• Full Time (76 hours per fortnight)
• Fixed Term until June 2026
• Remuneration SCHCADS level 5 dependent on qualifications and experience + superannuation
• 5 Weeks Annual Leave
• Up to $15,900 for living expenses + up to $2,600 towards meals and entertainment can be tax-free through NFP Salary Packaging

About us

Youth Support + Advocacy Service (YSAS) is one of Australia’s largest and most comprehensive, youth specific community service organisation that enables young people experiencing serious disadvantage to access the resources and support they require to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

YSAS is a Child Safe organisation. We actively promote the safety and wellbeing of young people, and are committed to protecting young people from harm or abuse who come into contact with and/or access our service.

At YSAS we are committed to people of a diversity of backgrounds and identities being included, represented, and having the opportunity to participate equally in the life of our organisation and the communities in which we provide our services. We strive to create the conditions where people feel safe, enfranchised and valued. We value lived-living experience wisdom, insight, and knowledge.

About the position

The Youth AOD Outreach Worker is responsible for the provision of specialist AOD Outreach and support for clients accessing YSAS Alcohol and other Drugs services. The key responsibilities will include AOD support; Intake & Assessment; Brief Interventions; Care Planning; Case Work; Mental Health System Navigation; Motivational Interviewing and Single Session Therapy with young people aged 12 – 25 years.

The incumbent will provide developmentally appropriate care which is holistic; family inclusive; and culturally sensitive and facilitate supported referrals to other health and social services that will enhance the broad recovery outcomes for clients. Based in Dandenong the role will deliver services across the Southern and South Eastern areas of Melbourne.

Key Selection Criteria

1. Experience in working with young people from CALD or refugee communities with specific and complex needs in an outreach capacity.
2. Experience in facilitating group work activities (such as recreation / drop-in programs) with young people who are experiencing multiple and complex health and social issues.
3. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders and maintain service partnerships and highly developed communication / liaison / networking skills.
4. Ability to practice a range of interventions including: completing complex assessments, case work, care planning, advocacy, crisis intervention and collaborative outreach based service delivery.
5. Demonstrated capacity to work both independently as well as a member of a team.
6. Ability to participate in program development and evaluation, including clear and timely provision of written reports on program activities and outcomes.

For full details of the position and more about YSAS benefits please visit our employment website: https://ysas.org.au/employment/

Why work with us?

• YSAS has a true commitment to flexible working, ensuring that individual, team and client needs are met
• YSAS offers additional leave entitlements such as gender affirmation, ceremonial leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, fertility leave, blood donors leave, a generous Parental Leave Scheme and the ability to purchase additional leave.
• Access to learning and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Please note:

1. As part of our Employment screening process you will be required to undertake a National Criminal History check and have a current Working with Children Check.
2. You must have Australian work rights to apply for this position.

Further Enquiries

For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Brett McCaughan, Community Manager, on 0408933099 regarding the role of Youth Worker (Outreach), Recruitment Ref. Number – 030_2025.

• YSAS is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from all sectors of the community.
• YSAS has a zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to the provision of a child-safe organisation.

A position description is attached.