DAYS Team Leader

• $103,172+ super + NFP salary packaging benefits
• Max Term Full Time Contract to 15 September 2026 with possibility of extension
• Location:  Boorloo (East Perth) WA 6004
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we’re building hope and possibility for all. Find out more about us and our purpose. 

Your Opportunity 

At our Drug and Alcohol Youth Service (DAYS), we are devoted to supporting young people and their families through a comprehensive range of free and confidential alcohol and other drug (AOD) services. The Youth Withdrawal and Respite Service is the only youth-specific withdrawal unit in Western Australia, providing a safe, short-stay residential environment for young people aged 12–21.

As the Team Leader for our Withdrawal and Respite Service, you will lead a dedicated team of approximately 12 staff delivering person-centred support to young people undergoing withdrawal or seeking respite from alcohol and other drug (AOD) use. This is an on-site position based in East Perth, where you will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the service, lead team development, and hold a small case management load. Working under the general direction of senior leaders, you will apply your expertise to champion a therapeutic, safe, and structured environment. You will mentor staff and embed a values-led culture where individuals feel supported, safe, and inspired, while ensuring the program remains aligned with Mission Australia’s values and desired outcomes. With a proven ability to lead with empathy, integrity, and accountability, you will help cultivate a culture of trust and respect. Participation in an on-call roster is required every six weeks.

Your Key Responsibilities 

• Lead, mentor, and supervise a multidisciplinary team to ensure the effective delivery of the residential withdrawal and respite program within a psychologically safe environment that promotes collaboration, reflective practice, and continuous learning.
• Oversee client intake and assessment processes, ensuring best-practice support for complex and vulnerable young people.
• Ensure adequate staff coverage through effective rostering and provide on-call support on a rotational basis.
• Maintain a small caseload, delivering case management aligned with Mission Australia’s National Case Management Approach, by listening deeply, championing youth voice, and walking alongside staff and young people on their recovery journey.
• Conduct regular audits of case notes and reporting functions to support continuous quality improvement and compliance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including justice, court systems, and referral networks.
• Support recruitment, induction, and ongoing development of team members, fostering a high-performing and positive team culture.

Requirements for Success 

• Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Youth Work, Social Science or related field, with at least three years’ experience in a leadership or complex case management role.
• Proven leadership skills in multidisciplinary teams, with experience in supervision, performance support and conflict resolution.
• Deep understanding of the challenges faced by young people affected by AOD, mental health, family violence, and homelessness.
• Experience engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and communities in a culturally responsive way.
• Demonstrated expertise in person-centred case management, assessment, and support planning for vulnerable youth.
• Strong knowledge of compliance, quality assurance, continuous improvement, and legislative and reporting requirements.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with strong administrative, analytical, and time management capabilities.
• Willingness to work on-site with availability for on-call duties as required.
• First Aid & CPR Certification.
• Full driver licence with no restrictions.

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people. 

Your Benefits

To ensure our employees feel valued, empowered, and celebrated, we provide a range of employee benefits including: 

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support.
• Volunteering opportunities  
• Extra leave available including an additional public holiday, additional annual leave day on your work anniversary and the opportunity to purchase further annual leave.

Our Culture 

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.    

We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia. 

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email talentattraction@missionaustralia.com.au or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at deadlycareers@missionaustralia.com.au

How To Apply

To be considered for this opportunity, click ‘apply’ and send your application today! 

As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer, we will respond to your application.

Applications for this role are shortlisted as received and we are interviewing through the advertising period.  Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you.