Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC)

 

Established in 1979 by the Ballarat Aboriginal community in the Ballarat district, BADAC’s vision is to be the strongest voice and presence in the Ballarat area, supporting and respecting their people, enhancing our community, growing their culture and honouring their heritage. BADAC is the Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO) for the Ballarat and District area, covering 4 local government areas (LGAs). The organisation is extremely proud of the contribution and support they have provided the local Aboriginal community over the past 40 years delivering a comprehensive range of health, social, welfare and community development programs to local Aboriginal people.

 

Our vision

 

Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative exists to achieve self-determination for the Aboriginal community, enabling stronger families by ensuring equal opportunities in health, housing, education, employment and justice through a holistic and culturally relevant approach.

 

The Opportunity

 

We currently have an opportunity for committed and enthusiastic AOD Workers to join our SEWB Team on a Part Time Fixed Term basis (9 day fortnight) (June 2026). 

There are a several of opportunities available within the Alcohol & Other Drugs and Public Intoxication Reform program. 

 

The role of the Alcohol & Other Drug Worker is to provide service delivery within the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Service to ensure a high level of care and best possible outcome for Aboriginal clients seeking drug and alcohol support from the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC). This includes counselling and support, outreach as part of the Public Intoxication Reform Program (PIR), education on harm-minimisation practices, assisting clients to strengthen their decision to stop taking their drug/s of dependence and facilitating client care co-ordination across other BADAC and external services. 

The AOD Worker will also have responsibilities including facilitating a Public Intoxication Reform Program (PIR) within the BADAC Safe House, working with forensic clients under treatment orders, referral to detoxification and rehabilitation services, community education and health promotion to the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Community, participation in reference groups and service development.

The AOD Worker will need to be highly motivated, enthusiastic and have a sound knowledge of Aboriginal culture and society with an ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal people. This position will involve on call after hours and weekend work. 

 

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work within a team of AOD and Cultural Support Workers in the delivery of alcohol and other drug programs at BADAC. This includes the development and delivery of a new Public Intoxication (PIR) Program. 

 

• Conduct AOD assessments, counselling and referral to Aboriginal people and their significant others, who are affected by alcohol and drugs. This may include counselling and advocacy for forensic and court ordered clients requiring AOD services.

 

• Provide an afterhours outreach support service that focuses on reducing harm to the individual, family and community through educational and service development activities to health service providers regarding culturally sensitive practices.

 

• Manage a caseload which includes risk assessment and management, develop and review case management plans which reflect the goals developed with the client and where possible their families.

 

• Maintain accurate documentation of client contact and outcomes, including data entry and reports relating to service provided, including DHHS reporting via VDAC.

 

• Liaise with staff at BADAC and other key agencies to provide information and education about alcohol and drug issues and their affects.

 

• Provide opportunities for Aboriginal Clients to participate in health enhancing behaviours and culturally sensitive and appropriate health promotion activities. 

 

• Where appropriate, provide support and transportation to clients and their families who are being admitted and/ or discharged to the BADAC Sobering Centre, a hospital or other AOD related facilities within the scope of the AOD Program.

 

• Where necessary, maintain hygiene and cleanliness of the BADAC Safe House. This includes ensuring bodily fluids are cleaned, disposed and disinfected, using the appropriate spill kit and PPE. 

 

• Support guests at the BADAC Safe House, duties will include assistance with basic care and monitoring. This will include some cleaning, handling and some infection control measures.

 

• Maintain strict standards of confidentiality and act at all times in a professional manner in accordance with the values, policies and procedures of BADAC.

 

• Carry out other duties as directed by the SEWB Manager and Chief Operating Officer. 

 

Key Selection Criteria:

 

• Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal people and their culture, and the issues faced by the Aboriginal community, and their support needs in relation to alcohol & other drug problems.

 

• Demonstrated ability to work in a way that promotes Aboriginal people’s cultural identity and promotes their connection to family, community and culture. 

 

• Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs Work, or minimum four core AOD units with a Minimum 2 years’ experience in the AOD Sector. Similar qualification in Mental Health or Community Services would be an advantage. 

 

• Highly developed leadership and communication skills including demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including the development of effective liaison with staff, families, government, community, health, education and welfare services.

 

• A demonstrated appreciation of Aboriginal people and their culture, and the issues faced by the Aboriginal community, and their support needs in relation to alcohol & other drug problems.

 

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team, with flexibility and innovative ways of engaging with complex clients.

 

• Highly developed written and computer skills is essential, with the ability to prepare detailed, logical and concise reports and maintain records on a database.

 

• Must have the ability to network with other service providers and formalise linkages and protocols with other service providers. 

 

• Available to work on call, after hours, and weekends is essential. 

 

• Must have sound knowledge of OHS requirements & standards of practice.

 

• Up to date First Aid and CPR certificate or willingness to complete relevant training. 

 

• Willing to maintain OHS, hygiene and cleanliness standards of the BADAC Safe House and vehicle. This includes ensuring bodily fluids are cleaned, disposed of and disinfected correctly using the appropriate spill kit and PPE.  

 

Other Info

 To be considered for roles with BADAC you will need to:

• Have (or be willing to have) a National Police Clearance and current Working with Children Check Clearance.
• Valid Australian Drivers License.

 

If this sounds like the sort of opportunity you would be interested in, please click ‘Apply Now’. 

 

Please Note: All applications will require applicants to provide a cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria above and a copy of their resume. Applications without the required documents will not be accepted.

 

Applications close C.O.B on 11th December 2023.

 

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

 

BADAC is a Child Safe organisation and all employees are expected to adhere to our Child Safe Guidelines.
 

 

BADAC is committed to diversity in employment aiming to develop a workforce that reflects the diverse community that we operate in. We foster a workplace culture in which LGBTI employees feel included, safe and supported.