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 more than 40 years. Alongside is one of Directions’ Canberra based programs. Alongside provides non-clinical psychosocial support to clients experiencing co-occurring mental illness, substance use and other comorbidities, who do not have access to NDIS or other capacity building supports.

Directions offers 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. Our Directions’ team includes Counsellors, Social Workers, a Psychologist, Chemists, GPs, Registered Nurses, and a Psychiatrist. Our 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, 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 and AOD sectors.

About the position

As an AOD Youth Worker within our Youth program, you will provide AOD counselling and case management support to young people and their families to improve outcomes and reduce harms associated with drug and alcohol use.

This is a full-time, fixed term contract with options for extension and part-time hours for the right applicant.

Responsibilities

• Actively engage with young people and their family/natural support to provide accessible information regarding Directions’ programs and services offered by other drug and welfare organisations.
• Provide culturally responsive services to young people and their family/friends to improve outcomes and reduce harms associated with drug and alcohol use.
• Assess clients with a range of coexisting medical, mental and social conditions for admission to the withdrawal management, case management and counselling services.
• Provide case management and care coordination episodes of up to six (6) months for each service episode, unless a longer period is required to address clients’ health and social goals and reduce risk of serious harm.
• Conduct outreach in areas where young people frequent.
• Liaise with local stakeholders to assist to develop resources, supports and programs which will benefit clients.

What we offer

• A flexible and supportive work environment
• Community Service Employee Level 3 role, commensurate with qualifications, skills, and experience
• Generous salary packaging benefits
• 17½% leave loading
• Generous professional development and training opportunities

What we would like you to have

• Minimum Cert IV in AOD and/or Youth Work, or willingness to obtain within the first year.
• Experience in the Alcohol and Other Drug Sector.
• Experience in Youth Work.
• A current Driver's Licence.

• Well-developed understanding of the impact of alcohol and other drug use and the associated issues that young people may experience, including physical and mental health.
• Good working knowledge of evidence-based treatment, harm minimisation and support strategies.
• Demonstrated capacity to work with young people using a person-centred approach.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, combined with a proactive and hands-on attitude.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with minimum supervision in a small flexible team environment.
• Ability to work competently in a cross-cultural environment.
• Has a thorough understanding of the importance of personal and professional boundaries, ethical behaviour, policies, and procedures.

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

For further information about this position please refer to the attached Position Description or contact our HR team at [email protected] using the subject line: AOD Youth Worker - Queanbeyan 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.

A position description is attached.