Alcohol and Other Drugs Practitioner

• Generous SCHCADS Award salary on offer – SCHCADS Level 5, Pay Point 1 $105,577.68 pa
• Full time, fixed term – 12 month contract (ending September 2027)
• Use your expertise to help Aboriginal women rebuild safety, strength and self determination after family violence.

About the Role

Djirra’s Individual Support Services (ISS) team delivers intensive, culturally safe support to Aboriginal women who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and remain at risk of harm. As our Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Practitioner, you’ll work alongside the Senior AOD Practitioner and the wider case management team to reduce the harm caused by alcohol and other drug use, and to support women’s safety and recovery.

This is more than a casework role. It’s an opportunity to bring specialist AOD knowledge into a holistic, client centred, strengths based model of practice, grounded in Aboriginal cultural understanding and the MARAM framework.

What You’ll Do

• Provide culturally safe, flexible and family violence literate AOD support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, in line with the Program Manual and Practice Guidelines.
• Undertake case planning, risk and needs assessment, and risk management using the Multi Agency Risk Assessment and Management (MARAM) framework and AOD program guidelines.
• Deliver secondary consultations on AOD issues to ISS Case Workers, and engage in collaborative practice such as co-case management where appropriate.
• Facilitate referrals and access to other ACCOs, specialist family violence services, and supports such as mental health, housing and AOD services.
• Enable access to brokerage in line with Operational Guidelines, where required by clients’ case plans.
• Maintain accurate files, case notes, correspondence and reports to support evidence based, accountable service delivery.
• Represent Djirra in relevant network meetings, working groups and forums.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with internal programs and external agencies to improve client access to services.
• Participate actively in supervision, team meetings and professional development.

Who You Are

• You have a strong understanding of the Victorian Aboriginal community and the impact of family violence on Aboriginal women.
• You bring solid knowledge of the AOD sector and key treatment modalities; understanding of the specific issues facing Aboriginal women with substance use issues is highly regarded.
• You understand family violence through an Aboriginal cultural framework that centres the experiences and safety of Aboriginal women, including its gendered dynamics. (Aboriginal women with relevant skills and experience are strongly encouraged to apply.)
• You’re committed to working effectively and respectfully with disadvantaged women experiencing family violence, using a flexible, non-judgmental and empowering approach.
• Experience working in family violence settings, with knowledge of the MARAM framework, is desirable.
• Experience working with Aboriginal clients affected by trauma is highly desirable.
• You work well both independently and as part of a collaborative, challenging team environment.
• You’re flexible with working hours, with occasional after-hours work.
• You’re confident with MS Office and other data systems, with sound written and verbal communication skills.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

A Position Description for this role can be viewed on the Employment Hero website for this job listing (via the application link). Please do not hesitate to contact People and Learning at hrinfo@djirra.org.au or Skye Gooch at sgooch@djirra.org.au for a confidential discussion if you would like further information.

To apply, please click the ‘apply’ button and submit your resume, cover letter and completed screening questions which will be sent via email once you have submitted your application. Please note screening questions are a requirement of your application. Applications that do not include completed screening questions will not be considered. During the application process you may see an option to upload a video. Please note this is not a requirement of the application process.

Requirements

Essential

• A Victorian Employees Working with Children’s Check card or willing to obtain one
• Willing to obtain a Police Check at Djirra’s expense
• Driver’s License
• Mandatory minimum qualification of AOD Cert IV or working towards attaining this.

Desirable

• 2 years’ experience in the AOD and/or family violence sectors, preferably with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women would be highly regarded.
• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Community Development or related discipline are desirable, or working towards a qualification.

Benefits

• Attractive salary packaging options (including meals and entertainment)
• Generous leave provisions apply and annual leave loading
• Employee Assistance Program with supportive, confidential counselling for personal and work concern
• Collaborative and inclusive team
• Additional paid leave for end of year office closure period
• Access to company vehicles for any work related travel
• Cultural awareness training both formal and informal settings is provided
• Accrued Day Off (ADO) Program available to full time staff

Please note this role may close prior to the advertised closing date (if applicable) if a suitable applicant is identified, or if we receive a high volume of quality applicants. If you are interested in this position, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.