A bit about the Role 

The Dual Diagnosis Counsellor position forms part of the Substance Misuse Team at the Living Room Primary Health service. The Dual Diagnosis Counsellor works with dual diagnosis consumers with co-morbidities to provide strengths-based and therapeutic interventions designed to reduce the frequency and severity of mental health crisis and the harms of high-risk AOD use amongst Melbourne’s street homeless population accessing the Living Room. 

Working within a social model of health, the position will provide direct interventions, undertake structured and semi-structured counselling sessions and conduct supported referrals across a range of domains.   

This position provides an exciting opportunity for people with a social work, dual diagnosis or health background to create evidence-based responses through the development of committed and multidisciplinary program responses.   

A bit about you 

You are a compassionate and outcomes-driven health professional. You know you will be working with some of Melbourne’s most vulnerable (adults) and this fuels your fire. You come with a background in AOD, health, dual diagnosis, or social work background. You understand the importance of empowering service users to positively engage in their physical and mental health. You are passionate about strength and therapeutic-based interventions.  

You’re full of creative ways to meet our service users and teams where they are at and believe that engagement shouldn’t be a one size fits all model. You always see the person, not just their immediate situation because you understand that everyone has different needs, and that is okay.  

You will be a specialist in your area, but when we are in the thick of it, you know the importance of playing off each other’s strengths and having each-others back #1YP 

Key requirements for this role 

• At least 2 years’ direct service working with clients with multiple and complex needs 
• Demonstrated experience working in a community-based setting 
• Knowledge and understanding of homelessness, housing and health sectors (including mental health and AOD) 

Must Have’s 

Recognised tertiary qualifications in Diploma or above in social work and/or counselling  

 A little bit about us, The Living Room  

The Living Room (Powered by Youth Projects) is a specialist AOD primary health service, the team works with people aged 18+ to provide free healthcare and support to improve the physical, mental and social well-being of individuals who are, or at risk of experiencing homelessness. 

The only service of its kind in Melbourne, focuses on the social determinants of health to look beyond disease or illness, to see a person’s overall situation. Our multi-disciplinary team works with individuals to identify goals and focus on harm minimisation, self-determination, and empowerment. 

We are a non-judgemental service with a strong focus on respect, client centred care and harm prevention. We work with clients on a personalised, tailored basis to address highly complex issues faced by people experiencing multiple and complex needs. 

Youth Projects is an independent, registered charity providing frontline support to young people and people experiencing homelessness to open up pathways out of poverty and homelessness – breaking the cycle of disadvantage. Our focus is on respect, client-centred care, and harm prevention so people can lead longer lives, have improved health, meaningful employment, and a greater sense of belonging, safety, and security through our holistic model of care.  

Why would you work with us?    

Every day you spend working with us, you’re making a difference. The stronger our frontline warriors, the bigger our impact of breaking the cycle of disadvantage. We think that’s a pretty great perk, but we don’t stop there… here are some of the others;   

• You’re in the heart of Melbourne and a 5-minute walk from Flinders St Station  
• Access to generous salary packaging 
• Access to meals & entertainment benefits and novated leasing (if desired) 
• Clinical supervision and management supervision every fortnight 
• Flexible work environment 
• Uncapped Employee Assistance Program 
• 17.5% Annual Leave Loading 

 Sounds like you’d vibe at The Living Room? 

👉 Send through your resume + a brief cover letter by clicking “Apply for this Job” 

 Recruitment for this position will be undertaken as applications are received and only successful applicants will be notified. 

Please note is a requirement of all Youth Projects positions that the successful applicant holds a valid Working with Children’s Check, Police Check and is vaccinated for Covid-19. 

Our commitment to diversity  

At Youth Projects, we value diversity and believe that a range of backgrounds brings a variety of ideas, perspectives and experiences that will enhance our effectiveness. We promote a workplace that actively seeks to include, welcome and value unique contributions and encourage applications from candidates with a disability, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and indigenous candidates  

Safety screening  

Youth Projects has a zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to the provision of a child-safe organisation. All Youth Projects staff must undergo Police and Working with Children Checks.