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- Tasks: Lead community support programs for people with disabilities and ensure high-quality service delivery.
- Company: Challenge Community Services, empowering individuals for over 65 years.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, fitness passport, birthday leave, and salary packaging options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building your career.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in Disability Services and leadership experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
JOIN US - SHAPE LIVES - BUILD YOUR CAREER
About the Role: The Program Leader – Community Supports is responsible for leading the day-to-day delivery of high-quality community support programs for people with disabilities. This role ensures services are person-centred, compliant with NDIS requirements and responsive to individual goals and preferences.
Benefits:
- SCHAD’s Award Level 4 Pay rates from $44.58 - 47.97 (base rate)
- Fitness Passport access for you & family (eligibility criteria applies)
- Salary packaging options, including meal and entertainment card (if eligible)
- Annual flu vaccination
- Supportive team culture that values your expertise
- Birthday leave – take the day off to celebrate you!
- Job Satisfaction – make a real difference
Duties:
- Lead and oversee the delivery of community support programs in line with participant goals and organisational objectives
- Manage program schedules, resources, and budgets to ensure efficient and effective service delivery
- Support and supervise staff through coaching, mentoring, performance reviews, and team meetings
- Assist with recruitment, onboarding, and training of new team members
- Ensure compliance with NDIS standards, funding requirements, and organisational policies
- Maintain accurate participant records, progress notes, and incident reports
- Monitor and review participant plans, adjusting supports based on feedback, changing needs, and funding
- Advocate for participant rights and promote independence, choice, and community inclusion
- Build strong relationships with participants, families, internal teams, and external stakeholders
- Contribute to audit preparation, quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Willingness to travel regularly across the designated region to support teams, services, and stakeholders.
Skills and Experience:
Essential:
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in Disability Services or a related community services field
- Previous experience in a supervisory or leadership role
- Strong understanding of person-centred practice, NDIS standards, and disability legislation
- Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to lead, motivate, and support teams in a dynamic environment
- Strong customer service focus across face-to-face, written, and phone communication
- Competency in client management systems and Microsoft Office Suite
- Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evenings or weekends
Desirable:
- Formal qualifications in Disability, Community Services, Leadership, or a related discipline
- Experience supporting audit processes and quality assurance activities
- Demonstrated experience managing budgets and program resources
- Knowledge of rostering systems and workforce planning
About Us: For over 65 years, Challenge Community Services has been empowering individuals and strengthening communities. We provide disability accommodation, foster care, allied health, and supported employment services – all with a focus on inclusion and respect.
How to apply: When applying, please ensure you include a cover letter, résumé and address the key selection criteria as part of your application. To apply and view the Position Description please click on the 'apply now' button below or visit our website: www.challengecommunity.org.au Confidential enquiries can be made by contacting Sophie Adams via email: sophie.adams@challengecommunity.org.au Applications Close: 30th January 2026
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we work and live, and pay my respects to their elders past and present.
Program Leader - Community Supports Newcastle, Maitland and Cessnock - Full Time 76 Hours per F[...] in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Challenge Community Services
Contact Detail:
Challenge Community Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Program Leader - Community Supports Newcastle, Maitland and Cessnock - Full Time 76 Hours per F[...] in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the community services sector. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their approach to community support and think of examples from your experience that align with their mission. This will show them you’re genuinely interested and a great fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s face-to-face or over the phone, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly is key. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest job openings there, so keep checking back regularly for new opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Program Leader - Community Supports Newcastle, Maitland and Cessnock - Full Time 76 Hours per F[...] in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for community support and how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t be afraid to let us know why you’re excited about joining our team.
Tailor Your CV: When applying, it’s super important to tailor your CV to the job description. Highlight relevant experience in disability services and any leadership roles you've held. We love seeing how your skills match what we’re looking for, so make it easy for us!
Address the Key Selection Criteria: Don’t skip this part! Addressing the key selection criteria is crucial. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet each criterion. This helps us understand how you can contribute to our mission of empowering individuals.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Challenge Community Services
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the NDIS standards and person-centred practices. Brush up on the latest legislation and how it impacts community support programs. This knowledge will show that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you’re committed to making a real difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you’ve motivated staff or managed challenging situations. Being able to articulate your leadership style and how it aligns with the organisation’s values will set you apart.
✨Be Person-Centred
During the interview, emphasise your commitment to person-centred care. Share stories that highlight your ability to advocate for participants’ rights and promote their independence. This will demonstrate that you understand the core of what the role is about.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team culture, ongoing training opportunities, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
