CatholicCare is seeking a passionate and experienced leader to join our team as Manager Youth Engagement Services. In this role, you will make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children, young people and families across the Hunter-Manning region.
This temporary full-time opportunity (13 months) is ideal for a collaborative professional who enjoys leading teams, building partnerships and driving positive outcomes. Experience working within school settings and alongside educational stakeholders is essential. This is a 13-month maximum term contract role, covering a period of parental leave.
You will oversee school and community-based early intervention programs and lead a remote team delivering services across the Hunter-Manning region. Working closely with schools, community organisations and key stakeholders, you will help strengthen family wellbeing and ensure high-quality support for children, young people and families.
If you are passionate about leadership, community impact and helping young people thrive, we encourage you to apply.
Benefits of Working With Us
Directly contribute to improving the lives of many in the community.
Discounted gym membership through Fitness Passport (T&C’s apply).
Salary packaging
Flexible working arrangements.
Ongoing training and development opportunities.
A great friendly environment of dedicated and passionate co-workers.
Enjoy up to 10% off at top retailers with our mnBenefits program.
Corporate benefits, including EAP, flu shots and more.
The Manager Youth Engagement Services is responsible for the supervision and operational management of Community and Family Support (CAFS) and Beyond the Gates (BTG) programs across the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.
Catholic Schools Office and CatholicCare Social Services Hunter Manning has formed a collaborative partnership to enhance the well-being of students and their families attending High Schools and selected Primary Schools in the Diocese. Beyond the Gates staff are employees of CatholicCare (Therapeutic Services) and are based in the schools they are supporting.
Critical tasks for the management of BTG include: supporting the Case Workers to assess referrals from the Catholic School Office (CSO) from identified school catchment areas against eligibility criteria; ensuring that best practice standards are maintained; overseeing accurate records and data management and adhering to reporting requirements; and promoting the program among local CSO and community area networks. Manager Youth Engagement Services must be able to adapt, develop and grow the service in response to any changes planned with CSO. An awareness and sound understanding of education systems, roles, relationships and philosophies is essential in managing this inter-agency partnership.
This position will also be responsible for the management of the CAFS program. Critical tasks include: supporting the Case Workers to assess referrals from Maitland, Dungog and Gloucester Local Government areas, against eligibility criteria; ensuring that best practice standards are maintained; overseeing accurate records and data management within DEX and adhering to reporting requirements; as well as promoting the program among local community area
networks; manage relationships with key stakeholders (community and funding coorinators) and coordinating counselling referrals.
The role includes financial management, oversight and tracking for both programs to ensure budget is met, with the support of Executive Manager and Shared Services (Financial Business Partner)
An awareness and sound understanding of Aboriginal culture and traditions will be integral to this role. As well as awareness of CALD and other diversity that may define parental roles, student, family and community relationships.
Desired Skills and Experience
EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA
Demonstrated leadership skills including experience in staff supervision, support and development, conflict resolution and change management.
Experience working with Students, Parents and Families with a high commitment to child inclusive practice.
Sound understanding and experience of early intervention programs and case management for vulnerable students and families.
Highly developed communication skills including demonstrated skills in professional consultation, interagency liaison, report writing and verbal communication.
Ability to prioritize time and tasks across a significant geographical area.
Strong understanding of Aboriginal Culture, especially in relation to family and child protection issues.
Experience working in a school-based environment
Experience and knowledge in Child Protection
QUALIFICATIONS
Tertiary qualification in Psychology, social welfare, child or family services or related field
Current NSW Drivers Licence, vehicle and willingness to use own vehicle.
WWWC for paid employment.
Experience working with schooling systems
This role is subject to a NSW Office of the Children's Guardian Residential Care Workers Register check.
Senior First Aid Certificate/ or willingness to obtain one (Desirable)
Experience with budget management (Desirable)
To Apply
Please provide a current copy of your Resume and a Cover Letter which addresses the two criterion points below:
Why you want this role and how it aligns with your career goals.
Your qualifications and experience in a similar position.
For further information please reach out to Lucy Tennant lucy.tennant@catholiccare.org.au
Applications close 11.59pm on Tuesday 23 June 2026.
Additional Information
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons.
All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese’s Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese’s Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.
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