Specialist Alcohol and Other Drugs PractitionerDirections Health Services

Directions Health Services is an innovative non-profit organisation that has been providing specialist alcohol and other drug (AOD) services in the ACT and NSW for more than 40 years. Today we offer a comprehensive suite of holistic AOD, mental health and primary health services that aim to reduce harms experienced by individuals, families and communities and improve overall health and wellbeing. Our Directions’ team includes Counsellors, Social Workers, a Psychologist, Chemists, GPs, Registered Nurses, and a Psychiatrist.

Our capacity to implement innovative services developed in collaboration with our clients, partners, and other stakeholders, enables us to effectively respond to the changing needs of the communities we serve.

ABOUT THE POSITION

As a Specialist AOD Practitioner you will work collaboratively as part of the ACT Treatment and Support Services (TSS) multidisciplinary team to provide treatment and support services to people impacted by alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. This position can be full time or part time according to what best suits your needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide specialised trauma informed counselling, case management and support services to assist individuals with complex needs, comorbidity and chronic dependence, and their families and natural supports, to improve outcomes and reduce harms associated with alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.
• Provide intake and assessment to new and returning clients and work with clients to develop an Initial Individual Treatment Support Plan that meets their needs, ensuring access to interim support options and appropriate treatment matching.
• Provide comprehensive information on available treatment and support options and/or harm reduction strategies.
• Develop productive relationships and work collaboratively with other Directions’ programs and external agencies to support clients and ensure continuity of care.
• Maintain the Intake Register and provide other administrative support to Intake operations.
• Facilitate therapeutic and support groups and contribute to group program development.
• Undertake outcomes measurement and progress monitoring in collaboration with clients.
• Ensure timely, complete, and appropriate documentation and data collection.
• Provide support letters and reports in relation to criminal matters, care and protection and other issues as appropriate.
• Maintain professional standards in relation to service delivery and confidentiality.
• Seek to enhance or maintain skills and expertise through professional development, performance reviews and line management.
• Participate in ongoing quality improvement and the safety framework
• Provide oversight and mentoring to other AOD practitioners

After hours work and travel to other sites in ACT may be required.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A flexible and supportive work environment
• Community Services Employee (CSE) Level 5 role plus superannuation, commensurate with qualifications, skills, and experience
• Generous salary packaging benefits
• 17½% leave loading
• Professional development and training opportunities

WHAT WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO HAVE

• A qualification in Counselling, Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, AOD or another relevant field
• Accreditation/registration in a directly relevant clinical field, i.e., psychologist, social worker or be eligible for full membership of a counselling profession accreditation body (e.g., Australian Counselling Association), in addition to completed Cert IV in AOD or AOD Skill Set
• Experience working in the Alcohol and Other Drug sector
• Experience providing counselling/ case management within a trauma-informed framework
• Demonstrated understanding of the impact of substance use, mental health problems and comorbidities on clients and family members/friends, and a good working knowledge of effective treatment and support options and harm minimisation strategies
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, teamwork and organisational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suit and electronic client information systems
• Ability to work competently in a cross-cultural environment and to work unsupervised

All appointments will be conditional upon having a Working with Vulnerable People Check, current First Aid and CPR certification and a satisfactory National Police Check.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications can be submitted through SEEK, Directions’ website or by emailing [email protected] and include a current CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the position.

Directions is passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and we greatly value diversity in our organisation. We actively encourage applicants from all background and cultures. Research shows that women and other marginalised individuals tend to only apply for jobs when they meet 100% of the requirements. If you think you may be a good fit for this position, but don’t necessarily meet every requirement, please get in touch. We would love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit.