Support Worker – AOD

📍 Location: Townsville
💼 Employment: Casual x 2 Positions
📋 Classification: SCHADS Level 3
🏢 Department: Social Mission – Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD)

Why this role matters

The Salvation Army (Salvos) is one of Australia’s largest providers of alcohol and other drug (AOD) programs including withdrawal management, residential and non-residential rehabilitation, and harm reduction programs. Salvos services go beyond addressing the core issues and challenges associated with problematic substance abuse and provide participants a place of hope, compassion, and dignity to recover safely.

Make a Difference Every Day

Are you passionate about supporting people to make positive changes in their lives?

We’re looking for a compassionate, resilient and hands-on AOD Support Worker to join our Social Mission team on a casual basis. You’ll work alongside participants experiencing challenges associated with alcohol and other drug use, providing practical support, connection and encouragement to help them build stability, confidence and safer, healthier lives.

This is a rewarding opportunity to build meaningful relationships, support recovery and help people connect with the services and resources they need to move forward.

Your Impact

In this role, you will:

• Provide a welcoming and responsive first point of contact, responding to participants’ immediate and emerging needs.
• Work collaboratively with senior staff to identify and respond appropriately to high-risk situations.
• Facilitate engaging daily programs and activities, including social groups, Spirit Lifter sessions and information groups.
• Provide information and practical support to understand participants’ needs, circumstances and personal goals.
• Build respectful, strengths-based relationships that promote dignity, choice, self-determination and positive change.
• Encourage and support participants to actively engage in their individual case plans and recovery goals.
• Assist participants to access appropriate treatment, support services and community resources.
• Provide medication assistance in accordance with organisational policies, procedures and relevant requirements.

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone who is compassionate, confident and able to build trust with people from diverse backgrounds.

You will ideally have:

• A relevant Certificate qualification in Alcohol and Other Drugs, Community Services, Mental Health or a related field, or equivalent skills and experience. Diploma-level qualifications are also welcomed.
• Experience working in AOD, mental health, disability, homelessness or another community services environment.
• The ability to confidently respond to challenging and unpredictable situations, including behaviours associated with substance dependence, mental ill-health or disability.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive and professional relationships.
• A genuine commitment to supporting people through their recovery and promoting choice, dignity and independence.
• A current First Aid Certificate.
• A valid Driver’s Licence.
• A current Working with Children Check (Blue Card) for Townsville and Mount Isa positions.

What we offer

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

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + $2,650 meal entertainment benefit.
• Flexible (add remote / hybrid / onsite / WFH if applicable) working arrangements.
• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives
• 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.

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 are ready to inspire and empower young people to reach their full potential, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position. We look forward to hearing from you!

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