Youth AOD Outreach Worker

A bit about the role

The Youth AOD Outreach role sits within the Youth Outreach Team and is responsible for delivering a comprehensive range of individual counselling and case management support services with a focus on substance use issues to young people (aged in the Northwest region.

Working within a social model of health, you will operate within a case management and brief intervention model to conduct assessments, provide direct interventions, undertake structured and semi-structured counselling sessions and conduct supported referrals across a range of domains such as: housing breakdown, mental health & relationship issues. Alongside providing one-on-one support to individual clients, the Youth AOD Outreach team also engages with high schools in the region to provide both brief interventions and the facilitation of group sessions to provide education and information to students.

Fixed-term position until 30/6/2026

A bit about you

• You're passionate about working with at-risk and vulnerable young people with Alcohol or Other Drug (AOD) concerns and you are familiar with using a family-focussed approach to case management.
• You love to organise, but you also have a flexibility that complements this ability. You like to determine how all the pieces and resources can be arranged for maximum client outcomes Your drive is evident in your proactive approach, valuing action over dialogue while employing inventive methods to address problems.
• You know the importance of providing effective interventions, client advocacy and implementing the principles of harm minimisation. You know not every day will be the same, you can switch from providing support, to advocating for service access, to writing up case notes in the blink of an eye.

Key Requirements:

• Possession of the AOD core competency skillset as a minimum, or a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs.
• Experience or familiarity with working in areas such as Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD), Mental Health, and/or Homelessness
• Capability to advocate for clients to access essential services, displaying a commitment to ensuring the well-being and needs of at-risk young people are met effectively.
• Proficiency in implementing harm reduction strategies and principles, understanding the importance of harm reduction and safety for vulnerable populations.
• Capacity to engage, support, and coach disengaged young people using a flexible, youth-oriented case management approach, collaborating with other supports and services to create holistic interventions.

Get to know us

We are an independent, registered charity providing front line support to at-risk individuals across Melbourne to open pathways out of poverty and homelessness – breaking the cycle of disadvantage. Our work is focused on respect, client-centered care, and harm prevention. Through our holistic model of care, we support people to live longer, healthier lives with meaningful employment and a stronger sense of belonging, safety, and security.

Why should you work with us?

At Youth Projects we are very lucky to have a highly passionate and big energy team. We love what we do and we have fun doing it, all the while keeping things professional We are dedicated to providing a flexible environment to help you get on top of your work-life balance and we prioritise personal development every step of the way by providing regular training and internal development opportunities Most importantly, every day you get to see the way your work impacts real people in your community. But wait, there's more

• Free & locally roasted coffee at the office, every day 
• Generous salary packaging benefits to boost your take home pay
• PLUS additional tax-free salary packaging on meals & entertainment expenses
• Flexible work environment & flexibility to take extra unpaid leave for travel while working
• 17.5% Annual Leave Loading to help you live your best life on your holidays
• Employee wellbeing initiatives like the Employee Assistance Program 
• Additional paid leave for caregiving, wellbeing, family violence, study PLUS an extra five personal leave days

Have you made it this far?

If you're still reading, we think there's a strong chance you might be our kind of person.

 Send through your resume & Cover Letter by clicking "Apply for the Job.

Recruitment for this position will be undertaken as applications are received, and only successful applicants will be notified. Please note that it is a requirement of all Youth Projects positions that the successful applicant holds a valid Working Children's Check or Police Check. 

Our commitment to diversity: At Youth Projects, we value diversity and believe that people from a range of backgrounds bring a variety of ideas, perspectives, and experiences that will enhance our effectiveness. We promote a workplace that actively seeks to include, welcome, and value unique contributions and encourage applications from candidates with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and Indigenous candidates. 

Safety screening: Youth Projects is committed to being a child-safe organisation, providing an environment where all young people who come into contact with the organisation feel safe. Youth Projects has zero tolerance.