AOD Case Manager

Directions Health Services; Wagga Wagga; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leave loading 17.5%

Professional development opportunities

Supportive workplace

Job summary

Directions Health Services is seeking a dedicated Case Manager for the Pathways Murrumbidgee team in Wagga Wagga. You will deliver person-centred, community-based AOD treatment and support to individuals and families, coordinating referrals and working with local services.

You’ll undertake holistic assessments, engage clients, develop treatment plans, provide counselling and support, and contribute to outcomes measurement and documentation. Travel NSW Murrumbidgee region may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience in counselling, case management and AOD treatment.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Understanding of harm minimisation and AOD treatment options.

Responsibilities

• Undertake holistic assessments of clients seeking support for alcohol and other drug use.
• Engage referred clients and provide information about harm minimisation and treatmentOptions.
• Develop individualised treatment and support plans with clients.
• Provide pre- and post-treatment support for residential and day programs.
• Deliver information, education, counselling and support for less complex AOD challenges.

Skills

Counselling

Case management

AOD knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Cultural responsiveness

Education

Relevant qualification in Counselling/ Social Work/ Psychology / Nursing or equivalent

Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drug Work

Job description

At Directions Health Services, we believe meaningful change starts with connection, compassion and care without judgement. For nearly 50 years, we’ve been an innovative, not-for-profit leader providing integrated alcohol and other drug (AOD), mental health and primary health services across the ACT and NSW.

Our multidisciplinary teams bring together a diverse range of professionals, all united by a shared commitment to reducing harm, improving health and wellbeing, and supporting people to achieve their goals.

We’re looking for a passionate and motivated Case Manager to join our Pathways Murrumbidgee team, based in Wagga Wagga. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people and families impacted by alcohol and other drug use, supporting them to access treatment, build on their strengths and achieve positive, lasting change.

Working within a supportive and collaborative team, you’ll provide community-based treatment, counselling, case management and practical support to clients with a range of needs. You’ll build strong relationships with clients, families, local services and the wider community, helping people navigate challenges and connect with the support they need.

About the Role

As a Case Manager with Pathways Murrumbidgee, you’ll provide person-centred, community-based AOD treatment and support to individuals and family members affected by alcohol and other drug use.

You will:

• Undertake holistic assessments of clients seeking support to address their alcohol and other drug use.
• Proactively engage referred clients, providing information about the impacts of substance use, harm minimisation strategies and available treatment options.
• Work collaboratively with clients to identify their goals and develop individualised treatment and support plans.
• Provide pre- and post-treatment support to clients accessing residential and day rehabilitation programs.
• Deliver information, education, early intervention, counselling and support to clients experiencing less complex AOD-related challenges, as well as their families and the broader community.
• Provide intensive case management to clients experiencing significant substance use and complex needs, including co-occurring mental health concerns.
• Deliver culturally responsive, respectful and inclusive services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Recognise the broader health, social and emotional factors affecting clients and support them to access appropriate services.
• Develop strong working relationships with local AOD services, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, health and community agencies, and other Directions programs.
• Coordinate referrals and work collaboratively with other services to support continuity of care and positive client outcomes.
• Provide in-reach to other services and outreach to clients in their homes and community settings, supporting engagement and accessibility.
• Undertake routine outcomes measurement with clients and ensure accurate and timely collection of required data.
• Maintain high-quality client records, case notes, reports and other documentation, ensuring effective handover of information where required.
• Prepare support letters and relevant reports for Justice and Care and Protection matters.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision and shared care meetings.
• Contribute to continuous quality improvement, risk management and a safe working environment.
• Work in accordance with professional standards, confidentiality requirements and Directions’ policies and procedures.

About the Position

• Employment type: Full-time, fixed-term contract until June 2027, with the potential for extension subject to funding.
• Classification: Community Services Employee (CSE) Level 4.
• Work arrangements: Based at the Wagga Wagga main office, with the capacity to work across both the main office and the Ngurra Hub.
• Travel: Regular travel throughout the NSW Murrumbidgee region is required.

You’re a compassionate and motivated professional who is passionate about supporting people affected by alcohol and other drug use. You understand the importance of building trusting relationships, meeting people where they are at and providing practical, person-centred support that recognises each individual’s circumstances, strengths and goals.

You’ll bring:

• A relevant qualification, or be currently studying towards a qualification, in Counselling, Social Work, Psychology, Nursing or another relevant field, and/or a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drug Work or equivalent. Alternatively, a willingness to obtain a relevant qualification.
• Experience working within the alcohol and other drug sector.
• An understanding of the impact of substance use on individuals, families and friends.
• A sound knowledge of AOD treatment and support options, including harm minimisation strategies.
• An understanding of mental health concerns, associated physical health issues and other co-occurring needs.
• Demonstrated experience or ability to provide person-centred assessment, counselling, case management and support.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive and trusting relationships with clients, colleagues and external stakeholders.
• The ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and develop productive relationships with other services.
• The ability to work respectfully and effectively in a cross-cultural environment.
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and families, with the ability to build meaningful relationships with local Aboriginal services and communities.
• Strong organisational skills, initiative and the ability to manage competing priorities while working both independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to use electronic client information systems.
• A commitment to reflective practice, continuous improvement and maintaining professional standards.
• A current First Aid Certificate.
• A current NSW Working With Children Check, or the ability to obtain one.
• A current driver’s licence and willingness to travel regularly throughout the NSW Murrumbidgee region.

What We Offer

At Directions, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation where your contribution is valued and your work has a genuine impact.

• A supportive, inclusive and values-driven workplace.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities affected by alcohol and other drug use.
• 17½% leave loading.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• A Community Services Employee (CSE) Level 4 classification.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

Directions Health Services is committed to being a child safe organisation and creating culturally, physically and emotionally safe environments for children and young people in line with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and Child Safe Standards.

At Directions Health Services, diversity makes us stronger. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, abilities, and lived experiences including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

We also understand that women and other marginalised groups often hesitate to apply unless they meet every criterion. If you’re passionate about what we do and believe you could make a difference, we encourage you to reach out, you might be exactly who we’re looking for.