Jesuit Social Services is a social change organisation working to build a just society where all people can live to their full potential. We reflect on the critical factors shaping our contemporary world; the social, political and economic contexts, and we adapt our practice to work with those most in need.
Since 1977, Jesuit Social Services has provided services to some of the most disadvantaged in our community.
We place a high priority on advocacy and are a leader in policy development and research.
About the program
Western Pathways is an engagement and diversionary program designed to respond to community concerns about increasing social and economic disadvantage and its connection to negative social and community behaviours across Melbourne’s western region. The program supports people experiencing economic and social exclusion, with a strong focus on young people aged 15–24 and their families who are facing unemployment and increasing cost-of-living pressures. Through early intervention and prevention, Western Pathways works with individuals and families before offending occurs, supporting positive choices, reducing risk factors associated with antisocial behaviour, and strengthening community safety and wellbeing.
The program delivers a participant-centred service from initial engagement through to further education, training or employment. Tailored pathways are developed in partnership with each participant, aligning individual aspirations with workforce and community needs while ensuring access to holistic supports that promote health, mental health, family stability and overall wellbeing. Central to Western Pathways is the development of trust-based, culturally safe relationships that enable staff to understand participants’ goals and circumstances and respond effectively. Referrals are sourced from Victoria Police (including Proactive Policing Units), youth and community organisations, cultural organisations, courts, government agencies and families. Engagement is voluntary and does not impact existing welfare or support arrangements. The ultimate objective of Western Pathways is to improve long-term employment and wellbeing outcomes, reduce intergenerational disadvantage, and promote positive community engagement and participation across Melbourne’s west.
Job Description
About the role
As the Manager of the Western Pathways Program (WPP), you will be responsible for implementing the WPP and successfully leading the WPP team to achieve the program’s contract objectives.
The Manager - WPP provides strategic and operational leadership of an engagement and diversionary program responding to social and economic disadvantage across Melbourne’s western region, with a strong focus on young people aged 15–24 and their families. The role oversees delivery of a participant-centred, early intervention service that supports individuals before offending occurs, developing tailored pathways into education, training and employment while ensuring access to holistic supports that promote mental health, family stability and overall wellbeing. The Manager leads a multidisciplinary team to build culturally safe, trust-based relationships that enable meaningful engagement and positive, sustainable outcomes.
Accountable for program performance, governance and funding compliance, the Manager drives continuous improvement and ensures measurable outcomes in employment, community participation and reduced risk factors associated with antisocial behaviour. The role maintains strong cross-sector partnerships with Victoria Police, youth and community organisations, cultural groups, courts and government agencies to support coordinated referrals and community safety objectives. Through strategic leadership and stakeholder engagement, the Manager advances the program’s goal of reducing intergenerational disadvantage and strengthening wellbeing across Melbourne’s west.
Competitive remuneration, plus salary packaging benefit, is offered together with ongoing professional and career development as well as opportunities for personal growth.
What Jesuit Social Services can offer you:
An organisation that lives its values, through its day to day work
A welcoming and supportive relational environment
A comprehensive Induction and Orientation program
Ongoing training and development related to your role
Employee assistance program
A competitive salary plus salary packaging benefits
Generous leave
Desired Skills and Experience
About you
The Manager WPP will be required to demonstrate the following:
Experience or capacity to identify and develop opportunities and pathways that improve access to employment for disadvantaged young people and Victorian jobseekers in Melbourne’s west.
Demonstrated ability to establish relationships and communicate, liaise and network effectively with stakeholders including employers and community support services in a professional manner.
Excellent team management and interpersonal and teamwork skills, and the ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision.
Well developed written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated experience in personal organisation and time management.
Be results driven, passionate about performance and able to meet KPIs.
Capacity to fulfil reporting and administrative requirements associated with the position.
Understanding and sympathy with the mission and ethos of Jesuit Social Services
Valid Working with Children Check card.
Successful Police Check to be conducted by Jesuit Social Services prior to commencement
How to apply
Upload your resume and cover letter incorporating your responses to the Key Selection Criteria from the Position Description.
For further information please contact Bianca Barbarisi on 0428 511 463
Applications close at 5.00pm Friday 6th March 2026
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the closing date may be subject to change without notice.
Jesuit Social Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome all people regardless of ethnicity, cultural background, age, gender, sexuality, disability or religious affiliation.
We strongly encourage applications from all community members including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, people with a disability, people of culturally diverse backgrounds and working parents.
Jesuit Social Services is a Child Safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.
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