Lead transformative mental health and wellbeing services that support individuals and families across South Australia.

Centacare is seeking a strategic and innovative Executive Manager to lead the Mental Health, Counselling and Wellbeing Services (MHCaWS) Unit.

This role oversees a diverse portfolio of services that support individuals and families through challenges such as conflict, separation, parenting, substance misuse, and mental health concerns. As the Executive Manager, you will ensure the effective management of financial and operational resources to achieve strategic objectives and maintain high-quality service delivery.

You will actively contribute as a member of the Executive Team to organisational strategy, planning, and decision-making. The role requires strong business acumen and exceptional relational skills, with a focus on driving service excellence, innovation, and the sustainable growth of the Unit.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Actively contribute as a key member of the Executive Team, shaping organisational strategy, planning, and decision-making.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership across financial, people, and risk management functions to ensure sustainability and compliance.
• Represent Centacare and the MHCaWS Unit in external forums, building strong relationships with funding partners, government, and community stakeholders.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in service design, delivery, and evaluation, ensuring high-quality outcomes and alignment with contractual obligations.
• Lead and support key business functions including budget preparation, performance reporting, accreditation, and tender submissions to grow and strengthen services.

Please see attached Candidate Briefing pack for further information.

What you need to bring:

 Essential

• Tertiary qualifications in leadership and management, social work, psychology, counselling or a related field
• Significant senior leadership experience, strategic planning abilities, financial management expertise, and strong communication and relationship building skills.
• Extensive experience in initiating, planning and implementing projects in complex environments.
• Proven experience in developing and managing multiple budgets
• Experience in development and implementation of policies and procedures
• Demonstrated success relating to tender writing and grant submissions
• An understanding and working knowledge of current Human Resources practises
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership and consultative skills
• Strong understanding of mental health, counselling and wellbeing programs
• Experience in change management and service innovation
• Valid Department of Human Services (DHS) Working with Children Check
• Willingness to travel regionally and work out-of-hours as required

Desirable

• Proven experience working with government departments, funding bodies or contract management in a human services context
• Experience using Penelope electronic client management system
• Management experience in a not-for-profit setting
• Membership with a relevant professional association (eg Australian Counselling Association or Australian Association of Social Workers)
• Experience in trauma-informed practice or recovery-oriented care
• Familiarity with community mental health frameworks

What's in it for you

• Attractive remuneration package, fleet vehicle available.
• Work with a highly skilled and committed leadership team.
• Quality accredited and reputable organisation.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 6 weeks parental leave for primary carer and 2 weeks for secondary carer.
• Study leave for ongoing employees 
• Health insurance discounts with Bupa
• Opportunities to influence mental health policy and practice across SA

Once you click ‘Apply,’ you can access the full Candidate Briefing.

About Us

Each year, we support more than 20,000 people across metropolitan and regional South Australia through a wide range of community services, guided by a strong ethical framework. We are committed to a client-focused approach, delivering effective and flexible support to people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, cultures, religions, gender identities, and sexual orientations.

Centacare is a Child Safe, Quality Accredited Organisation and a registered NDIS provider. We value individuality and embrace diversity, working in consultation and collaboration while upholding integrity and professionalism in everything we do.

We are dedicated to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace, free from harassment and discrimination. Our commitment to equal opportunity reflects our mission, vision, and values—and we believe that our positive culture leads to better outcomes for our clients.

To learn more about us, explore our Who we are page and our organisational video.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter (as one document) outlining how you meet the requirements of this role as outlined in the position description. To access the position description or submit your application click on the Apply button.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity please contact Jackie Schlein, HR Manager on 08 8215 6837.

Centacare is committed to creating a culturally safe and welcoming workplace for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates who are passionate about making a difference in mental health and community services.

Closing Date:  5.00 pm, Friday, 5 December 2025.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible; applications will be shortlisted as received and the job advertisement may close without notice. 

With respect, no agencies please.