Community Development

**Introduction**:
Bring your skills, compassion and care to support people affected by alcohol and other drugs. Join our team at Odyssey House NSW and help us reconnect lives, families, communities and cultures.
Be part of the diverse and inclusive culture we’re building in which our clients, staff and broader community feel safe, respected and valued.
Take your opportunity to thrive at a leading not-for-profit where we trust in your limitless potential.
Odyssey House NSW’s trauma-informed services set us apart as a leader in the support service space for alcohol and other drugs dependency. Our teams help clients to meet their goals and address underlying trauma and mental health issues, while also developing new skills to improve all aspects of their lives.
We provide a diverse range of services to individuals, families and community education. Our services include withdrawal services; one-on-one assessment and treatment by psychologists and counsellors; group therapy; residential rehabilitation; and free education at Odyssey College.
Our organisation takes safeguarding children and young people seriously, and as an employee of Odyssey House NSW, you are required to meet the behaviour standards outlined in our Code of Conduct.
Find us at our head office in Redfern and at our network of residential rehabilitation and community sites which span across Greater Sydney, the Southern Highlands and Blue Mountains.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
**Description**:
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and innovative professional to join the lead agency Odyssey NSW to deliver this community led program with our three consortium partners across NSW.
The Community Development Officer’s role involves developing and establishing sustainable relationships with Community Drug Action Teams (CDATs) and a range of service providers, local government representatives, community organisations and other key stakeholders to reduce alcohol and other drug related harm in communities.
This role supports the assigned CDAT’s and assists them to meet regularly, participate in regional and state forums, and to develop, plan and execute activities for their local communities in line with the Regional Action Plans.
The successful applicant will liaise with, and coordinate, the activities of the assigned CDAT’s across the Central Coast and Hunter regions.
Reporting to the CDAT Program Manager, this position will provide comprehensive, timely and accurate information about the activities of their assigned CDAT’s.
**Skills and Experiences**:
**ESSENTIAL SELECTION CRITERIA**:

- Diploma or higher qualification in a relevant field (e.g., AOD, Community Development, Community Services, Health Promotion).
- Experience working with local communities to achieve shared goals.
- Experience working with volunteers.
- Significant experience managing stakeholders and developing networks.
- Experience developing and implementing activities including community-based activities.
- Experience working within AOD or another relevant sector.
- Understanding of community development, health promotion and AOD harm reduction principles and strategies.
- Understanding of the principles of evidence-based practice and place-based community led approaches.
- Familiarity with the National Drug Strategy harm minimisation approaches (harm, supply and demand reduction).
- Computer literacy including understanding of MS Office Suite, video conferencing and use of Client Management Systems.
- Demonstrable verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrable skill and understanding of working independently and showing initiative while operating within structures and guidelines.
- Hold a current NSW Driver's License.
- Hold or have the ability to obtain a current Criminal History Check and Working With Children clearance for paid employment.
- Unlimited right to live and work in Australia.
- COVID Vaccinated.

**Applications Close**: 25th July 2025