Community Development Worker

Peninsula Health is the major metropolitan health service for Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, providing care for a population of around 300,000 people across the life continuum.

Our network of hospitals and community health services deliver quality, patient-centred healthcare and services that meet the needs of our diverse community.

With specialities including obstetrics, paediatrics, emergency medicine, intensive care, critical care, surgical and general medicine, rehabilitation, and oncology, through to aged care and palliative care.

We are a major teaching and research health facility, training the next generation of doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and support staff.

• AOD Counsellor - engage in community outreach and education
• Provide community based support and evidence based counselling to individuals affected by substance use
• Work and collaborate with a support MDT to develop recovery orientated care plan
• Classification Community Development Worker CL2B Y1 to Y5*

On 1 January 2026 five health services (Kooweerup Regional Health Service, Peninsula Health, Alfred Health, Bass Coast Health and Gippsland Southern Health Service) will come together to create Bayside Health. A newly merged health service with more than 22,000 employees caring for a community of over 1.2 million Victorians.

The new health service will provide people with the best possible care with services that support them throughout their lives. The merger will also strengthen our workforce, providing new training, education and career opportunities. Subject to final approval on 1 January 2026, all employees from the five health services will transfer to Bayside Health.

Who We Are and What We Stand For

Peninsula Health is the major metropolitan health service caring for a community of 300,000 people. Our Vision is to provide exceptional health and community care. To realise this vision we need people who strive for a sense of achievement, take an interest in their individual growth, enjoy innovation and looking for ways to improve and have a passion for communicating and connecting with others.

In representing Peninsula Health, we expect all employees and volunteers to reflect our values: Be the Best, Be a Role Model, Be Open and Honest, Be Compassionate and Respectful and Be Collaborative. We are One Peninsula Health.

What You Will Be Doing

This clinical role sits within the suite of services provided by Peninsula Health's (PH) Alcohol and Other Drug Program and is based at the Frankston Community Health site. As the AOD Counsellor you will support individuals and families affected by alcohol and drug use through therapeutic intervention, advocacy and care coordination. You will deliver trauma informed, person centred care and collaborate with local services to strength community networks and support recovery pathways.

The AOD counsellor demonstrates clinically meaningful progress towards client centred goals, and involves both direct client work and participation in community engagement initiatives aimed at harm minimisation and early intervention. You will work within the multidisciplinary team to provide holistic shared care to clients of the service.

This role is Limited Term Part Time (60.8 hours per fortnight) until 30 June 2026 click to view the Position Description

What You Need

• Tertiary qualifications appropriate to the position such as social work, counselling or currently working towards qualification.
• Completed the AOD Skill Set (AOD Core Competencies).
• Demonstrated experience working with at-risk and vulnerable people
• Demonstrated experience in working both independently and as a part of a multi-disciplinary team, with the ability to work effectively, supportively and flexibly.
• Demonstrated knowledge in providing evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions.

What Next

If you experience any issues signing in or registering, please feel welcome to contact Jessica Strathdee at

For role specific information contact Rob White

The role ceases advertising on 14 October 2025

Please note that applications will be considered upon receipt and that this job posting may close early if a sufficient number of applications are received, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Additional Requirements

Peninsula Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We encourage applications from individuals from all cultural backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We also provide a safe and supportive workplace for people with disabilities.

To find out more about our recruitment processes, compliance obligations and to prepare your application to join our team please visit:

*Please refer to Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement salary circular for salary range. Sub-grading will be based on years of experience.

It is strongly recommended that individuals in this role remain up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.

Join Peninsula Health and help us to deliver safe, personal, effective & connected care to every person, every time.

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