About the Organisation

The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) was established in 1973 to address the specific medical needs of Victorian Aboriginal communities. The organisation has expanded steadily over past 40 years to provide a comprehensive range of medical, dental and social services for our community.

As well as providing a variety of medical services, VAHS is committed to supporting the well-being of the community through contributions to community events and activities. VAHS is also committed to assisting research into the ongoing needs of the community.

VAHS is a child safe organisation.

About the Opportunity

The role of the AOD worker is to provide specialist culturally safe, confidential support to complex Aboriginal clients to overcome various identified Alcohol and Other Drug issues. Based on the harm minimisation approach, involving health promotion, education, developing and maintaining linkages, referrals, and counselling. The AOD worker works alongside the client for the duration of their individual treatment journey in collaboration with other support networks to provide client focused, measurable outcomes.

Key Selection Criteria

To be considered for this role you must have the following;

• Hold strong understanding and commitment to Aboriginal communities and their needs
• Proven ability to work effectively with Aboriginal people and families experiencing problematic substance use in a respectful, culturally safe, compassionate manner
• Demonstrated understanding of community-based interventions for reducing alcohol and drug related harm
• Extensive experience in the provision of assessment and counselling services with AOD or dual diagnosis clients
• Proven ability to work with a range of people and organisations (including forensic, and dual diagnosis clients) in a non-judgmental and respectful manner
• A demonstrated commitment to teamwork and the ability to take appropriate individual and team responsibility for the welfare of clients
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in the sector
• Experience working with Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander People

Qualifications, Licenses and Registrations

• CERT IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs or Diploma AOD Worker
• Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, other drugs and mental health)
• Current Victorian Driver’s License
• Current Working with children check

All appointments are subject to a satisfactory police check.

Request for position description and more information can be made via [email protected] using the subject line: Alcohol and Drug Worker enquiry via EthicalJobs.