Is this you?

• Are you ready to play a vital role in supporting justice-involved clients by delivering high-quality AOD counselling?
• Seeking a rewarding role with competitive perks, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive organisation that values your growth and wellbeing?
• Want to be guided by a passionate leader who will help you grow?

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!

What ACSO can offer you

• Full time, permanent positions available.
• $85,126.08 base salary + 11.5% superannuation + NFP salary packaging options
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%
• Phone, laptop, and provisions to help set you up at home
• Learning and development opportunities - including access to ACSO's leadership development program and a dedicated leadership coach. In house training suite of client specific training including in Trauma Informed Practice, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), plus best practice training on all aspects of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
• Flexible working arrangements, including options for an accrued day off or compressed hours, and the opportunity to work from home on a hybrid model, noting some travel across Melbourne will be expected in line with operational requirements
• Career progression opportunities - leadership development programs and coaching, opportunities for internal consultancy or secondments to other programs
• Wellbeing initiatives - such as free flu vaccines, wellbeing and professional development vouchers, Employee Assistance Program and Reward and Recognition Program. Our employees matter!
• Dedicated inclusion and diversity initiatives to support employees from all backgrounds and dispositions, including specialised leave for cultural ceremonies or gender affirmation

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 role

Forensic AOD Counsellors work in a range of environments and locations in Victoria, ACSO offices, Department of Justice and Community Safety sites and Magistrates' Courts. Our Forensic Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment team provides Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) treatment services to clients in contact with, or at risk of contact with the criminal justice system. The service is delivered face to face, via phone or video call.

Forensic AOD Counsellors are responsible for providing support to clients by gathering information through assessment, formulating findings and recommendations, utilising strong report writing skills, developing realistic treatment plans, and delivering evidence based AOD Standard and Complex Counselling. Forensic AOD Counsellors also regularly liaise and consult with Case Managers at the Department of Justice and Community Safety, and Courts Victoria and provide outcome feedback through client progress reports.

What we are looking for

• A relevant tertiary health qualification such as Social Work, Counselling, Psychology, Nursing or Allied Health Sciences.
• Certificate IV, or higher qualification, in Alcohol and Other Drugs or have completed the core competencies, along with equivalent relevant experience.
• 2+ years prior experience in the AOD sector, including the delivery of treatment interventions and therapeutic approaches
• Demonstrated experience in providing evidenced-based counselling (e.g., Motivational Enhancement Therapy and Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, etc.) to clients tailored through assessment and formulation of client centred treatment planning
• A contemporary understanding of the biopsychosocial model of addiction and a sound knowledge of substances and their effects on human physiology, psychology, and offending behaviours
• A contemporary understanding and approach in working with individuals who have co-occurring mental health and alcohol and other drug issues (i.e., dual diagnosis) or other co-occurring complexities (e.g., ABI and other disabilities)
• Strong report writing skills, incident report writing and case noting abilities
• Ability and willingness to contribute to a supportive and productive team environment

• Committed to continuous learning and professional development An ability to adhere to policy and procedure such as privacy, confidentiality and workplace health and safety
• Eligibility to enter Victorian prisons.

How to apply

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

To apply and view the position description (PD), please visit our careers website and provide a copy of your resume, a brief covering letter and a document outlining responses to the selection criteria found in the PD.

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

Please contact Layla Silverstein, Team Leader, on 0499 382 144 for more information about this position.

Applications may close early if a suitable candidate is found sooner, so we recommend applying early!

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.

ACSO recognises the right to a safe and inclusive service without bias and aims to provide a safe working environment, one which seeks to protect those affected by domestic and family violence and holds those who may use domestic and family violence to account, whilst supporting positive behaviour change.

ACSO 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.