Youth Support Workers

Lives Lived Well; Coffs Harbour City Council; Hybrid; AUD 56,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee wellbeing

Learning & development

EAP access

Fitness Passport

Supportive culture

Career progression

Job summary

Lives Lived Well is seeking passionate AOD Support Workers for its Youth Residential Rehabilitation Service in Coffs Harbour. Join a trauma-informed, recovery-focused team supporting young people aged 13-18 through residential rehabilitation and withdrawal management.

You'll provide direct support, supervise activities, assist with admissions and discharges, and help clients build life skills in a 24/7 roster. The role emphasizes compassion, boundary setting and person-centred care.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Empathy and a trauma-informed approach are required.
• Experience supporting young people or people with complex needs is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Support young people through recovery in residential and withdrawal programs.
• Provide supervision outside structured hours and assist with admissions/discharges.
• Facilitate group activities and life skills development.
• Maintain accurate client records and shift handovers.
• Transport clients to appointments and community activities.

Skills

Strong communication

Empathy

Trauma-informed approach

Teamwork

Adaptability

Person-centred approach

Education

Certificate IV in AOD / Mental Health / Community Services or related

Tools

Computer skills

Job description

At Lives Lived Well, we’ve been supporting people impacted by alcohol and other drugs for over 50 years. We also provide services for mental health, gambling concerns, and support for people transitioning from correctional centres. As a values-driven organisation focused on clinical excellence and innovation, we’re growing fast - and we’d love you to be part of our journey.

$40.49 - $43.42 per hour + 25% Casual Loading + Penalty Rates + Super + Salary Packaging

Support Recovery. Build Connections. Make a Difference.

At Lives Lived Well, we believe recovery is possible.

We're currently seeking passionate and motivated AOD Support Workers to join our Youth Residential Rehabilitation Service in Coffs Harbour.

This unique service supports young people aged 13-18 years through residential rehabilitation and withdrawal management, providing a safe, therapeutic and recovery-focused environment where young people can address alcohol and other drug challenges and work towards positive futures.

About the Service

Located in the beautiful coastal city of Coffs Harbour, our Youth Residential Rehabilitation Service provides therapeutic rehabilitation and withdrawal support for young people experiencing alcohol and other drug related challenges.

Through a structured program, young people participate in therapeutic interventions, psychoeducation, relapse prevention, case management, life skills development, cultural connection activities and aftercare planning.

Shift Availability Required

We are particularly interested in candidates who are available to work across a 24/7 roster, including:

• Day shifts
• Evening shifts
• Overnight shifts
• Public holiday shifts

If you're looking for flexible casual work, have the ability to pick up shifts at short notice when required, and are passionate about supporting young people in recovery, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

As an AOD Support Worker, you will provide direct support and supervision to young people participating in residential rehabilitation and withdrawal programs.

Working within a trauma-informed and recovery-focused environment, you will support young people through admissions, discharges, daily activities, appointments, group programs and community-based activities while helping to maintain a safe and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support young people throughout their recovery journey.
• Provide supervision and support outside of structured program hours.
• Assist with admission and discharge processes.
• Facilitate and support therapeutic, recreational and educational group activities.
• Support young people to develop life skills and work towards their recovery goals.
• Transport young people to appointments and community activities as required.
• Supervise self-administration of medication in accordance with organisational procedures.
• Maintain accurate client records, case notes and shift handovers.
• Respond appropriately to incidents, risks and client support needs.Contribute to a safe, supportive and recovery-focused environment.

About You

You are compassionate, resilient and committed to supporting young people to create positive change in their lives.

Most importantly, you bring a non-judgemental approach, strong professional boundaries and a genuine desire to support young people on their recovery journey.

You’ll bring:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to build genuine connections with young people from diverse backgrounds.
• Emotional maturity and the ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• A commitment to person-centred, trauma-informed and recovery-oriented practice.
• Strong organisational and documentation skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Flexibility to work across a casual roster and assist with short-notice shift coverage when required.
• Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, Mental Health, Community Services or a related discipline, or willingness to work towards obtaining one.
• Experience supporting young people or people experiencing alcohol and other drug, mental health or other complex challenges.
• Current Australian Driver Licence.
• Current Working with Children Check (or ability to obtain).
• Current First Aid and CPR Certificate, or willingness to obtain.
• Ability to obtain a National Police Check.
• Current First Aid and CPR
• Strong computer skills and experience maintaining client documentation.
• Experience working in Alcohol and Other Drug services.
• Experience facilitating groups and structured activities.Experience supporting young people with complex needs.
• Experience working within residential, community services or healthcare settings.
• Understanding of trauma-informed and recovery-oriented practice.
• Lived experience of recovery and a passion for supporting others.

Why Join Lives Lived Well?

When you join Lives Lived Well, you're joining an organisation committed to supporting recovery, wellbeing and positive change.

We offer:

• Employee wellbeing and support programs.
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Fitness Passport membership discounts.
• A supportive and values-driven workplace culture.
• Meaningful work that contributes to healthier individuals, families and communities.
• Opportunities for future career development and internal progression.

Our Values

The people who thrive at Lives Lived Well are those who share our values:

• We are humble, human and full of hope.
• We show up and share.
• We ask "Why not?" and "What's next?"
• We leave a positive wake.

Lives Lived Well is an equal employment opportunity employer. We encourage applications from a diverse range of social, cultural and gender backgrounds that reflect our community, including First Nations Peoples.