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

Seeking an appropriately qualified practitioner to undertake a 12-month contract within the Connexions Program.

• Undertake individual counselling, assertive outreach and case management with young people who present with substance misuse and mental health concerns. This includes providing suicide identification and risk assessments.
• Facilitate access for marginalised young people to mainstream agencies such as mental health, alcohol and drug services and other community services. This includes developing creative and flexible programmatic responses to maximise accessibility for marginalised young people with long-standing and entrenched barriers to engagement.
• Ensure the maintenance of appropriate files, records and statistics to facilitate evidence-based practice, quality service delivery and accountability.
• Compliance with relevant legislation and commitment to continuous quality improvement processes.
• Participate in regular supervision, team meetings and professional development including participation in regular network meetings.
• Other duties as required.

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 the program

Connexions dual diagnosis program seeks to improve the quality of life of young people 16-28 years with complex difficulties associated with mental health and substance misuse. Services include clinical assessment, psychosocial support, assertive outreach, flexible therapeutic counselling, case management, suicide prevention, drug and alcohol interventions, clinical consultancy, advocacy, and information and referral.

Connexions aims to work on the things that are most important to the individual, to improve their quality of life. We do this by understanding and working alongside young people and tailoring support to the individual needs of the young person.

Connexions provides an integrated support response, allowing for tailored support to young people accessing the service.

About you

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

1. Tertiary qualification/s in Social Work, Youth Work, Psychology or similar and/or relevant experience in field.
2. Demonstrated commitment and ability to engage and work effectively with disadvantaged young people, particularly those who presenting with substance misuse and mental health concerns and intersect with the homelessness and justice system.
3. Demonstrated experience in completing assessments and providing therapeutic counselling and casework with marginalised young people exhibiting substance misuse and mental health concerns.
4. A sound therapeutic framework and an understanding of psychosocial support, dual diagnosis and family inclusive principles.
5. Capacity to work well in a team of professionals with a range of qualifications and experience and fulfil reporting and administrative requirements of the role.

How to Apply

• Upload your resume and cover letter incorporating your responses to the Key Selection Criteria from the Position Description. A position description is attached.
• For further information please contact Merryn Leece, Program Manager on 0437 205 201.

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.