• Maximum term contract (4 years), with the possibility of extension - Full-time
• Travelling to different site locations is required (Northern/Western parts of Melbourne)
• Be part of an engaging team that thrives on challenges

About the Opportunity

MCM (Melbourne City Mission) is a leading community services organisation that innovatively works alongside thousands of Victorians and their communities to overcome barriers experienced through Homelessness, Early Years, Disability, Palliative care, Early Childhood Intervention Services and Education.

Homes First is an innovative five-year program based across the Local Government Areas of Brimbank-Melton and Hume Merri-Bek regions. Homes First is one of a suite of programs to support adults sleeping rough and experiencing persistent homelessness. Our support model includes allied health, specialist housing, assertive outreach, therapeutic supports, early intervention & prevention services, legal, education and employment support.

The Dual Diagnosis Practitioner is a maximum term contract role (4 years) within the Homes First program that is responsible for holding a caseload and contributing to day to day practice support and guidance, as well as the provision of specialised therapeutic knowledge and skills in regard to people who have experienced homelessness with mental ill health and/or drug and alcohol. The role, as part of a multidisciplinary support team, aims to provide intensive and holistic support to achieve housing stability and broader goals. This includes providing referral support for adults to deal with any barriers they are facing and contributing to secondary consult and capacity building for a range of multi-disciplinary workers.

About you

We are looking for someone who can:

• Provide secondary consultations to housing and multidisciplinary workers within Homes First and the Adult Homelessness portfolio that support adults experiencing mental health and/or AOD concerns.
• Provide brief and longer-term targeted interventions including comprehensive risk and needs assessment, safety planning, housing, mental health, AOD use and legal support to a case load.
• Develop successful working relationships with people and work collaboratively with their care teams to assess their needs, support them to set goals, work out strategies to achieve those goals and help to develop the skills towards independence.
• Contribute to an environment that will disrupt disadvantage for people through utilising a healing orientated practice model that proactively responds to adults who have experienced adverse experiences.
• Lead and maintain strong connections with public, private, non-government and volunteer services in the local area.

Benefits of working with MCM include:

• Inclusive Employer by the Diversity Council of Australia
• Attractive Salary Packaging benefits
• Supportive learning and development environment
• Culture of continuous improvement

Essential:

• Bachelor’s qualification in Psychology/Social Work or other related field.
• Demonstrated experience working within a case management framework with adults with complex support needs including mental health and AOD barriers.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022
• Strong passion for working with people and ability to engage people actively and assertively with complex needs.
• Understanding or experience working with adults at risk of experiencing homelessness, including knowledge of healing-oriented trauma informed approaches.
• Knowledge on the impact of abuse and trauma on development in order to meet clients’ needs in a developmental, individualised way.
• Demonstrated high level written and verbal communication, conflict management and resolution, negotiation and mediation skills.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships and communicate with people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Ability to exercise judgement and initiative when procedures are not clearly defined.
• Proficiency in planning and report writing independently and can demonstrate the ability to coordinate or network with other stakeholders for their implementation or follow up.
• Capacity to work effectively both independently an as part of a multidisciplinary team, demonstrate accountability and willingness to take direction.
• Ensure services are delivered within the framework of MCM’s policies and procedures, practice framework, legislative requirements and meet the relevant standards. All employees are required to comply with Child Safe Standards.
• Provide First Aid certificate (formerly First Aid Level 2).
• Computer literacy, including proficiency in using databases and client management systems.

Screening Criteria

• National Police check
• Working with Children check and NDIS Worker Screening check or ability to obtain
• Valid Victorian Drivers licence
• Right to Work in Australia

Applications for this role close on the advertised closing date, so please apply early.

Please include your current resume and cover letter.

Please review the attached position description to understand more about the role and responsibilities.

If you have any needs throughout the recruitment process that have not already been catered for, we encourage you to contact [email protected] using the subject line: Dual Diagnosis Practitioner - Homes First enquiry via EthicalJobs to let us know how we can better support you to apply.

About MCM

We are a leading not for profit, purpose-driven organisation that offers a broad range of services in Early Years, Disability, Homelessness and Family Services, Palliative Care and Education.

Our commitment to Safety

MCM is committed to the safety of its clients and employees, taking a zero-tolerance approach to violence within the workplace and abuse, including child abuse and abuse of people with disability. All employees are required to comply with the Child Safe Standards.

Our Commitment to Diversity

At MCM we embrace our differences because we know that diversity helps us to innovate and make the biggest impact possible. Our DEI Strategy supports and drives an inclusive workplace culture. We embrace the learning opportunities that come with authentic commitment to equity of access for all. We particularly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.