INTRODUCTION

The Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association Inc. is a fast-growing public benevolent institution servicing Vietnamese and other culturally and linguistically diverse clients. Our income comes mainly from providing government-funded services for all ages and genders. Our services include aged care, training, playgroups, justice, and other services.

POSITION OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this position is to reduce AOD related harms to Vietnamese speaking individuals and their families by conducting assessments and providing a range of counselling interventions to assist clients and their family members to change harmful behaviours, increase their capacity to effectively manage the problems associated with AOD use that they are experiencing.

Ultimately this role will assist in the provision of know-how to prevent relapse and support the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and motivation to initiate change, maintain it over the long term and improve quality of life.

If the project officer meets the position objectives, a permanency offer will be made following a formal evaluation after a 6 month probation period.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provision of treatment services

• Provide high-quality engagement, assessment, treatment and support services to individuals and their families, via evidence-based, therapeutic counselling and group work using best practice principles including Family Inclusive Practice and Dual Diagnosis principles.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments including:
  • Ascertaining information on substance abuse, history, mental health, and risk
  • Utilising the assessment tool
• Develop treatment plans and provide effective counseling interventions to meet the individual needs of clients, including those with complex needs, and their families. These interventions may include assisting clients to:
  • identify their substance use triggers and high-risk situations
  • develop practical skills such as problem-solving, goal setting, and assertive communication
  • access a range of community services and support to promote recovery
  • develop insight into their thinking and behaviour to help them make and sustain positive changes
  • understand the relationship between their substance use and other areas of their lives, such as mental and physical health, relationships, and lifestyles
• Provide information, education, and practical assistance to clients to help them reduce the harms of their substance use to themselves and those around them
• Provide assertive referrals e.g. financial counselling, nutrition and life skills training, and other health initiatives to support clients where needed
• Build strong and effective relationships with clients and their families, creating positive expectations and confidence in their journey to a drug-free lifestyle
• Consider the needs of and identify any risks to vulnerable children, working with families, and facilitating referrals to Child First and Family services if required

Professional liaison and consultation

• Liaise and consult with other services to develop and support the provision of recovery and harm minimisation orientated treatment that aligns with the client’s individual treatment plan
• Establish and maintain collaborative and productive working relationships with current and potential stakeholders and partners, both internally and externally
• Work with other AVWA teams and external stakeholders as appropriate

Supervision and professional development

• Actively participate in ongoing professional development via the annual performance reviews, clinical supervision and by attending relevant training as required

Administration

• Maintain accurate & up-to-date progress notes, case files, and data entry in a confidential manner
• Adhere to AVWA policies and procedures
• Adhere to and keep informed of all relevant legislative compliance requirements
• Undertake other duties as directed by the CEO and/ or her delegates

Behaviours and Attitudes

Whilst executing the key responsibilities you are expected to demonstrate the following attitudes and behaviours:

• Understanding of the philosophy of harm minimisation
• Understanding and implementing AVWA core values: Integrity, Respect, Inclusion, Compassion, Excellence, Innovation
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Work effectively with other AVWA team members to accomplish organisational and team goals; respect the needs and contributions of others
• Health & Safety: Carry out tasks with an awareness of Health and Safety concerning self, others and their environment

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

• Effective oral and written communication in both English and Vietnamese.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, or related behavioural sciences
• Certificate IV in AOD or completed the required competencies (or able to complete within the first 12 months of employment)
• Competencies in dual diagnosis (or able to complete within the first 24 months of employment)
• Experience in assessing and counselling services (preferably with AOD or dual diagnosis clients)
• Experience in therapeutic approaches such as Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Coping Skills Training, Family Inclusive Practice, etc.
• Proven ability to effectively work with people and families experiencing problematic alcohol and other drugs use in a respectful, compassionate and positive manner
• Demonstrated understanding of community-based interventions for reducing AOD-related harm
• Collaborate effectively with clients, families, colleagues, stakeholders and other service providers
• A valid national police check and WWC check.

Other Requirement:

• Effective oral and written communication in both English and Vietnamese.
• A valid police check and WWC check.
• To be based at Braybrook, occasional travels to Richmond and Springvale.

Desirable

• Training and experience in Family Violence, and AOD interventions services.
• A Drivers Licence