Youth Worker

Overview

About the position

The Youth AOD Outreach Worker is responsible for the provision of specialist AOD Outreach and support for clients accessing YSAS Alcohol and other Drugs services. The key responsibilities will include AOD support; Intake & Assessment; Brief Interventions; Care Planning; Case Work; Mental Health System Navigation; Motivational Interviewing and Single Session Therapy with young people aged 12 – 25 years.

Based in Frankston the role will deliver services across the South Eastern areas of Melbourne. The incumbent will provide developmentally appropriate care which is holistic; family inclusive; and culturally sensitive and facilitate supported referrals to other health and social services that will enhance the broad recovery outcomes for clients.

Responsibilities

- Provide specialist AOD Outreach and support for youth accessing YSAS services
- Conduct intake and assessment, brief interventions, care planning and case work
- Navigate mental health systems and apply motivational interviewing and single session therapy with young people aged 12–25
- Deliver developmentally appropriate, holistic, family-inclusive and culturally sensitive care
- Facilitate referrals to other health and social services to improve recovery outcomes
- Work across Frankston and the South Eastern Melbourne region

Key Selection Criteria

- Understanding of the needs, issues and sensitivities of people from diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal, LGBTQIA+ and culturally and linguistically diverse young people
- Experience as a community-based AOD outreach worker with experience conducting comprehensive health assessments
- Experience delivering clinical interventions, brief interventions or health-promoting programs within the scope of practice for young people
- Understanding of harm minimisation orientated treatment and prevention interventions in the alcohol and drug field
- Knowledge of adolescent development issues and common health needs of young people
- Knowledge of the drug treatment system, pharmacotherapies, withdrawal symptomology, management and drug interactions

What our young people request from our workers

Young people across YSAS have spoken out and given feedback about the qualities that best describe a good YSAS worker:

- "A good worker takes the time to understand your interests and doesn't treat everyone the same."
- "Young people believe that a good YSAS worker is empathetic and good at actively listening in a non-judgmental way, is relatable, down-to-earth and able to build trust and rapport in a consistent manner."
- "It takes time to trust someone, but it's worth it when you know they've got your back".
- "Genuine human connection is important, with a holistic, flexible and adaptable approach that considers the entire context of a young person's life and their intersectionalities."
- "It's about making sure workers don't just tick boxes but genuinely want to see us thrive."

Regardless of where they are based or what position a worker has, everything we do at YSAS is about young people and their families.

Why work with us?

- YSAS has a true commitment to flexible working, ensuring that individual, team and client needs are met
- YSAS offers additional leave entitlements such as gender affirmations, ceremonial leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, fertility leave, blood donors leave, a generous Parental Leave Scheme and the ability to purchase additional leave
- Access to learning and development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Remuneration and Conditions

- Application close Date COB on 19th September 2025
- Full Time/Part-time (60.8- 76 Hours per fortnight)
- Fixed term until 30th June 2026
- Remuneration SCHCADS level 5 dependent on qualifications and experience + superannuation
- 5 Weeks Annual Leave
- Up to $15,900 for living expenses + up to $2,600 towards meals and entertainment can be tax-free through NFP Salary Packaging

Please Note

- As part of our Employment screening process you will be required to undertake a National Criminal History check and have a current Working with Children Check
- You must have Australian work rights to apply for this position

Further Enquiries

For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Brittany Witnish, Senior Practitioner, on 0439027749 regarding the Youth Worker (Outreach), Recruitment Ref. Number – 091_2025.

- YSAS is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from all sectors of the community.
- YSAS has a zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to the provision of a child-safe organisation.

Vacancy Description - YSAS Frankston AOD Outreach PD .8-1.pdf (201 kB)

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