Directions Health Services is an innovative, non-profit organisation that has provided specialist alcohol and other drug (AOD) services in the ACT and NSW for over 40 years. Today, we at Directions offer a comprehensive suite of holistic AOD, mental health and primary health services that aim to reduce harms experienced by individuals, families, and communities, and improve overall health and wellbeing.

Directions’ multidisciplinary team currently includes a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Social Workers, Counsellors, Aboriginal Health Workers, Case Managers, Peer Support Workers, GPs, Registered Nurses, Pharmacists and Chemical Analysts. Directions’ capacity to implement innovative services developed in collaboration with our clients, partners, and other stakeholders, enables us to effectively respond to the changing needs of the communities we serve.

At Directions, we pride ourselves on our supportive and inclusive, employee and client-centred culture. Our excellent culture has led to our very high staff retention rates and great reputation within the mental health, primary health and AOD sectors.

The Treatment and Support Services Team (TSS) is Directions' Woden based counselling and case management team. TSS provides centre-based and outreach services to meet the holistic needs of people who use drugs and their supports.

ABOUT THE POSITION

As an AOD Practitioner in TSS, you will work collaboratively to provide counselling, case management and support services that assist people improve outcomes and reduce harms associated with alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.

This role is fixed-term and can be full-time or part-time to best suit the right applicant.

FURTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide intake and assessment to new and returning clients and work with clients to develop an Individual Treatment Support Plan that meets their needs.
• Provide comprehensive information on treatment and support options and/or harm reduction strategies to clients and their families/friends.
• Develop productive relationships and work collaboratively with other Directions’ programs and external agencies to support clients and ensure continuity of care.
• Facilitate therapeutic and support groups and contribute to group program development.
• Undertake routine outcomes measurement and progress monitoring in collaboration with clients.
• Maintain timely, complete, and appropriate documentation and data including assessments, client case notes, treatment outcome measures, reports, and other written communication
• Provide support letters and reports in relation to criminal matters, care and protection and other issues as appropriate.
• Maintain professional standards in relation to service delivery and confidentiality.
• Seek to enhance or maintain skills and expertise through professional development, performance reviews and line management.
• Participate in ongoing quality improvement and the safety framework
• For CSE Level 5 Practitioners: Provide oversight and mentoring to other AOD Practitioners; Provide specialised, trauma-informed counselling for clients with complex needs

After hours work and travel to other sites in ACT may be required.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A flexible and supportive work environment
• Community Services Employee (CSE) Level 4 - 5 role plus superannuation, commensurate with qualifications, skills, and experience
• Generous salary packaging benefits
• 17½% leave loading
• Extensive professional development and training opportunities

WHAT WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO HAVE

• A qualification in Counselling, Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, AOD or another relevant field
• Cert IV in AOD or AOD Skill Set, or willingness to obtain
• Several years’ experience in a counselling / case management role
• Demonstrated understanding of the impact of substance use, mental health problems and other comorbidities on clients and family members/friends, and a good working knowledge of effective treatment and support options including harm minimisation strategies
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, teamwork and organisational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suit and electronic client information systems
• Ability to work competently in a cross-cultural environment and to work unsupervised

All appointments will be conditional upon having a Working with Vulnerable People Check, current First Aid and CPR certificate and a satisfactory National Police Check.

For further information about this position please refer to the attached Position Description.

If you would like to have a discussion about the role please contact Leanne Tomamichel – Operational Team Leader, TSS at [email protected], using the subject line: AOD Practitioner enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Directions is passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and we greatly value diversity in our organisation. We actively encourage applicants from all background and cultures. Research shows that women and other marginalised individuals tend to only apply for jobs when they meet 100% of the requirements. If you think you may be a good fit for this position, but don't necessarily meet every requirement, please get in touch. We would love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit.