Alcohol and Other Drugs Worker (Part-time)

Ted Noffs Foundation; Newcastle City Council; On-site; AUD 32,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

The Ted Noffs Foundation is hiring a part-time Alcohol and Other Drugs Worker for the Palm Youth Rehab Program in Newcastle to support young people aged 13-17. The role operates in a therapeutic community with a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach and trauma-informed care.

Responsibilities include supervising residents, providing information and support, facilitating sessions, and contributing to care plans.

Qualifications

• Minimum Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, Youth Work, Community Service or equivalent.
• Experience working with young people is preferred.
• Capacity and willingness to work on rotating day, evening, night and weekend shifts.

Responsibilities

• Supervising day-to-day running of the household and residents' chores.
• Providing information and support to residents and families during the program.
• Facilitating group sessions under supervision.
• Maintaining a safe, harassment-free environment.
• Assisting with care plans and collaborating with counsellors.
• Participating in staff meetings and professional supervision.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Professional boundaries

Education

Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs

Job description

Alcohol and Other Drugs Worker (Part-time)

Type: Part-time
Location: Newcastle NSW
Remuneration: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (Level 3) + Full salary packaging options available up to $15,900 per year.

About Us

Originally named The Wayside Foundation, The Ted Noffs Foundation was established in 1970 by the Australian humanitarian, Reverend Ted Noffs, who’s work championed social justice, mental health support, and innovative youth services. Today, the Foundation continues his legacy, delivering frontline services and community support across NSW, ACT & QLD. With over 200 staff and 350 volunteers, we remain deeply committed to helping young people affected by issues related to drugs, crime, and mental health.

The Role

This role is a great entry into the field of drug and alcohol, social work and youth work. Current students and fresh graduates of relevant major are encouraged to apply.

Noffs is looking for an Alcohol and Other Drugs Worker (Part-time) to join our Palm Youth Rehab Program in Newcastle to support young people aged 13-17 with serious alcohol and/or other drug-related difficulties. Operating as a therapeutic community, the program provides a holistic, intensive, multi-disciplinary, residential treatment program staffed by professionals specifically trained in working through trauma, challenging behaviours and complex needs.

Responsibilities and duties include, but not limited to:

Supervising the day-to-day running of the household, including allocation and supervision of residents' chores.

Providing information and support as necessary to residents during their participation in the Program and in their preparation for re-entry into the community, including contact with families.

Under supervision, and in line with the approved Program manual, facilitating group sessions.

Providing and promoting a safe and healthy environment which is free of harassment and which encourages a positive atmosphere.

Implementing the general living skills component of the Program.

Providing support to counsellors and others in the implementation of care plans for residents.

Participating in staff meetings, professional supervision and in service training as required.

Relevant qualification (minimum Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, Youth Work, Community Service or equivalent).

Experience working with young people, preferably those with alcohol and other drug related difficulties.

Capacity and willingness to work on arotating shift basis, in particular day, evening, night and weekend shifts.

Knowledge of and commitment to a Therapeutic Community model.

Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage clients positively while maintaining professional boundaries.

Initiative, creativity and practical life skills to organise positive group and individual recreational and other activities.

Group management and crisis intervention skills along with a mature, compassionate, common sense approach to conflict resolution.

Commitment to the principles of harm minimisation and to the aims of the Ted Noffs Foundation.

Must have a current and valid NSW Working with Children's Check.

Current NSW Driver's Licence (minimum Provisional licence) and a good driving record.

Knowledge of and commitment to a Therapeutic Community model.

Proficient in the use of client management systems.

First Aid Certificate.

If you're looking for work that’s real, challenging, and genuinely makes a difference—you’ve found the right place. At Noffs, we stand beside young people who’ve faced adversity early in life, offering free, evidence-based treatment and genuine care. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and walk alongside these young people on their journey, we’d love to hear from you.

Ted Noffs Foundation is committed to equal employment opportunity and embraces diversity and inclusion within its workforce. As such, people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. This includes, but is not limited to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, People in the LGBTQIA+ community, People with Disability, Women and People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds.