AOD Practitioner

The Salvation Army Australia; City of Greater Bendigo; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Parental leave

EAP and health & wellness

Professional development

Job summary

The Salvation Army Australia in Bendigo, VIC is seeking an experienced AOD Practitioner for a fixed-term full-time role based on-site. You will conduct assessments, counselling, and case management to support individuals with alcohol and other drug-related harms, delivering evidence-based care.

Reporting to the Loddon Non-Residential AOD Team Leader, the role offers SCHADS Award Level 5 compensation and opportunities for professional development, parental leave, and an inclusive, supportive work

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Community Services or related discipline
• AOD Skill Set qualification or willingness to obtain within 12 months
• Forensic Fundamentals completed or within first 3 months of employment
• Relevant experience in AOD or social services
• Current Victorian Driver's Licence and Working with Children Check

Responsibilities

• Deliver evidence-based AOD counselling and recovery-focused interventions
• Develop and review individualized treatment and case management plans
• Build therapeutic relationships with participants and families
• Coordinate referrals and access to community support services
• Conduct comprehensive assessments and ongoing reviews of participant needs

Education

Diploma in Community Services

AOD Skill Set qualification

Forensic Fundamentals

Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, or Community Services

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.

Number Of Positions Available

1

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
• 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

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