About the organisation

Jesuit Social Services is a social change organisation working to build a just society where all people can live to their full potential. We reflect on the critical factors shaping our contemporary world; the social, political and economic contexts, and we adapt our practice to work with those most in need.

Since 1977, Jesuit Social Services has provided services to some of the most disadvantaged in our community.

We place a high priority on advocacy and are a leader in policy development and research.

About the role

Jesuit Social Services seeks two multiple qualified, experienced and enthusiastic individuals to join the Connexions Program in the role of Afterhours Dual Diagnosis Practitioner. The successful applicants will have a well-developed understanding of working with marginalised individuals affected by dual diagnosis concerns (mental health and problematic substance use) and a commitment to assertive outreach.

These after hours (weekdays 12-8pm, Saturdays 10-2pm) positions are based in Sunshine, with a large component of the role to be provided in outreach settings.

Competitive remuneration, plus salary packaging benefit, is offered together with ongoing professional and career development as well as opportunities for personal growth.

What Jesuit Social Services can offer you:

• An organisation that lives its values, through its day to day work
• A welcoming and supportive relational environment
• A comprehensive Induction and Orientation program
• Ongoing training and development related to your role
• Employee assistance program
• A competitive salary plus salary packaging benefits
• Generous leave

About you

This role will suit a candidate with the following skills and experience:

• Tertiary qualification/s and/or equivalent relevant experience in the field of mental health/alcohol and other drugs/dual diagnosis
• Demonstrated commitment and ability to engage and work effectively with disadvantaged people, particularly those who present with mental health and substance misuse concerns, and intersect with the homeless and justice system
• Experience in undertaking intake, assessment, and providing brief intervention support to marginalised individuals exhibiting mental health and substance misuse concerns
• Demonstrated experience in the provision of therapeutic counselling, casework, outreach, advocacy, and support to people experiencing mental health issues and/or dual diagnosis concerns
• Capacity to deliver recovery focused, culturally safe, trauma informed, strengths based, family inclusive supports in a dynamic, complex and changing context

About the program

Jesuit Social Services Connexions Dual Diagnosis program have partnered with cohealth to facilitate the provision of flexible, after hours outreach supports to people experiencing difficulties associated with dual diagnosis concerns. This service offering is embedded within the multidisciplinary team and services delivered by the Brimbank Local Adult and Older Adult Mental Health Wellbeing Service (Brimbank Local).

Connexions seeks to improve the quality of life of people with complex difficulties associated with mental health and substance misuse. The program provides an integrated support response, allowing for tailored support which can include clinical assessment, assertive outreach, flexible therapeutic counselling, case management, suicide prevention, drug and alcohol interventions, clinical consultancy, advocacy, and information and referral.

The Victorian Government is establishing up to 60 Local Adult and Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Services, with one of these is operated by cohealth in partnership with Clarity Health Care and the University of Melbourne in the City of Brimbank.

The Brimbank Local service acts as a welcoming front door to the public mental health and wellbeing system providing easy to access, high quality treatment, care, and support to people aged 26 years and over experiencing mental illness or psychological distress whose needs cannot be met by primary and secondary mental health care providers alone. The service is free and easy to access, with no referral required. It offers the Brimbank community a flexible, user-focused service that is close to home and available when people need it. It is for people with any form of mental ill-health, connecting them with expert practitioners and compassionate care.

How to Apply

• Upload your resume and cover letter incorporating your responses to the Key Selection Criteria from the Position Description
• For further information please contact Julia Carroll, Connexions Program Manager on 0408 549 114.

Position description can be found attached below.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the closing date may be subject to change without notice.

Jesuit Social Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome all people regardless of ethnicity, cultural background, age, gender, sexuality, disability or religious affiliation.

We strongly encourage applications from all community members including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, people with a disability, people of culturally diverse backgrounds and working parents.

Jesuit Social Services is a Child Safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.