AOD Assessment Practitioner

The Salvation Army (VIC) Prpty Trust atf Social Work; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 74,000 - 77,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax‑fee

Meal entertainment benefit

Paid parental leave

EAP and health initiatives

Job summary

The Salvation Army Sunshine is seeking an AOD Assessment Practitioner for a permanent part-time role (22.8 hours per week) on-site in Sunshine, VIC. You will conduct intake, assessment, brief interventions and holistic case management to support clients toward recovery.

Reporting to the AOD Senior Practitioner, the role offers SCHADS Award Level 5 pay with hourly rates of $53.43–$55.85 plus superannuation, based on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• AOD assessment and case management experience.
• Brief therapeutic support and crisis response experience.
• Risk screening and coordinated recovery planning.

Responsibilities

• Guide clients into treatment and recovery services with intake and assessment.
• Provide timely support and crisis intervention.
• Coordinate personalised recovery plans with clients and families.
• Link clients to housing, mental health, and other supports.
• Collaborate with carers and partner agencies for holistic care.
• Support long-term wellbeing and community connections.

Skills

AOD assessment skills

Brief interventions

Crisis intervention

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work or related discipline

Diploma of Community Services

Forensic Fundamentals (or to obtain within 6 months)

Job description

ABOUT US

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities. We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

Why this role matters

The Salvation Army (Salvos) is one of Australia’s largest providers of alcohol and other drug (AOD) programs including withdrawal management, residential and non-residential rehabilitation, and harm reduction programs. Salvos services go beyond addressing the core issues and challenges associated with problematic substance abuse and provide participants a place of hope, compassion, and dignity to recover safely.

About the role

As an AOD Assessment Practitioner, you'll play a vital role in helping individuals navigate alcohol and other drug support services, ensuring they have access to the treatment and recovery pathways best suited to their needs. In this rewarding role, you'll provide assessment, brief interventions, and holistic case management that empowers individuals, families, and significant others to improve their health, wellbeing, and long-term recovery outcomes.

Reporting to the AOD Senior Practitioner, this is a permanent part-time position 22.8 hours per week, based on-site in Sunshine, VIC.

Conditions

Compensation is in accordance with SCHADS Award Level 5. $53.43 – $55.85 hourly + superannuation based on experience level and qualifications, exclusive of penalties, allowances, NFP salary packaging.

How you will make an impact

• Guide clients into treatment and recovery services, completing intake, assessment, and risk screening to identify the most appropriate care pathway
• Deliver timely support and intervention, providing brief therapeutic support, crisis responses, and proactive engagement for clients awaiting treatment
• Coordinate personalised recovery plans, working alongside clients to set goals, address barriers, and achieve meaningful outcomes
• Facilitate access to essential support services, connecting clients with housing, mental health, family support, financial counselling, and other specialist providers
• Work collaboratively with families, carers, and partner agencies, ensuring a holistic and integrated approach to recovery and wellbeing
• Promote sustainable recovery outcomes, helping clients establish community connections, peer supports, aftercare plans, and long-term wellbeing strategies

What you will bring

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work or related discipline
• Minimum qualification in Diploma of Community Services
• Relevant experience in a social service environment
• AOD Skillset or obtain within the first 12 months of commencing employment
• Completion of Forensic Fundamentals or ability to obtain within first 6 months of employment
• Family Violence foundation, information sharing scheme and intermediate risk assessment training within the first 12 months.
• Refreshers as required or directed

What we offer

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + $2,650 meal entertainment benefit
• Generous Paid Parental leave for primary (12 weeks) & secondary carers, Purchased Leave Scheme (up to 8 weeks) and 5 days paid leave per year to experience working in other TSA programs or activities
• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives incl Fitness Passport
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supports such as: Burra Burra Network (pastoral care network), Cultural Events, Sorry Business and Ceremonial Leave (up to 10 days)
• Ongoing training and development opportunities that enhance on the job skills and proficiency
• Rewarding and fulfilling purpose driven careers that have positive and sustainable / social impacts

Equal Opportunity & Child Safe Statements

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and intersex status. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration. At the Salvos, we believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. And it is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

Mission, Vision & Values

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus. We share the love of Jesus by: Caring for people, Creating faith pathways, Building healthy communities, Working for justice.

Why work with the Salvos?

The Salvation Army offers a range of employment opportunities across the organisation, including those in community programs, aged care, retail, employment services, corporate and other support services. When you choose to work with the Salvos, you choose to believe in doing good that transforms the lives of people and communities facing hardship or crisis.

So, if you are passionate about work that has purpose and satisfaction, are keen on delivering social and sustainable outcomes that change lives, we want to hear from you. Our employees have access to a range of benefits, plus personal development and career diversity opportunities that deliver real and meaningful benefits. Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a healthy work-life balance, generous salary packaging opportunities, parental leave, purchase leave schemes and much more.

The Salvation Army encourages people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that accepts and recognises every person, embraces their strengths and differences, and provide opportunities for all people to achieve their highest potential.

Check out our career page to find out more about our recruitment process and what its like to work at the Salvos. We are always on the lookout for individuals keen to help us fulfil mission to support those in need. Along with contributing their valuable time to a good cause, volunteers bring much-needed vitality and a fresh perspective through their ideas to the range of roles we have on offer. Whatever you have skill set, availability, and areas of interest, we are keen to hear from you. Check out our volunteer opportunities here.

Applications will close as soon as a suitable candidate is secured.