CLA Practice & Operations Manager

CLA Practice & Operations Manager

Location: Nundah, Brisbane QLD

Employment type: Permanent full time

Salary: SCHADS Award Level 7, with not-for-profit salary packaging available

About Community Living Association

Community Living Association Inc. is a not-for-profit community organisation based in Nundah. Since 1989, CLA has worked alongside people with developmental disabilities, young people at risk, young people in and post Out of Home Care, families and community members.

Our work is grounded in relationship-based, developmental, capacity-building and rights-based practice. We are committed to inclusion, social justice, self-determination and building communities where people are valued and connected.

About the role

CLA is seeking an experienced Social Work leader to join us as our Practice & Operations Manager. This is a senior leadership role that supports the CEO, Team Leaders and staff to deliver safe, ethical, high-quality and values-led practice.

The role provides leadership across practice quality, organisational operations, workforce support, quality and compliance implementation, operational risk management and continuous improvement. The position also acts as second in charge to the CEO and may act in the CEO role when delegated.

What you will do

·         Provide senior practice leadership and support reflective, person-centred and trauma-informed practice.

·         Support Team Leaders with supervision, workforce capability, staff wellbeing, recruitment, induction and performance development.

·         Strengthen operational systems, procedures, workflows, quality improvement and audit readiness.

·         Provide advice and support in complex practice, staffing, risk, complaints and incident matters.

·         Contribute to organisational planning, reporting, culture-building and delegated governance support.

·         Represent CLA with partners, networks and sector stakeholders as delegated by the CEO.

About you

You will be a values-led leader with strong Social Work practice experience and the ability to support people through complexity, change and risk. You will bring sound judgement, emotional maturity, strong communication skills and a genuine commitment to human rights, inclusion and social justice.

Essential requirements:

·         Tertiary qualification in Social Work and relevant senior practice leadership experience.

·         Experience providing professional supervision and supporting workforce capability.

·         Strong knowledge of disability, youth, homelessness and/or Out of Home Care sectors.

·         Experience in operational leadership, quality improvement, risk management, compliance or organisational systems.

·         Ability to obtain and maintain a Blue Card, NDIS Worker Screening Clearance and NDIS Worker Orientation Module certificate.

·         Current driver licence and ability to participate in an on-call roster.

Why work with us?

·         Meaningful senior leadership role with a respected community organisation.

·         Opportunity to strengthen practice, quality, systems and workforce development.

·         Regular supervision with the CEO and access to professional development.

·         Collaborative work with experienced Team Leaders and a committed workforce.

·         Not-for-profit salary packaging available.

How to apply

Please email [email protected] or call reception [07 3266 5633](tel:07 3266 5633) to request for the recruitment pack before applying. The recruitment pack includes:

·         Application instructions and selection questions

·         Role Description — CLA Practice & Operations Manager

·         Risk Assessed Role Proforma

·         Trauma, Vicarious Trauma, Burnout and Self-Care Policy and Procedure.

To apply, please submit your current Curriculum Vitae and a cover letter addressing the selection questions in the recruitment pack. Applications that do not respond to the selection questions may not be considered.

Where to send applications

Please forward applications in writing to:

Tania Lawrie, CEO

Community Living Association

Email: [email protected]

Applications close: COB 03/09/2026.     Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview.

If you would like further information about the role, please contact Tania Lawrie on [07 3266 5633](tel:07 3266 5633) or [email protected].

Community Living Association is committed to creating inclusive and safe workplaces. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, LGBTIQA+ people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.