ABOUT US
The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities. We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.
Young people deserve support that is consistent, compassionate and grounded in best practice. This role exists to make that possible. As the State Practice Lead, you’ll help shape how Youth Services across South Australia and the Northern Territory walk alongside young people on their journey to independence. You’ll guide teams, strengthen practice, and help create environments where staff feel confident, supported and equipped to make a real difference. Your work will ripple across services, shaping the quality-of-care young people receive every day.
About the role
This State Practice Lead role is centred on developing people and strengthening practice. You will work alongside practitioners and leaders across South Australia and the Northern Territory to build capability, deepen therapeutic understanding, and support staff to deliver high-quality, youth-focused work.
Your days will be spent connecting with teams, offering reflective practice, coaching, supervision support and tailored development support. You’ll help staff grow in confidence, embed the Journey to Independence Model of Care, and translate theory into meaningful day-to-day practice with young people.
You’ll be part of a national network of Practice Leads and work closely with the National Youth Specialist team to ensure a consistent, youth-specific practice approach across Australia. The role offers flexibility in how you structure your week, with a balance of time in metro Adelaide services, visits to country programs, and remote support to NT teams.
This permanent part time position (22.8–30.4 hours per week, 0.6–0.8 FTE, negotiable for the right person) sits within the Youth Services team, reporting to the State Manager, Youth Services SA. Pay is in accordance with a SCHADS Level 7.
Support services to implement the Journey to Independence Model of Care and associated frameworks
Provide reflective practice, coaching, consultation and supervision support to team leaders and practitioners
Develop and deliver practice development plans across Youth Services
Identify training needs and deliver or source tailored professional development
Support onboarding and capability building for new staff
Use client voice and practice insights to inform continuous improvement
Contribute to service design and new opportunities across Youth Services
Participate in national communities of practice and working groups
Collaborate with the National Youth Specialist team and other State Practice Leads
Support consistent, high-quality case management and youth work practice across all programs
Engage regularly with staff through meetings, visits and reflective spaces
Support change management and embedding new practice approaches
Travel across South Australia and to the Northern Territory as required
Degree in social work or psychology or related field
Postgraduate qualification highly regarded
Extensive experience supporting young people through therapeutic or case management work
Leadership experience in practice development, supervision or reflective practice
Strong understanding of youth-focused frameworks and approaches
Confidence facilitating groups, training, guiding conversations and supporting staff through change
Commitment to culturally safe, inclusive and strengths-based practice
Willingness to travel intrastate and interstate, including overnight stays
A warm, grounded presence that helps staff feel supported and empowered
Salary packaging benefits (up to $15,900 tax free) and Entertainment Benefit ($2,650 tax free)
Employee Assistance Program – confidential counselling service
Financial, retail and lifestyle discounts
Generous paid parental leave (12 weeks for primary carers), purchased leave options (up to 8 weeks), and 5 days paid leave annually to experience other Salvation Army programs
Discounted health and fitness programs through Fitness Passport
Up to 5 days paid leave per year to support a Salvation Army program or activity
A supportive, inclusive culture with passionate and dedicated team members
If you’re someone who loves developing others, values reflective practice, and feels energised by supporting teams to deliver their best work, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a short cover letter outlining why this role feels like the right next step for you.
The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and intersex status. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration.