Residential Care and Recovery Worker

For this position, preference may be given to persons of Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander descent (as permitted under The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 s12: "A person may take a special measure for the purpose of promoting or realizing substantive equality for members of a group with a particular attribute").

This is a designated position under sections 12, 26 and 28 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). VAHS seeks to employ an Aboriginal man for cultural reasons and to provide effective recovery care services that align with men's cultural and community needs. This role involves work that is specific to men's business and can most effectively be performed by a person of this sex.

A supportive workplace that will help you to develop your skills further

Not for profit Salary Packaging available

Part-time position, 34 hours per week, 2 afternoon shifts and 2-night shifts per week

About the Organisation

The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) was established in 1973 to address the specific medical needs of Victorian Aboriginal communities. 2023 marked a landmark year as VAHS proudly celebrated its 50th year of providing a comprehensive range of medical, dental, allied health and social services for our community.

As well as providing a variety of medical services, VAHS is committed to supporting the wellbeing of the community through contributions to community events and activities. VAHS is also committed to assisting research into the ongoing needs of the community.

VAHS is a child safe organisation, committed to child safety and wellbeing, and recruits staff in accordance with the Child Safe Standards Victoria.

About the Opportunity

The role of the Residential Care & Recovery Workers is to support the healing and

recovery of Aboriginal young people with problematic drug and alcohol use in Bunjilwarra. The Residential Care & Recovery Workers are required to implement a variety of therapeutic and cultural groups / interventions (i.e. relapse prevention, life skills, men's/women's business etc.) to support residents to enable them to achieve the goals they have articulated in their Individual Treatment Plan. The Residential Care & Recovery Workers are required to promote and maintain a safe and supportive environment, in line with Therapeutic Community principles that challenge the young person's alcohol/drug using behaviour and encourages them to learn and practice new skills and new behaviours.

Key responsibilities

· Assist young people with daily living skills (cooking, washing, cleaning etc.)

· Facilitate the smooth running of the Bunjilwarra timetable including active participation in all aspects of the timetable

· Facilitation of education, recreation, vocation, cultural, work and life skills elements of the Bunjilwarra program

· Develop, facilitate and participate in drug and alcohol, therapeutic and cultural programs with young people; include groups relating to relapse prevention, harm reduction, drug education, health promotion, adventure and recreational activities, men's business / women's business.

· Provide a broad range of support interventions to all young people at Bunjilwarra who experience complex drug and alcohol, and mental health, issues.

· Fulfill the role of key worker for assigned residents - includes positive engagement and rapport building as the basis to establish goals and tasks that support residents to achieve their individual treatment and healing plans, and participation in regular case review in line with the staged model.

· Collaborate and/or cooperate with Aboriginal community, other support services to provide optimal service provision and integrate residents back into their communities as part of care and discharge planning processes.

· Constant supervision of young people whilst at Bunjilwarra and on outings.

· At all times, be a model for the residents by demonstrating appropriate and respectful behaviour and communication.

· Contribute to the ongoing planning and development of the Bunjilwarra treatment model, particularly the structured group work program and cultural programs.

· Participate in developing new program content that is relevant to young people who experience problematic use; includes relapse prevention, harm reduction, drug education, health promotion, pro-social activities

Prerequisites

· Relevant qualifications (or working toward) in Community Services, Social Work, Psychology, or related area and/or experience providing support services to families and young children

· Victorian Working with Children's Check

· National Police Check

· Drivers Licence

How to Apply

Please send your application, which must include a cover letter and curriculum vitae, via before Sunday 9pm, 28 September 2025.