Mt Theo Outstation Program Manager
Position Background
The Mt Theo Outstation Program is a residential rehabilitation program that offers cultural reconnection and healing, AOD education and youth diversion support, alongside professional case management to at risk Warlpiri youth aged between 12 and 25 years of age, impacted by substance misuse, family violence and/or involved with the youth justice system. The Mt Theo Outstation Program is delivered ‘on country’ at Mt Theo Outstation, which is located in the healing country of Purtulu, 170km north west of Yuendumu.
The Mt. Theo Outstation operates as a ‘therapeutic community’ delivering a variety of strengths based, trauma informed, diversionary, cultural and education activities, within the context of a stable, supportive and therapeutic community environment. Whilst formal structured group sessions alongside individual assessment, case management and therapeutic intervention are considered important aspects of the Mt Theo Outstation Program, it is the therapeutic community itself that is considered the principle means for promoting personal change.
As a therapeutic community, all activities that occur at Mt Theo, including those activities that assist in the day to day functioning of the outstation, such as cleaning and cooking, are considered therapy and are designed to intensify those life experiences that help young people learn about themselves, strengthen their culture and identity, develop self-esteem, gain self-respect and support the development of behaviours, attitudes and values of healthy living.
The primary aims of the Mt Theo Program are to support at risk Warlpiri youth to:
• Reduce substance misuse
• Reduce recidivism (repeat offending)
• Re-engage with culture to enhance self-esteem and identity
• Improve physical, social and emotional wellbeing
• Enhance relationships and connection with family, culture and community
• Promote prosocial behaviours and move young people towards positive and meaningful future pathways
Primary Purpose Of The Position
WYDAC is seeking a dynamic and experienced Manager with extensive demonstrated skill in leading the transformation of teams and building a strong workplace culture in a cross-cultural setting.
The primary role of the Mt Theo Outstation Program Manager is to strategically lead and oversee all aspects of WYDAC’s Mt Theo Outstation and Youth Diversion Programs, in line with the relevant funding agreements – including the delivery of program and activities, staff supervision and line management, data collection, monitoring and evaluation, training, reporting, and logistics.
High level skills in cross cultural communication and cultural sensitivity will be needed to manage and develop the effective operations of Mt Theo Outstation as a therapeutic community so that it is able to provide a unique, culturally based and structured therapeutic program to address substance misuse and criminogenic needs of young Warlpiri people.
This is a very hands-on position that requires a high degree of physical fitness. Will require overnight stays at Mt Theo and camping out from time to time.
