Drug & Alcohol Clinician - Adolescent
- Location: Drug Health Services - 49 Nicholson Street, Footscray
- Employment Type: Ongoing, Part Time (0.6 FTE)
- Salary: Social Worker Grade 2 - Year 4 (SC24), Psychologist Grade 2 - Year 1 to Grade 2 Year 4 (PK1-PK4), Community Development Worker Class 2A - Year 11 (ON14) or equivalent Youth, Health or Welfare Worker + Superannuation + Salary Packaging
About the role
The Adolescent AOD Clinician position delivers specialist alcohol and other drug assessment, intervention, and support services to young people aged 12–25 who are experiencing or at risk of substance use issues. The clinician works collaboratively with young people, their families, and other support services to reduce harm, promote recovery, and support improved health and wellbeing outcomes. The role focuses on early intervention, client-centred care, and integrated support tailored to the developmental needs of adolescents. The Adolescent Community Programs team is a dynamic, multidisciplinary, compassionate and highly valued part of Drug Health Services.
Key responsibilities:
- The provision of comprehensive youth AOD assessments, counselling, outreach and support to young people with substance use issues and their families using a range of assertive outreach and therapeutic interventions.
- Provide clinical services that are evidence based and consistent with current clinical benchmarks and best practice in adolescent development and substance use.
- Facilitate the participation of the young person’s family/carers in the drug and alcohol treatment using a family centered/best care approach. This might include the family’s involvement in the young person’s treatment pre, during and post withdrawal and/or the provision of support for families through education and counselling.
- Extensive experience in assessing a young person’s needs, including complex risk assessments and the ability to action a plan to mitigate any identified risks.
- Knowledge of the youth AOD treatment system and experience working in multidisciplinary care team environments.
About you:
- Passionate about working with Young People, sound knowledge of adolescent development, fostering positivity and hope.
- Excellent communication skills include creative rapport building and professionalism networking with both internal and external stakeholders.
- A desire to learn and be a productive member of an inclusive team.
- Knowledge of the youth AOD treatment system and either experience working or demonstrate commitment to working towards desirable qualifications within the AOD sector- Youth specific.
About Western Health
Western Health is one of the largest healthcare providers in Victoria, caring for a vibrant, diverse and rapidly growing community of one million people in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
With more than 13,000 staff, Western Health delivers 800,000+ occasions of care every year, providing high-quality, person-centered care across every life stage.
We provide a combination of hospital, community-based, at-home and in-reach services to aged, adult and pediatric patients and newborn babies. Specialties include oncology, renal, mental health, women’s health and maternity, chronic diseases, geriatrics and cardiology.
We have remarkable strengths in chronic disease, complex care and developing innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions. Our experience at the coalface of healthcare delivery for some of Australia’s most culturally and socioeconomically diverse and vulnerable populations provides us with unique insights into the most pressing health challenges.
Western Health operates four acute public hospitals: Sunshine Hospital (including Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s), Footscray Hospital, Williamstown Hospital and Bacchus Marsh Hospital. We also operate Sunbury Community Hospital, Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre, Melton Health and Community Services, Bacchus Marsh Community Health Centre, Caroline Springs Community Health Centre and Grant Lodge Residential Aged Care in Bacchus Marsh. Western Health also provides the primary healthcare service at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre; a women’s prison located in Ravenhall.
Why join us?
Compensation and benefits
- Competitive salary packages aligned with market standards.
- Health and wellbeing programs, including flexible work arrangements.
- Scholarships and grants to support your continuous learning journey.
Learning and development opportunities
- Access the Western Health Learning Academy (WHA) for personalized learning pathways.
- Professional growth programs, including postgraduate studies and clinical education.
- Mentorship and career support.
Community impact and inclusion
- Make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives through compassionate care.
- Join a workforce that champions diversity and inclusion.
- Engage in community wellbeing initiatives and groundbreaking healthcare research.
Organizational culture and environment
- Thrive in a collaborative, compassionate and innovative team environment.
- Be part of a culture that celebrates continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare.
Ready to make an impact?
If you’re passionate about working in the Youth AOD sector and want to be part of a team that contributes to positive changes to consumers substance use issues, we’d love to hear from you. Simply click on the “apply” button and follow the prompts.
If you are currently employed at Western Health, please ensure you sign in through the 'Employee Login' via the external Careers Page or access the Careers Page via the intranet before applying.
Closing date: 11:59pm on 1 November 2025.
Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact Stana Stojic via email Stana.Stojic@wh.org.au.
Western Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining diversity in our workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Western Health is committed to providing a safe environment for the children and young people who are involved in our services, sites and operations. We follow and abide by all legislative requirements to keep children and young people safe.
All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Police Record Check, Immunization Status Clearance and a Working with Children Check (if applicable).
Western Health does not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from recruitment agencies.