AOD Practitioner

The Salvation Army; Bendigo; On-site; AUD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax‑de‑

Meal entertainment benefit $2,650

Paid parental leave (12 weeks)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Cultural and indigenous supports

Training and development opportunities

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Bendigo, VIC, is seeking an AOD Practitioner for a fixed-term full-time role, contracted to September 2027, based on-site. You will provide assessment, counselling, case management, and targeted interventions to support individuals experiencing alcohol and other drug-related harms, delivering person-centred care for wellbeing.

You will report to the team leader and work within the Northern Victoria AOD services to empower participants and families toward recovery and

Qualifications

• Diploma in Community Services or equivalent required.
• AOD Skill Set qualification, or willingness to obtain within first 12 months.
• Forensic Fundamentals completed or obtainable within first 3 months.
• Relevant experience in AOD or a social services environment.
• Current Victorian Driver’s Licence and Employee Working with Children Check preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver evidence-based AOD counselling and recovery-focused interventions with participants to achieve treatment goals and improve wellbeing.
• Develop, implement, and review individualized treatment and case management plans in partnership with participants.
• Build strong therapeutic relationships with participants and their families using a family-inclusive approach.
• Coordinate referrals, advocacy, and access to community support services and post-treatment planning.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments and ongoing reviews of participant needs to inform treatment planning and risk management.

Skills

AOD experience

Education

Diploma in Community Services

AOD Skill Set qualification

Forensic Fundamentals

Job description

Number of Positions Available:

1

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.

Through the Northern Victoria Alcohol and Other Drug Services (NVAODS) program, we provide person-centred support and evidence-based interventions that empower individuals and families to address alcohol and other drug related harms and achieve their wellbeing goals.

About the role

As an AOD Practitioner , you will provide assessment, counselling, case management, and targeted interventions to support individuals experiencing alcohol and other drug-related harms. Working collaboratively with clients, families, and significant others, you will deliver person-centred support that promotes recovery, resilience, and positive health outcomes. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping people navigate challenges and improve their overall wellbeing through evidence-based care and support.

Reporting to the Loddon Non-Residential AOD Team Leader, this is a fixed-term full-time position, contracted until September 2027, based on-site in Bendigo, VIC.

Conditions

Compensation is in accordance with the SCHADS Award Level 5.

How you will make an impact

• Deliver evidence-based alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselling and recovery-focused interventions, supporting participants to achieve their treatment goals and improve wellbeing
• Develop, implement, and review individualised treatment and case management plans in partnership with participants, ensuring services are tailored to their needs and circumstances
• Build strong therapeutic relationships with participants and their families, using a family-inclusive approach to support recovery and positive treatment outcomes
• Coordinate referrals, advocacy, and access to community support services, helping participants establish sustainable support networks and post-treatment plans

Conduct comprehensive assessments and ongoing reviews of participant needs, ensuring appropriate treatment planning, risk identification, and responsive support throughout the recovery journey

You’ll be an experienced, compassionate practitioner who thrives on building trust and empowering people to achieve positive outcomes.

What you will bring

• A tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Community Services or a related discipline (minimum Diploma in Community Services)
• An AOD Skill Set qualification, or willingness to obtain it within your first 12 months
• Completion in Forensic Fundamentals or obtain within the first 3 months of employment
• Relevant experience in AOD or in a social service environment
• A current Victorian Driver’s Licence and Employee Working with Children Check

What we offer

The Salvos offer eligible employee’s a well-balanced package of meaningful benefits including:

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + $2,650 meal entertainment benefit
• GenerousPaid Parentalleaveforprimary(12 weeks)& secondary carers,PurchasedLeaveScheme(up to 8 weeks)and5 days paid leave per year to experience working in other TSA programs or activities
• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiativesinclFitness Passport
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supports such as: BurraBurraNetwork (pastoral care network), Cultural Events, Sorry Business and Ceremonial Leave (up to 10 days)
• Ongoing training and development opportunitiesthatenhanceon the jobskills andproficiency
• Rewarding and fulfillingpurpose drivencareersthat have positive and sustainable/social impacts

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