AOD Support Worker

The Salvation Army; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging benefits

Entertainment benefit

Employee Assistance Program

Discounts

Fitness Passport

Inclusive culture

Job summary

The Salvation Army’s Sobering Up Unit in Adelaide is seeking a casual AOD Support Worker to provide trauma‑informed care to adults during intoxication and withdrawal. You will work in a semi‑autonomous team, assess and monitor participants, and ensure safety and dignity throughout admission to discharge.

Shifts cover day, afternoon and night in a 24‑hour roster, with some night coverage expected. Successful applicants will have Certificate IV in Community Services (AOD preferred), relevant

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Community Services (preferably AOD) or equivalent.
• Experience supporting people with AOD concerns, homelessness or complex needs.
• Ability to work confidently within a 24/7 roster, including night shifts.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Understanding of trauma‑informed practice and harm minimisation principles.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Current SA Drivers Licence
• Working with Children Check (or willingness to apply)
• Current Accredited Comprehensive First Aid and CPR certificate (or willingness to obtain)

Responsibilities

• Monitor and assess participants who are intoxicated or withdrawing, always ensuring safety
• Provide calm, empathic and professional support to adults with complex needs
• Respond to challenging or high‑risk situations using de‑escalation and trauma‑informed approaches
• Maintain accurate documentation, logs and incident reports
• Work collaboratively with senior workers, team members and external agencies
• Support participants with basic needs, engagement and safe discharge planning
• Uphold TSA values and contribute to a positive, respectful team culture

Skills

Empathy

Communication skills

Trauma-informed care

De-escalation

Teamwork

Night shift flexibility

Education

Certificate IV in Community Services (AOD preferred) or equivalent

Current SA Drivers Licence

Working with Children Check

First Aid and CPR certificate

Job description

Number of Positions Available: 2

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.

AOD Support Worker – Sobering Up Unit Towards Independence Sobering Up Unit, Adelaide Casual | 24/7 rotating roster

Why this role matters

The Sobering Up Unit is the largest service of its kind in Australia, supporting up to 30 participants at a time as they safely recover from the immediate effects of alcohol and other drugs. Many of the people we support are experiencing addiction, homelessness, mental health issues, physical health issues and the impacts of trauma. Your role as an AOD Support Worker is essential in providing safety, stability and compassionate monitoring during a vulnerable period in a person’s life. Every shift you work directly contributes to a safer, more dignified experience for people who often have nowhere else to go. Your calm presence, empathy and professionalism help participants feel seen, supported and safe.

About the role

As an AOD Support Worker, you will work as part of a semi‑autonomous team to assess, monitor and support adults who are intoxicated or experiencing withdrawal. You will provide consistent, trauma‑informed care from presentation through to discharge, ensuring safety, dignity and adherence to site procedures and TSA policies. This is a casual position within the Sobering Up Unit, operating on a 24‑hour roster. Shifts will be allocated based on business needs and some night shift coverage is expected. Shift times include: Day shift: 7am – 3pm Afternoon shift: 3pm – 11pm Night shift: 11pm – 7am

How you will make an impact

• Monitor and assess participants who are intoxicated or withdrawing, always ensuring safety
• Provide calm, empathic and professional support to adults with complex needs
• Respond to challenging or high‑risk situations using de‑escalation and trauma‑informed approaches
• Maintain accurate documentation, logs and incident reports
• Work collaboratively with senior workers, team members and external agencies
• Support participants with basic needs, engagement and safe discharge planning
• Uphold TSA values and contribute to a positive, respectful team culture

What you will bring

• Certificate IV in Community Services (preferably AOD) or equivalent
• Experience supporting people with AOD concerns, homelessness or complex needs
• Ability to work confidently within a 24/7 roster, including night shifts
• Strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure
• Understanding of trauma‑informed practice and harm minimisation principles
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Current SA Drivers Licence
• Working with Children (or willingness to apply)
• Current Accredited Comprehensive First Aid and CPR certificate (or willingness to obtain)

What We Offer

• Salary packaging benefits (up to $15,900 tax free) and Entertainment Benefit ($2,650 tax free)
• Employee Assistance Program – confidential counselling service
• Financial, retail and lifestyle discounts
• Discounted health and fitness programs through Fitness Passport
• A supportive, inclusive culture with passionate and dedicated team members

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

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 When you work with the Salvos, you help make a real difference to the community and the lives of others. Find more information here. Check out how we’re bringing some more good in the world. 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 your skillset, availability, or areas of interest, we are keen to hear from you. Check out our volunteer opportunities here.