• Meaningful work with young people
• Help make a difference for young people experiencing drug and alcohol issues
• Part – Time (.6 FTE), 12-month fixed term

About the Organisation

The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) was established in 1973 to address the specific medical needs of Victorian Aboriginal communities. The organisation has expanded steadily over past 40 years to provide a comprehensive range of medical, dental, and social services for our community.

As well as providing a variety of medical services, VAHS is committed to supporting the well-being of the community through contributions to community events and activities. VAHS is also committed to assisting research into the ongoing needs of the community.

VAHS is a child safe organisation, committed to child safety and wellbeing, and recruits’ staff in accordance with the Child Safe Standards Victoria.

About the Opportunity

The role of the NW AOD Youth worker is to provide specialist culturally safe, confidential support to complex Aboriginal youth clients to overcome various identified Alcohol and Other Drug issues. Based on the harm minimisation approach, involving health promotion, education, developing and maintaining linkages, referrals, and counselling.

The NW AOD Youth Worker works alongside the client for the duration of their individual treatment journey in collaboration with other support networks to provide client focused, measurable outcomes.

Key Selection Criteria

To be considered for this role you must have the following.

• Understanding of and Commitment to the Aboriginal community
• Minimum Cert 4 AOD/Mental Health qualifications
• Demonstrate an ability to work effectively with Aboriginal Youth and families experiencing problematic substance use in a respectful, culturally safe, compassionate manner.
• Demonstrated understanding of community-based interventions for reducing alcohol and drug related harm.
• Extensive experience in the provision of assessment and counselling services with AOD clients.
• Proven ability to work with a range of people and organisations in a non-judgmental and respectful manner.
• A demonstrated commitment to teamwork and the ability to take appropriate individual and team responsibility for the welfare of clients.

• Fully approved Covid 19 Vaccinations (including booster)