Phoebe House would like to acknowledge that we work on the lands of Gweagal, Bidjigal and Gadigal people of the Dharawal and Eora Nations, and would like to extend our respect to the elder’s past, present and emerging for their care of the land and the waterways from which our service operates.

About Phoebe House

Phoebe House is a not-for-profit organisation that provides a safe and supportive residential drug rehabilitation service specialising in pregnant and post-natal women. It was established in 1984 in recognition that women with young children, who are on an opioid treatment program, require specialised support and assistance to stabilise and maintain their treatment and ongoing recovery. During its history, Phoebe House has led the way in introducing a total life-style approach to reducing the harm associated with illicit drug use.

Today, our focus is on the self-determination of residents while embracing a holistic vision that includes their cultural identity, understanding parenting capacity, improving positive community and family engagement and addressing mental health needs. The program provides individual counselling and case management for up to nine women within our Safety Management or ‘harm reduction’ framework. In addition, we offer day-to-day care for up to six children that centres on age-appropriate play and development. Phoebe House has an in-house, evidence-based group therapy program among other specialised life skill and psychoeducation programs.

About our team

We are a small, highly committed team who value social justice principles and work within a feminist practice framework . We provide a specialised service and do this with to ensure optimal outcomes for the women and children we support.

About you

We are looking for people who are passionate about empowering and supporting women who have been impacted by substance misuse, and who are open-minded & empathetic towards women aspiring to long term recovery. Do you want to work with a collaborative and supportive team who value a woman’s right to self-determination and autonomy. Sound like you? Come join our team!

The Opportunity

As an Alcohol and Other Drug support worker, you’ll work directly with women and children as they progress through their residential treatment. You will have the opportunity to work within a dynamic team who flexibly yet, comprehensively support the individuals with their journey.

The skills and experiences of First Nations people will be particularly valued.

Additionally, we are committed to providing opportunity for all and want to hear from people who have a lived experience and are willing and capable of supporting women and children.

AOD support worker responsibilities:

• Resident and Child Support.
• Team Work.
• Cultural Safety.
• Professional Development.
• Administrative Duties.

For more information about these responsibilities please refer to the full position description below.

Selection Criteria

• Tertiary qualifications (Cert IV minimum) in Alcohol and Other Drugs, Community Services, or equivalent, or knowledge and experience (including lived experience) in working with women and children in the drug and alcohol field, within the criminal justice system and/or with DCJ/court-mandated residents,
• Knowledge of a trauma informed and ‘Harm Minimisation’ approach to AOD,
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills with strong interpersonal and problem-solving capabilities,
• Flexibility with work hours and must be able to fulfil overnight/ sleepover and weekend shifts,
• Ability to work individually and in a multi-disciplinary team,
• Highly developed computer literacy skills,
• Current driver’s licence,
• Clear Working with Children’s Check,
• Applicant needs to be fully vaccinated for whooping cough and COVID-19 and provide evidence of vaccination.

There is a full position description available below and please feel free to contact Emma Gooding on the email provided or on 02 9005 1570.