Clinical Nurse AOD

Department of Justice; Perth; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Parking

Flexible working and leave

12% superannuation

Professional development opportunities

Career pathway opportunities

Health and wellbeing programs

Applicant Information Pack

Job summary

The Department of Justice in Western Australia is seeking a Clinical Nurse – Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) to join the Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drug (MHAOD) branch. You will assess and manage care for prisoners and staff, support opioid substitution treatment, and participate in multi-disciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes.

This permanent, full‑time role offers opportunities for professional development, flexible leave options, and a focus on safety, rehabilitation and therapeutic

Qualifications

• Current RN registration with AHPRA.
• Experience in mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) settings.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate care for patients with substance use issues.
• Support opioid substitution treatment and withdrawal management.
• Collaborate with MHAOD and Primary Health Team to deliver integrated care.
• Deliver MHAOD clinics to prisoners as part of Primary Health Care Services.
• Assist discharge planning and liaise with other service providers for ongoing care.

Skills

Mental Health

AOD Experience

Collaboration

Communication

Clinical Governance

Education

AHPRA RN Registration

Job description

There are three (3) permanent, full time vacancies available for immediate filling.

Make a Real Impact Where It Matters Most!

Join Corrective Services, Justice Health and Wellbeing as a Clinical Nurse - AOD and be the difference in a unique and challenging environment.

Deliver critical care and support some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community.

Step into a role where your expertise changes lives – every day.

About The Role

The Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drug (MHAOD) Branch of the Justice Health and Wellbeing Service delivers mental health, alcohol and other drug healthcare to some of the most vulnerable and high‑risk individuals in the State. The MHAOD staff work to improve MHAOD patient outcomes and reduce associated harm and risks as far as possible.

MHAOD services are delivered by multidisciplinary teams made up of highly specialised staff including nurses, consultant psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, aboriginal mental health workers and prison support officers.

The role of the Clinical Nurse Alcohol and other Drugs (AOD) is to assess, plan, implement and evaluate the care of those identified as experiencing drug and alcohol related problems, support opioid substitution treatment, assess and support management of clinical substance use withdrawal and to participate in the development of the Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Service.

• Maintain focus on the Department’s goals concerning safety, security and rehabilitation.
• Work to improve communication and model integrity and respect in all interactions.
• Operate within the Department's Corporate Governance Framework, policies and procedures and ensure effective transparency and accountability of all Department activity.
• Operate within chain of command facilities to coordinate activities required to meet the Department’s strategic objectives.
• Work collaboratively to achieve common goals and best practice and facilitate business improvements as appropriate.
• Delivers specialist Alcohol and Other Drugs evidence‑based screening, triage, comprehensive assessment, therapeutic interventions and treatment planning to support reintegration into Prison or release to freedom.
• Delivers dedicated Alcohol and Other Drugs intake and screening to support appropriate referrals and treatment planning with the MHAOD and Primary Health Team.
• Monitors patients’ substance withdrawal and mental status in consultation with the MHAOD and Primary Health Team.
• Provides Alcohol and Other Drugs clinical input into the multidisciplinary team and intake meetings with main stakeholders.
• Delivers MHAOD Alcohol and Other Drugs clinics to Prisoners as part of the Primary Health Care Services.
• Supports discharge planning for mental health/addictions patients, including liaison with other service providers to support integrated care.
• Supports and delivers Alcohol and Other Drugs education to MHAOD, Primary Health Clinics and Custodial Staff.

Suitability Requirements

Through the recruitment process, we will be looking for candidates who can demonstrate skills, experience and attributes in relation to the following:

• Mental Health and AOD Experience – Demonstrated nursing practice in mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) settings, including skills in clinical planning, care coordination and decision‑making within complex environments.
• Collaboration and Effective Communication – Strong collaborative skills within multi‑disciplinary teams, supported by well‑developed written, verbal and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Clinical Governance, Quality and Safety – Ability to apply quality improvement and risk management principles in daily practice, with awareness of principal AOD governance legislations, including Medicines & Therapeutic Regulation.

Eligibility

Qualifications

• A current registration in the category of Registered Nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Benefits And Opportunities

• Free Parking.
• Flexible working and leave arrangements.
• 12% employer contributed superannuation into a fund of your choice.
• Professional development opportunities
• Career pathway opportunities.
• Health and wellbeing programs including Fitness passport providing a wide range of gym, pool, and fitness Centre discounts available for employees and their families.
• Check out the attached Applicant Information Pack to find out other benefits of working for Justice.

Subsequent Vacancies

Applicants found suitable but not recommended for this vacancy, may be considered for subsequent similar vacancies for a period of twelve (12) months, in accordance with section 7d of the Commissioner’s Instructions No.48 – Recruitment, Selection and Appointment to Permanent Vacancies, and section 9d of the Commissioner Instructions 49 – Recruitment, Selection and Appointment to Fixed Term Vacancies. Permanent, fixed term, full time and part time appointments may be offered at Perth Metropolitan Area during this period.

For further job-related information

If you would like further information regarding the vacancy please contact David Balakrishnan on [e-mail] for a confidential discussion.

Equity and Diversity

The Department of Justice is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and accessible workplace that reflects the community we serve. We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants can access support by following this link.

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. For a confidential discussion about support or adjustments, please contact the person listed above or email [e-mail].

The Department of Justice has introduced a smoke‑free policy, which has been fully implemented across all women’s prisons and the Academy, with all other prison sites to follow.