• Full Time Fixed Term Contract  
• Location:  Northbridge WA 6003
• $75,000 – $80,000 + super + not for profit salary packaging
• Rewarding work – every day you know you are making a real difference 

About Mission Australia  

Mission Australia is a non-denominational Christian charity that has been helping vulnerable Australians move towards independence for more than 155 years. 
Every day we support people nationwide by combatting homelessness, assisting disadvantaged families and children, addressing mental health issues, fighting substance dependencies and much more. 
We’re generously supported by our funders, partners, and tens of thousands of everyday Australians, who make the work of our tireless volunteers and staff possible. 

Your Opportunity 

SHIFT AOD Outreach Service provides AOD outreach, treatment and support services to young people aged 12-25 years who live in the Perth Metropolitan area. SHIFT works from a person-centred approach and within a harm reduction model. Outreach engagement includes one on one AOD counselling and case management as well as therapeutic and educational group sessions in various settings.

An exciting opportunity has become available to join the organisation as an Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Outreach Worker in Northbridge.  The role will contribute to the positive outcomes of young people who are at risk of or are experiencing AOD-related mental health issues or other co-occurring complexities through outreach, case management, counselling, and group facilitation.

This role will attract an AOD practitioner who is passionate about working with at risk young people, is experienced in providing assertive outreach and working within harm-reduction and AOD treatment models.

Your Key Responsibilities 

• Provide initial information, advocacy, referrals, AOD counselling and assessments to connect young people to service providers.
• Deliver assertive AOD outreach to disengaged and or high-risk young people including referral to SHIFT case management.
• Complete assessments to determine the best support services to suit the young person’s needs.
• Work with young people, the community and service providers in a holistic and culturally safe manner.
• Provide one on one and group interventions using a person-centred approach and working within harm reduction and AOD treatment models.
• Facilitate therapeutic, educational, and service information AOD group sessions for young people
• Provide intensive person-centred case management, including all necessary paperwork and data entry for a small case load of young people  

Position Requirements  

With a significant background in the child, youth & family, social work, health, human services, or other social science disciplines, you will be confident in your case management and assessment processes.  Other requirements include: 

• A Degree or Diploma in Social Welfare/Social Science or a minimum of three years’ experience in a similar role
• Demonstrated assertive outreach work experience in engaging and supporting young people experiencing alcohol and other drug use issues including working with intoxicated young people and people experiencing homelessness
• Experience and ability to work with at risk young people including knowledge of child and adolescent development
• Documented experience providing case coordination, assessment, counselling, and crisis intervention, including with people experiencing alcohol and other drug use issues, mental health issues, personal crisis, and families in crisis
• Perseverance, flexibility, and innovation when providing outreach support to vulnerable young people
• Proven professionalism working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office, and ability to adopt Mission Australia’s web-based Information Managements system (MACSIMS/MA Connect training will be provided)
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills including report writing
• Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team
• Full driver licence with no restrictions
• Must provide evidence of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations 

As part of our Employment screening process, you will be required to undertake a National Criminal History Check. 

In addition, there is a requirement to possess a current Working with Children check or apply if you do not already hold one. It is unlawful for prohibited persons to apply for work with children, and, as such, prohibited persons cannot apply for this role.  

Culture & Benefits  

A career with Mission Australia will offer you rewarding experiences to make a difference to the lives of Australians in need. We have an innovative and supportive culture guided by our values of compassion, integrity, respect, perseverance, and celebration. For more information regarding working with us visit Working for Mission Australia 

To ensure our employees feel valued, empowered, and celebrated we provide a range of employee benefits including: 

• Not for Profit Salary Packaging benefits which reduces your taxable income (details via AccessPay) 
• Discounted health care with Medibank Private 
• Purchase additional annual leave  
• Discounted childcare rates of up to 15% at participating Centres (conditions apply) 
• Generous Employee discounts with hotels, travel insurance, and major retailers: Coles, Harvey Norman, Apple, Dell & many more  
• Free, confidential counselling services via our EAP and Chaplain  
• Volunteering opportunities  

Diversity & Inclusion 

Mission Australia is an inclusive employer. We celebrate our diversity and strive to reflect contemporary Australian society and all the communities in which we work, in order to better serve our clients. We welcome and encourage applications from Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse people, People with Disability, Sexually and Gender Diverse people, people with lived experience of adversity and from people of all ages. 

As such, if you require any adjustments to submit your application, we invite you to get in touch via email [email protected]  

Next Steps  

Review the Position Description here:   Position Description 2022_AOD Outreach Worker_24062022 (2).pdf

To be considered for this opportunity, click ‘apply’ and send your application today! 

As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer, we will respond to your application.

Applications for this role are shortlisted as received. 
Be quick to apply for this engaging and fulfilling role.