Are you passionate about creating safe, secure housing and driving positive change for people experiencing homelessness? Join YWCA Canberra as our Homelessness and Housing Manager and lead innovative programs that empower individuals and families across the housing continuum. This is your opportunity to shape services that are trauma-informed, gender-responsive, and truly life-changing.
About YWCA Canberra
YWCA Canberra is a respected feminist, not-for-profit community organisation which has been providing community services and representing women’s issues in the Canberra community since its establishment in 1929. Today, we provide leading and innovative services to women and the broader Canberra community in the areas of children’s services, community services, housing, youth services, personal and professional training, and women’s leadership.
As a values-based organisation, and the only Canberra based Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (WGEA), YWCA Canberra is a great place to work. We have a strong track record in building long-term, sustainable careers with excellent conditions (including charitable salary sacrificing and above award salaries) together with a supportive work environment for all employees to thrive.
About the Role
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Homelessness and Housing Manager will lead all housing operations in line with YWCA Canberra’s vision, values, and community housing standards. This role oversees the Housing and Homelessness portfolio, including Specialist Homelessness and Affordable Housing programs, and works in partnership with the Domestic Violence Support Service to ensure an integrated, high-quality service model across the housing continuum—from crisis to affordable housing.
Key programs include Rentwell, Y Homes, and specialist support for diverse client groups such as older women, single men, refugees and asylum seekers, families, and those impacted by domestic and family violence.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day operations of housing and homelessness programs, ensuring best practice and a “no wrong door” approach.
- Partner with the Domestic Violence Support Services Manager to deliver integrated service delivery.
- Oversee budgets, contracts, compliance, and reporting requirements.
- Lead quality improvement processes and maintain community housing registration standards.
- Supervise and support team leaders, tenancy workers and staff, fostering a strengths-based and trauma-informed culture.
- Represent YWCA Canberra in tenancy-related matters and sector networks.
- Drive strategic initiatives, operational planning, and continuous improvement.
About You
- Diploma in Community Services (minimum) or tertiary qualifications in social work, psychology, or human services (highly desirable).
- At least five years’ experience working with vulnerable populations, including women, families, and gender-diverse individuals at risk of homelessness.
- Strong understanding of domestic and family violence, tenancy management, and intersectional trauma.
- Proven leadership experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and achieving KPIs.
- Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Current driver’s licence, Working with Vulnerable People registration, and police check.
What’s in it for you?
Working at YWCA Canberra offers more than just a pay cheque. Here, you’ll find a job with real purpose, where your efforts directly contribute to improving lives in our community. Whether you’re involved in early childhood education, housing support, or any of our other programmes, you’ll see the tangible results of your work.
YWCA Canberra offers:
- Competitive base salary
- Flexible working options to support work-life balance
- Opportunities for professional development and further study through our in-house registered training organisation.
- Salary packaging options that can improve your take-home pay by $5K annually
- Generous parental leave entitlements, 3 days extra paid annual leave between Christmas and New Year, annual flu vaccinations.
- Access to Employee Assistance Program for guidance and counselling
- Join Canberra’s ONLY Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (WGEA).
How to Apply
- Visit https://ywca-canberra.org.au/about-us/careers/ to access the position description and job demands checklist.
- Applications including a cover letter and CV can be submitted through our recruitment portal here: https://candidate.aurion.cloud/ywca/production/signin
Want more information?
For a confidential discussion or further information please contact Cara Jacobs – Chief Operating Officer via email at Cara.Jacobs@ywca-canberra.org.au
For assistance with the application process please contact Recruitment@ywca-canberra.org.au
Applications close on 8 February 2026
All applications will be reviewed upon submission and applicants may be interviewed and appointed prior to the closing date.
Make a difference with us.
At YWCA Canberra, we’ve been championing change since 1929, empowering women and promoting gender equality for nearly a century. Our legacy isn’t built on words alone—it’s rooted in real action. Every day, we transform lives through our community services, affordable housing programs, early childhood education, and leadership initiatives. Whether it’s providing a safe home through YHomes, supporting survivors of domestic violence, or nurturing the next generation of leaders, we walk the talk. Our impact is tangible, and our commitment to building an inclusive, equitable future remains stronger than ever.
YWCA Canberra reserves the right to close this role early if a suitable candidate is found prior to the closing date.
YWCA Canberra is committed to the safety of children and young people. As such, successful applicants will be required to participate fully in all child protection risk management recruitment processes and ongoing character checking and assessment processes.
YWCA Canberra is an equal opportunity employer. People from diverse backgrounds and with diverse life experiences are encouraged to apply. We specifically encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.