Who are we?

Sonder is an inclusive, not-for-profit organisation that has been providing better quality health and support services to the South Australian community since 1993. We support thousands of people each year to access services across seven key domains – Mental Health, Aboriginal Health, Alcohol and/or other Drugs, Employment, Community Health, Disability, and Homelessness

What benefits can we offer?

When you work with Sonder, you become part of the Sonder family and that provides you with a number of benefits such as:

• Salary (excluding super) paid above award and reviewed annually

• Flexible working arrangements

• Professional development allowance provided yearly

• Generous salary packaging options - increase your take home pay by 6-12%

• 17.5% Leave Loading

• Modern and welcoming office spaces

• Christmas Closure Bonus Leave (above annual leave entitlements)

• Training opportunities

• Meal & entertainment allowances

• Paid parental leave, and much more!

Sonder are open to negotiating further benefits with the successful applicant to ensure an excellent working environment for you.

Hours: Full-time

Contract: Ongoing

Location: Edinburgh North

More Information & Position Description via this link: https://bit.ly/4oFNyp2

About the Role:
As Operational Lead, you will play a pivotal role in leading and managing three innovative, community-based mental health programs; Safe Haven, Short Term Care and Enhanced Mental Health Services. Working alongside dedicated Clinical and Peer Leads, you will drive high-quality service delivery, champion lived experience through Peer Practitioners, and ensure our services remain aligned with Sonder's model of care and strategic vision.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of mental health care across the Adelaide metropolitan area, overseeing operational governance, managing key stakeholder and consortium relationships, and integrating services across Sonder's broader mental health, AOD and community portfolio.

Experience Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience working within a fast-paced environment.

• Experience working in a leadership role within a mental health and/or alcohol and other drug setting, ideally adult Mental Health Services.

• Demonstrated experience in implementation of Recovery Orientated Services. Demonstrated leadership skillset, formal training preferred. Experience in successfully leading/coordinating a team of staff and working as a member of a multi-disciplinary team with the ability to inspire and facilitate team commitment and cooperation. Proven track record in building and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders.

Qualification and Other Requirements:

• Current or willing to obtain a Working with Children's Check (WWCC)

• Current or willing to obtain a National Police Check (NPC)

• Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Occupational Therapy or a related mental health discipline.

Desirable:

• Current registration with the relevant professional body: Social Workers – AASW (with Mental Health Accreditation); Psychologists – AHPRA; Registered Nurses – Australian College of Mental Health Nurses; Occupational Therapists – AHPRA and AAOT.

How to apply:

Applicants are requested to send a cover letter and resume to Sonder via our careers portal on our website.

Feel free to send any enquiries to sondercareers@sonder.net.au

Advert Closing Date: 7 July 2026

At Sonder, we strive to respond to all applicants. However, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may only be able to contact those shortlisted for the role. Thank you for your understanding.