Alcohol and Drug (AOD) Outreach Worker
Job No:
76304
Location:
Richmond, Melbourne
- Join a community service agency and make a real difference in the community!
- Rewarding Outreach Worker role, working within one of Victoria's busiest AOD Programs!
- Attractive salary circa $61,963 - $65,150!
- Great Richmond location, with access to free on-site parking, cycling facilities and public transport!
About the Organisation
North Richmond Community Health (NRCH) is committed to making healthcare more accessible and culturally relevant.
Our community health centre located in Richmond provides a range of medical, allied health, dental and community services to clients from all backgrounds. We also provide specialist health services in other parts of Victoria, and work with health, government and community services around the country.
About the Alcohol and Drug Program
The Alcohol and Drug (AOD) program's purpose is to reduce the harms associated with problematic substance use in the community by employing a range of strategies with both the individual, the drug using community and the broader north Richmond community. The AOD program uses harm minimisation strategies and provides needle syringe equipment, AOD information, brief interventions and health promotion. We support individuals to enter the broader Alcohol and Drug service system.
About the Opportunity
NRCH has an exciting opportunity for an Alcohol and Drug (AOD) Outreach Worker to join their Alcohol and Drug Program team. This position is offered as 0.8 full-time equivalent, with days worked to be negotiated.
Through this role, you'll provide outreach support to reduce the risks of illicit drug use and improve the health and well-being of people who use illicit drugs and/or experience problematic alcohol use, employing harm reduction strategies and operating in accordance with best AOD practice.
Reporting to the AOD Team Leader, your responsibilities will include (but will not be limited to):
- Engaging at-risk marginalised people who use alcohol and other drugs;
- Provision of an outreach case work service;
- Assessing and monitoring clients at risk of overdose and/or who manifest other signs of high level or risky substance use;
- Developing and providing culturally appropriate educational and training resources, tailored to the needs of groups and individuals;
- Employing a range of strategies to deliver harm reduction messages that address safer drug use;
- Implementing an effective NSP to reduce / prevent the spread of blood borne viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B & C and sexually transmissible infections (STIs);
- Provision of a needle/syringe retrieval service and monitoring the area around the NSP for inappropriate drug use and discarded equipment; and
- Routinely collecting data and providing reports as required.
This role requires an energetic and goal-focused professional who has a minimum of three years experience in assertive outreach models, including complex case management, crisis intervention, counselling and case work within the AOD sector. Along with this, experience in developing and implementing health promotion activities with community members and knowledge of relevant local agencies and services will be required. You'll also hold relevant qualifications in the social/human services area or similar, and will ideally have a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs / Four Core Competencies.
NRCH is looking for someone with demonstrated knowledge of and experience in co-occurring drug use, mental health issues and harm reduction in the context of illicit and other drugs, overdose and other associated risks.
You will have excellent communication skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. You'll have proven experience in writing professional case notes, conflict resolution, multitasking and achieving quality outcomes in a busy, client-focused environment. You must be computer literate and familiar with MS Office, internet, electronic client management systems and email.
Please Note: This position requires a current Victorian driver's license. The successful candidate will also be required to undergo a National Police Check and hold a current Working with Children's Check.
About the Benefits
This hands-on part time role is your chance to make your mark within a true grass roots community-based organisation. Based conveniently in Richmond, you'll have access to free on-site parking, cycling facilities and close proximity to public transport.
Joining this established organisation, you will enjoy ongoing training and development opportunities to open further career opportunities to you.
The successful applicant will receive an attractive salary circa $61,963 - $65,150 (commensurate with experience and qualifications), plus generous salary packaging options to increase the value of your take-home pay.
If you are ready for a new professional challenge and want to make a positive difference, Apply Now!