Alcohol & Other Drugs Central Intake & Assessment Worker

Alcohol & Other Drug (AOD) Intake & Assessment Practitioner

Make a meaningful difference by connecting people with the right support at the right time.

As a not-for-profit organisation, Better Health Network supports people and families at different stages of life and works with communities to strengthen health and wellbeing. We believe that better health and wellbeing is built around community.

We're looking for an experienced AOD Intake and Assessment Practitioner to join our Integrated Services & Counselling team. This is an opportunity to work within a collaborative, trauma-informed service that supports people, families and communities impacted by alcohol and other drug use.

About the role

As the first point of contact for many clients, families, GPs and service providers, you'll play a critical role in helping people navigate the alcohol and other drug treatment system. You'll conduct intake, screening and comprehensive assessments, develop treatment plans, facilitate referrals, and provide short-term support to people awaiting treatment. Working within a person-centred and harm reduction framework, you'll help ensure clients receive timely access to the services and supports that best meet their needs.

You'll work alongside a multidisciplinary team that values collaboration, innovation and integrated care, supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

What you'll be doing

• Conduct AOD intake, screening and comprehensive assessments.
• Develop treatment plans and determine access to funded AOD treatment services.
• Facilitate referrals to treatment, rehabilitation and support services.
• Provide brief interventions and bridging support for clients awaiting treatment.
• Deliver harm reduction education and strategies that support safer outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to provide coordinated care.
• Maintain accurate client records and contribute to continuous quality improvement initiatives.

About you

You'll be passionate about supporting people to improve their health and wellbeing, bringing a compassionate, strengths-based and client-centred approach to your work.

To be successful, you'll have:

• Qualifications in Social Work, Counselling or Occupational Therapy with relevant professional registration.
• Experience providing assessment, risk management and treatment planning within the AOD sector.
• Sound knowledge of the AOD treatment system and available treatment pathways.
• An understanding of harm reduction and trauma-informed practice.
• Strong communication, relationship-building and teamwork skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A commitment to person-centred care, continuous learning and quality service delivery.

Why join BHN?

At BHN, you'll enjoy a supportive and inclusive workplace where your wellbeing and professional growth matter. We offer:

• Salary packaging to increase your take-home pay
• Flexible work arrangements where operationally appropriate
• Ongoing professional development and learning opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• A values-driven culture focused on Accountability, Collaboration, Respect and Courage
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference in your local community

Location

Based at the Victorian Pride Centre, St Kilda, with occasional travel to other BHN locations as required.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're an experienced AOD practitioner who is passionate about helping people access the support they need and achieve positive, lasting change, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications will be assessed as received, so early applications are encouraged.

For enquiries about the role, please contact Sarah Darley, Team Leader AOD Integrated Services & Counselling.

We value Accountability, Collaboration, Respect and Courage, and we strive to create an inclusive environment that welcomes people from all backgrounds, including those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally and linguistically diverse, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Pre-employment checks include reference checks, National Police Check, Working with Children Check and evidence of the right to work in Australia.