Alcohol and Other Drugs

About BDAC

BDAC is an ACCO (Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation) registered as a member under the umbrella of VACCHO (Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation) and represented nationally through NACCHO (National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation).

BDAC was founded to represent and provide services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living on Djaara Country.

BDAC has a responsibility to ensure growth of services, development of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, better and improved health outcomes for our people, improved quality of life and be a lead agency in providing self-determination employment and career pathways for Aboriginal people.

What We Are Offering

• Access to Generous Salary Packaging - up to $15,550 (General Living Expenses + Meals & Entertainment)
• Generous remuneration - up to $106,000 annually (Full Time equivalent)
• Part Time, 0.8 FTE
• Fixed Term, until 30 June 2026
• FREE Onsite Parking
• Supportive work environment
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

About the Position

The "Public Intoxication Response (PIR) service" plays a crucial role in addressing the health and wellbeing needs of individuals who are intoxicated in the Greater Bendigo/Castlemaine areas, aligning with the recent decriminalisation of public intoxication by the Victorian Government.

The core function of the PIR team is to provide an outreach-based response to individuals in need. This response includes conducting thorough health assessments, offering safe transportation to an appropriate location, monitoring the health and overall well-being of the individuals, and delivering follow-up care as needed. In essence, the PIR service operates as a critical lifeline for those who are intoxicated, ensuring their safety and well-being while also contributing to a more compassionate and health-focused approach in the context of public intoxication.

The AOD Nurse will bring clinical expertise, cultural awareness, and a client-centred approach to the Public Intoxication Response (PIR) service, supporting Community members in the Greater Bendigo and Castlemaine areas who are affected by alcohol and other drugs. In line with the Victorian Government's health-focused approach to public intoxication, the AOD Nurse will play a key role in driving high-quality care within the PIR space, conducting comprehensive health assessments, delivering harm minimisation strategies, monitoring health status, and coordinating follow-up care. This role will actively guide and influence care pathways, ensuring that individuals receive safe transport to appropriate environments, timely medical attention, and culturally safe support. Working closely with the PIR team and broader health networks, the AOD Nurse will help shape a compassionate, responsive, and effective service that improves outcomes, strengthens trust, and enhances the overall wellbeing of Community members

Key Responsibilities

The Public Intoxication Response (PIR) Community Health Responder will have the following responsibilities:

• On-Call Outreach: Participate in the PIR on-call roster, responding promptly to referrals from Centralised Intake. Conduct comprehensive AOD and medical assessments, provide immediate clinical interventions, and initiate appropriate care pathways in alignment with harm minimisation principles.
• Specialist AOD Care: Utilise advanced clinical skills to assess, manage, and monitor individuals affected by alcohol and other drugs. Deliver culturally safe, evidence-based interventions that address both immediate health needs and longer-term recovery goals.
• Assertive Outreach: Work proactively within the PIR team to identify and engage with individuals at risk in the Greater Bendigo/Castlemaine areas. Apply a hands-on, empathetic approach to build rapport, reduce harm, and support access to appropriate services.
• Integration with BDAC Medical Clinic: When not attending to clients in the field, the Community Health Responder will support the BDAC medical clinic by delivering nursing services to Community members.
• Care Coordination & Advocacy: Actively coordinate care for clients across health and community services. Advocate for the rights, dignity, and health needs of individuals, ensuring equitable access to culturally safe and appropriate care.
• Guidelines and Procedures: Operating under the guidance of the Program Manager, the Community Health Responder adheres to all reporting requirements, guidelines, and standards. This ensures that the efforts align with established protocols, promoting consistency, and quality in service delivery.
• Stakeholder & Community Relationships: Develop and maintain strong working relationships with emergency services, health providers, community organisations, and other key stakeholders. Represent the PIR service in professional networks to strengthen referral pathways and collaborative responses.

About You

• Registered Nurse or Aboriginal Health Practitioner
• Certificate or Post Graduate Studies in Alcohol & Other Drugs

Education, Training and/or Competencies

Mandatory

• Registered Nurse or Aboriginal Health Practitioner
• Certificate or Post Graduate Studies in Alcohol & Other Drugs

How to Apply

If this role sounds like the role for you then click on the link below and apply by attaching your resume, cover letter detailing how you suit the role and prior to COB Thursday 28th of August 2025.

Please ensure you submit your application via the ELMO Portal or SEEK. We cannot accept applications via email.

Mandatory Requirements

Should an applicant be the preferred candidate, background checks (Police check, reference check and Working with Children's Check) will be completed prior to the candidate's employment being confirmed.

For more information about this position please see the Position Description which can be accessed via our website or contact our human resources team on or send an email through to  If you are wanting more detail around the role, please contact the above number and ask to speak with Public Intoxication Response - Program Manager.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.