AOD Support Worker (Lifeskills)

The Salvation Army; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging benefits up to $15,9k

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Comprehensive induction and ongoing PD

Regular supervision

Inclusive workplace and diversity

Job summary

The Salvation Army is recruiting an AOD Support Worker (Lifeskills) for the Eastern Bridge Residential Rehabilitation Program, VIC. This casual role supports participants, fosters engagement, and promotes wellbeing throughout recovery, focusing on independence and essential life skills.

Reporting to the Support Work Coordinator, this on-site position offers shift diversity including mornings, afternoons, sleepovers, and nights, with duties spanning intake, assessments, activities, and transport

Qualifications

• Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Addiction Counselling or related field.
• Certificate IV in AOD interventions or equivalent qualification.
• Certificate IV in Community Services or equivalent qualification.
• Diploma is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Provide person-centred support to participants in residential rehabilitation.
• Assess and respond to wellbeing, risk and crisis using trauma-informed practices.
• Conduct breathalyser and urine screenings; assist with medications and transport to appointments.
• Facilitate life skills and group activities; record attendance and feedback.
• Support continuous service improvement through teamwork, supervision and training initiatives.
• Organise and supervise recreational activities to promote engagement and wellbeing.

Skills

Communication skills

Trauma-informed

Crisis response

Education

Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Addiction Counselling or related

Certificate IV in AOD interventions (or equivalent)

Certificate IV in Community Services or equivalent

Diploma (highly regarded)

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) services, delivering residential and non-residential rehabilitation, withdrawal management, and community-based support programs. At Eastern Bridge, we provide a safe, supportive environment where clients can focus on recovery, build life skills, strengthen their wellbeing, and work towards long-term positive change. Our services are grounded in respect, compassion, dignity, and hope.

About the role

As an AOD Support Worker (Lifeskills), you will provide practical and emotional support to participants within a Residential Rehabilitation Program. You will play a key role in fostering engagement, promoting wellbeing, and supporting individuals throughout their recovery journey while encouraging independence and the development of essential life skills.

Reporting to the Support Work Coordinator, this is a Casual opportunity based at the Eastern Bridge Program, The Basin, VIC.

Compensation

Compensation is in accordance with SCHADS Award Level 4.

Shift Details

• Morning Shift: 7:00am - 3:30pm


• Afternoon Shift: 3:00pm - 11:00pm


• Sleepover Shift: 3:00pm - 8:30am


• Active Night Shift: 10:45pm - 7:15am

How you will make an impact

• Provide person-centred support to individuals experiencing alcohol and other drug challenges, helping them engage with the residential rehabilitation program and work towards their recovery goals


• Assess and respond to participant wellbeing, risk, and crisis situations using appropriate intervention strategies and trauma-informed practices


• Conduct scheduled and random breathalyser and urine screenings, assist with medication processes, support attendance requirements, and provide transport to appointments and activities


• Facilitate life skills and group activities, record attendance and feedback, and encourage participation in therapeutic, social, and community-based programs


• Support the continuous improvement of services by participating in team meetings, supervision, training, and quality improvement initiatives


• Organise and supervise recreational and community activities that promote engagement, social connection, and wellbeing

What you will bring

• Degree qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Addiction Counselling or a related discipline (desirable)


• Certificate IV (or equivalent) in the application of AOD interventions, or the required competencies to work within the AOD sector (preferred)


• Certificate IV in Community Services or equivalent qualification, minimum requirement.


• Diploma (highly regarded)


• Demonstrated experience working within the AOD, community services, or social services sector


• Experience supporting vulnerable people with complex needs from diverse backgrounds


• Current First Aid and CPR certification (willingness to obtain)


• Strong communication skills, sound judgement, and the ability to respond effectively in challenging situations


• A commitment to inclusion, collaboration, social justice, and person-centred practice


• A current Employee Working with Children Check


• A current Victorian Driver’s Licence

What we offer

• Salary packaging benefits of up to $15,900 tax-free plus $2,650 meal entertainment packaging


• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellbeing initiatives


• Comprehensive induction, ongoing learning, and professional development opportunities


• Regular supervision and support from experienced leaders


• A rewarding career with a purpose-driven organisation committed to strengthening communities and transforming lives


• An inclusive and values-driven workplace that celebrates diversity and collaboration

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

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.