High Risk of Overdose Practitioner

Gateway Health; Albury City; On-site; AUD 57,000 - 61,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Flexible hours

Laptop & phone

Paid parental leave

Fitness Passport

PD & supervision

Employee assistance

Cultural leave

Flu vaccination

Discounted insurance

Job summary

Gateway Health in Wodonga is seeking a dedicated part-time AOD Support Specialist to provide intensive, client-centered interventions for high-risk individuals, linking them to timely treatment and ongoing care. You will primarily support pharmacotherapy clients while collaborating with other AOD programs across Wangaratta and Wodonga.

The role emphasizes harm minimisation, empathetic engagement, and coordination within a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Experience in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector, particularly with clients experiencing substance use.
• Understanding overdose risk factors and applying harm minimisation strategies.
• Strong engagement, advocacy and coordination skills, especially with clients in crisis.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and independently across sites.
• Non-judgemental, strengths-based approach to supporting clients with complex needs.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and navigation of systems and referrals.

Responsibilities

• Provide intensive, person-centred support and brief interventions to high-risk clients.
• Support pharmacotherapy program clients and other Gateway Health AOD programs.
• Engage across Wangaratta and Wodonga to connect clients with resources before, during, and after treatment.

Skills

AOD experience

Engagement

Advocacy

Coordination

Teamwork

Communication

Empathy

Job description

• Join a team of dedicated and experienced professionals
• NFP Salary Packaging up to $15,900 tax-free per year
• Discounted health and fitness programs through Fitness Passport

About Us

Gateway Health is a not-for-profit community health service delivering primary health and welfare services to individuals, families, and communities across Northeast Victoria and parts of Southern New South Wales. With a team of over 300 dedicated staff, we operate across the Ovens Murray region and are committed to improving health outcomes for all people, including those facing social, environmental, and cultural barriers to care. We celebrate diversity and actively work to reflect the communities we serve.

About the Role

This is a rewarding part-time opportunity (45.6 hours per fortnight) based in Wodonga, where you will provide intensive, person-centred support and brief interventions to clients at high risk of overdose, linking them with timely treatment, ongoing care, and support services.

You will primarily support pharmacotherapy program clients, while also working with clients engaged in other internal Gateway Health AOD programs. The role spans across Wangaratta and Wodonga, helping connect individuals with critical resources before, during, and after their engagement with specialist AOD treatment services.

This role is classified under the Community Health Centre (Stand Alone Services) Social and Community Service Employees Multi Enterprise Agreement 2022 Level 4 ($46.70 - $50.25 + superannuation)

Skills & Experience

To thrive in this role, you'll bring:

• Experience working in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector, particularly with clients experiencing substance use.
• A deep understanding of overdose risk factors, and confidence in applying harm minimisation strategies in a real-world context.
• Strong skills in engagement, advocacy and coordination, especially with clients who may be disconnected from services or in crisis.
• The ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, while also operating independently across sites.
• A non-judgemental, strengths-based approach to supporting clients with complex social, health and psychological needs.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and confidence in navigating systems and referrals.

We genuinely invest in our people. Here's a snapshot of the benefits and support available across our organisation:

• NFP Salary Packaging up to $15,900 tax-free per year, putting more money in your pocket
• Flexible hours and working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance
• Laptop and mobile phone with remote access for on and offsite work
• Paid parental leave
• Fitness Passport - discounted health and fitness program for you and your family
• Professional development, ongoing training, and regular supervision support
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - free confidential counselling for you and your family, plus group supervision and wellness activities
• Cultural leave flexibility - swap a public holiday for a religious or culturally significant day of your choice
• Annual flu vaccination program and discounted health insurance

Pre-employment checks include a Criminal History Check, Working With Children Check, evidence of Influenza vaccination, and proof of right to work in Australia.

Gateway Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that a workforce that recognises and celebrates diversity will best meet the health and well-being needs of all people we serve including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; people with disability, LGBTIQASB+ communities, people experiencing health inequalities, and culturally, linguistically and faith diverse people.

If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application. We will then work with you to identify the best way to assist you through the recruitment process.