AOD Youth Family Specialist

 Rowes Bay, Townsville

 Full-Time Permanent  

 SCHADS Level 5 + -Salary (negotiable) + 12.5% superannuation based on experience level and qualifications

Our Youth Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Service provides a safe, supportive environment where young people feel heard, valued, and empowered in their recovery journey.

As an experienced AOD Youth Family Specialist, you will provide specialist therapeutic and family-focused interventions through the Townsville Youth AOD Service, empowering young people and their families to strengthen relationships, enhance communication, and better understand and manage the impacts of trauma, substance use, and family complexities.

Working alongside young people and families, you will help build healthier relationships, establish safe boundaries, and achieve positive outcomes.

Why This Role Matters

Our services extend beyond addressing substance use and focus on creating opportunities for hope, healing, recovery, and long-term positive change. Through trauma-informed and family-inclusive practice, we support young people to achieve improved wellbeing and stronger connections with those around them.

What You'll Do

• Deliver specialist interventions that promote safety, recovery, engagement, and positive outcomes for young people.
• Explore the impact of family history, trauma, relationships, and environmental factors on substance use and wellbeing.
• Engage families, carers, and kin to strengthen understanding, communication, and support networks.
• Navigate complex family dynamics, including conflict, estrangement, reunification, and family violence.
• Support complex and high-risk family engagement, including situations involving coercive control and significant relational challenges.
• Provide specialist advice, consultation, and input into integrated care planning.
• Champion family-inclusive, trauma-informed, culturally safe, and evidence-based practice across the service.

What You'll Bring

You will bring a combination of professional expertise, therapeutic capability, emotional intelligence, and a genuine passion for supporting young people and families to create lasting change.

Essential Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Family Therapy, Human Services, Counselling, or a related discipline.
• Must have a minimum of 3-5 years' demonstrated experience working with young people and/or families experiencing complex challenges is essential.
• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed practice, adolescent development, family systems, and Alcohol and Other Drug interventions.
• Proven ability to work effectively within high-risk, sensitive, and complex relational environments.
• Well-developed systemic, therapeutic, and family engagement skills.
• Current Driver's Licence.
• Current Working with Children Check

What We Offer

• Full-time permanent opportunity. (Monday – Friday – no weekend shift)

The Salvos offer eligible employee's a well- balanced package of meaningful benefits including:  

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free
• A $2,650 meal entertainment benefit. 
• Generous Paid Parental leave for primary (12 weeks) & secondary carers, Purchased Leave Scheme (up to 8 weeks) and 5 days paid leave per year to experience working in other TSA programs or activities. 
• Flexible working arrangements. 
• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives incl Fitness Passport 
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supports such as: Burra Burra Network (pastoral care network), Cultural Events, Sorry Business and Ceremonial Leave (up to 10 days) 
• Ongoing training and development opportunities that enhance on the job skills and proficiency. 
• Rewarding and fulfilling purpose driven careers that have positive and sustainable / social impacts. 
• Opportunity to work within a respected national organisation committed to creating positive social impact.
• Ongoing professional development, supervision, and support.
• The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people, families, and communities.

This role is best suited to an experienced practitioner who is passionate about strengthening families, empowering young people, and supporting positive recovery outcomes. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.

About us

The Salvation Army (Salvos) is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities.  We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, the Salvos are always there providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

How to apply

If you’re passionate about making a difference and ready to join a team dedicated to creating positive change, please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your alignment with the requirements of the role.  Together we can build a brighter future.

Applications will close as soon as a suitable candidate is secured.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration