AOD Practitioner

The Salvation Army; City of Greater Bendigo; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Meal entertainment benefit

Paid parental leave

Purchased leave

EAP and health initiatives

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Bendigo, VIC is seeking an AOD Practitioner to provide assessment, counselling, case management and targeted interventions on a fixed-term full-time basis. The role supports individuals with alcohol and other drug-related harms from a person-centred perspective on-site in Bendigo.

You will deliver evidence-based AOD care, develop individualized treatment plans, and coordinate referrals with families and support services, under the Loddon Non-Residential AOD Team Leader.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Community Services or a related discipline (minimum Diploma in Community Services).
• AOD Skill Set qualification, or willingness to obtain it within your first 12 months.
• Relevant experience in AOD or in a social service environment.
• A current Victorian Driver's Licence and Working with Children Check.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Skills

AOD counselling

Case management

Education

Diploma in Community Services

AOD Skill Set

Forensic Fundamentals

Job description

Number of Positions Available:1ABOUT USThe 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 mattersThe 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 roleAs 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.ConditionsCompensation is in accordance with the SCHADS Award Level 5.How you will make an impactDeliver evidence-based alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselling and recovery-focused interventions, supporting participants to achieve their treatment goals and improve wellbeingDevelop, implement, and review individualised treatment and case management plans in partnership with participants, ensuring services are tailored to their needs and circumstancesBuild strong therapeutic relationships with participants and their families, using a family-inclusive approach to support recovery and positive treatment outcomesCoordinate referrals, advocacy, and access to community support services, helping participants establish sustainable support networks and post-treatment plansConduct comprehensive assessments and ongoing reviews of participant needs, ensuring appropriate treatment planning, risk identification, and responsive support throughout the recovery journeyYou'll be an experienced, compassionate practitioner who thrives on building trust and empowering people to achieve positive outcomes.What you will bringA 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 monthsCompletion in Forensic Fundamentals or obtain within the first 3 months of employmentRelevant experience in AOD or in a social service environmentA current Victorian Driver's Licence and Employee Working with Children CheckWhat we offerThe 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 benefitGenerous 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 activitiesAccess to EAP and health & wellness initiatives incl Fitness PassportAboriginal 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 proficiencyRewarding and fulfilling purpose driven careers that have positive and sustainable / social impactsHow to applyIf you’re passionate about making a difference and ready to join a team dedicated to creating positive change, please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your alignment with the requirements of the role. Together we can build a brighter future.Applications will close as soon as a suitable candidate is secured.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