AOD Support Worker (Lifeskills)

The Salvation Army; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 39,000 - 50,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

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

Meal entertainment packaging up to $2,

Job summary

The Salvation Army is seeking an AOD Support Worker (Lifeskills) for the Eastern Bridge Program, The Basin, VIC. This casual role supports participants in a residential rehab, fostering engagement and wellbeing while promoting independence and essential life skills.

You will report to the Support Work Coordinator and work across a 24/7 roster, with shifts including morning, afternoon and night hours. A SCHADS Award Level 4 is applicable.

Qualifications

• Degree qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Addiction Counselling or related (desirable).
• Certificate IV in AOD interventions or equivalent (preferred).
• Certificate IV in Community Services or equivalent (minimum). Diploma highly regarded.
• Demonstrated experience in AOD, community services or social services.
• Experience supporting vulnerable people with complex needs.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification (willingness to obtain).
• Strong communication skills, sound judgement when faced with challenges.
• Commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and person-centred practice.
• Current Employee Working with Children Check.
• Current Victorian Driver’s Licence.

Responsibilities

• Provide person-centred support to individuals in residential rehab to aid recovery goals.
• Assess wellbeing, risk and crisis situations using trauma-informed practices.
• Conduct breathalyser and urine screenings, assist with medications and transport.
• Facilitate life skills and group activities, record attendance and feedback.
• Support continuous improvement via meetings, supervision, training and quality initiatives.
• Organise and supervise recreational activities to promote engagement and wellbeing.

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)

Demonstrated experience in AOD/community services

Experience with vulnerable individuals with complex needs

First Aid and CPR certification (current)

Strong communication and judgement

Commitment to inclusion and person-centred practice

Working with Children Check (current)

Victorian Driver's Licence (current)

Job description

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.

Conditions

Compensation is in accordance with SCHADS Award Level 4.

As part of this role, you must be available to work across a 24/7 roster, including:

• Morning Shift: 7:00am - 3:30pm
• Afternoon Shift: 3:00pm - 11:00pm
• 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

Join The Salvation Army and help build hope, dignity, and brighter futures for people in our community.

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