their own space, with the right support around them to grow their independence. 

This is a great opportunity for an experienced leader looking for a focused, high-impact 3-month contract where you can make a genuine difference from day one. 

The opportunity 

The organisation is investing in strong, hands-on leadership for this site, and you'll step in as the dedicated Service Manager for the contract period. You'll bring clear direction, coaching and structure to a team helping them build confidence and consistency in their day-to-day practice, while keeping participant outcomes and wellbeing front and centre. 

This role suits someone who enjoys hitting the ground running — building rapport quickly, bringing calm and capable leadership to a busy service, and leaving a team stronger than they found it. There's genuine potential for the contract to extend beyond the initial 3 months, making this a great way to get your foot in the door with an organisation doing meaningful, values-led work in the sector. 

What you'll actually be doing 

- Providing day-to-day leadership and supervision to a team of Psychosocial Disability Support Workers 

- Embedding a recovery-oriented, person-centred, trauma-informed model of practice across the service 

- Building a positive, accountable and engaged team culture 

- Managing rosters, attendance, and workforce compliance 

- Overseeing service quality, risk, safeguarding and incident management 

- Owning the site budget, corporate card, and day-to-day operational administration 

- Working hand-in-hand with intake, clinical partners, and a multidisciplinary team to get the right supports in place for each participant 

- Building relationships with families, carers, and the local service system to strengthen each participant's world beyond the front door 

What you'll bring 

- Tertiary qualifications (minimum Certificate IV) in Mental Health, Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Peer Work or a related field 

- Strong leadership experience in community services, disability, mental health or housing support-  leaders from aged care or broader community sectors are also encouraged to apply 

- Solid understanding of psychosocial disability, complex needs, and ideally the NDIS landscape 

- Confidence managing a team with clarity and consistency, and handling performance conversations fairly when needed 

- Strong financial and administrative know-how — budgets, rosters, compliance, reporting 

- A genuine belief that people with complex needs deserve dignity, choice, and the chance to live life on their own terms 

Also required: 

- Current Working with Children Check (VIC) 

- NDIS Worker Screening Check 

- First Aid & CPR certification 

- Current Australian driver's licence 

Why this role is worth your time 

You'll be stepping into a well-supported service with real backing from senior leadership, a clear scope, and the autonomy to lead your team your way. It's a fantastic short-term opportunity to bring your leadership skills to a meaningful cause, build new relationships in the sector, and potentially turn a 3-month contract into something longer term. 

Some flexibility for working from home may be available, though an on-site presence is preferred given the nature of the role. 

Ready for your next contract 

Contact Mason today mason@maydayhealthcare.com.au