Is this you?

• Would you like to be paid to gain experience in the AOD sector and study a Certificate IV in AOD for free?
• Do you have a passion for working with people with AOD concerns?
• How about having the opportunity to gain experience from an industry leader in AOD assessment and referral services?

At ACSO, we look for people who believe in second chances, who share our values and are passionate about supporting forensic clients to re-integrate back into the community. If this sounds like you, read on!

About Us

The Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) is a vibrant, values driven NFP, focused on partnering with Government and the community to co-design services that create real social change. We are an organisation with a bold vision to create a safe and inclusive community where prison truly is the last resort. Our purpose is to strengthen the wellbeing of our communities by advocating for and delivering services which divert people away from the justice system.

The Australian Community Support Organisation recognises the right to a safe and inclusive service without bias. ACSO is committed to the equitable treatment of its participants, employees and partners. We believe in humanity and celebrating the diverse voices of our community through leadership, practice and policy design, to honour and embrace diverse traditions, cultures and experiences of those we support and work alongside.

About the opportunity

In collaboration with the Department of Health, the AOD traineeship program has been developed to provide paid study and work experience to assist people to enter the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector in rural and regional areas of Victoria.

The trainee will undertake structured learning and on-the-job training over a 12-month period within the AOD and Forensic Treatment teams, who provide specialist assessments for clients being considered for, or placed on, community corrections orders that include AOD assess and treat conditions, as well as providing counselling and care and recovery services.

The focus of the traineeship program is on creating strong relationships with local services, providing work experience in AOD service delivery, and supporting further study and/or ongoing employment at the conclusion of the traineeship.

What we're looking for

• A passion to work within the AOD Sector!
• Keen to build knowledge and learn about the AOD Sector with a view to have a career within AOD
• Capacity to complete a paid Certificate IV in Alcohol and Drug Work, while undertaking the 12-month traineeship
  • Trainees who have already completed a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Drug Work can still apply for this traineeship
• Written communication skills
• Computer skills, and ability to learn to use new systems
• Alignment with ACSOs vision and values
• People who are less represented in the AOD Sector in Rural and Regional areas will be prioritised for this opportunity. This includes LGBTIQ people, people with refugee and migrant experiences, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people with a lived experience of substance use concerns.

What ACSO can offer you

• 1 full-time position available at our Dandenong, Richmond or Sunshine location!
• $60,180 base salary + 10.5% superannuation + NFP salary packaging options (more after tax $ in your pocket!)
• Support to obtain your Cert IV in AOD, including study leave, and flexible work arrangements
• WFH options - hybrid WFH home conditions exist currently, though this is a client facing role and there will be the future requirement to return to working from the office, as per the needs of the program
• Paid parental leave (14 weeks) accessible after six months of employment
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%
• Phone, laptop, and provisions to help set you up at home
• Benefits listed above, including
• Learning and development opportunities
• Wellbeing initiatives
• Flexible working arrangements
• Dedicated inclusion and diversity initiatives

How to Apply

If you think you'd be a great fit - we'd love to hear from you!

To apply and view the traineeship position description (PD), please visit our career's website and provide a copy of your resume and a brief covering letter responding to the key selection criteria in the PD. Please also provide an answer to the below question in your cover letter: What gets you excited or motivated when thinking about working in the Alcohol and Other Drugs sector?

Please note ACSO is committed to maintaining a working environment that is safe and minimises risk to the health and wellbeing of all employees, clients, contractors, volunteers and representatives. ACSO's employees are required to be fully vaccinated (including third dose) against COVID-19. All ACSO preferred candidates are required to provide proof of their vaccination status, prior to offers of employment being made.

As ACSO is an NDIS provider, the successful candidate must hold an NDIS Worker Screening Check Clearance before they commence employment in this position.

To learn more about this position, please contact Robert Biviano, Program Manager - COATS Metro, on 0429 929 761.

Applications will be reviewed as received, so apply early!

Applications are being accepted as long as the job advertisement is open.

ACSO proudly acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia's first peoples and pay respect to their rich culture, lores, customs and elders past and present. We strongly embrace the spirit of reconciliation and continue working towards ensuring an equal voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, particularly those who have been touched by the justice system.

The Australian Community Support Organisation embraces diversity within its workforce and encourages applications from appropriately qualified and skilled people regardless of their background. All suitable applicants for this role will be considered regardless of age, ability, race, gender expression, sex, cultural background, spiritual beliefs or lived experience.