Welfare Worker
About the Role:
The Drug Health Services Residential Unit Welfare Worker assist with the provision of high quality, evidence based and client centred care to the residents of Drug Health Services' AOD Residential Units. The Welfare Worker works closely with other members of the multidisciplinary team to facilitate and undertake client assessments, admissions, discharge planning, case management, therapeutic interventions including counselling, withdrawal support and therapeutic group activities for clients in accordance with their care plans.
This critical role operates across all hours of the service operation via a 24/7 rotating roster. Drug Health Services is comprised of two residential services: Community Residential Withdrawal Service and Westside Lodge Dual Diagnosis Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC). The Residential Units Welfare Worker may be required to provide support to clients across both residential units, however this role will be primarily based at Westside Lodge.
On a daily basis, the DHS Welfare Worker will provide high quality, evidence based and client centred care, in line with the "Best Care" Framework, to residential unit consumers and their support networks. This will include providing feedback to consumers on their behaviours and, where required, outline problematic behaviour/develop an agreed plan of action with the client. The Welfare Worker will also utilise de-escalation and redirection skills to assist consumers in managing emotional wellbeing and contribute to the multidisciplinary team meetings and other case conferences and contribute to development and/or implementation of Individual Treatment Plans (ITPs).
About You:
Requirements of application to this position include qualifications in a relevant discipline (welfare, social work, community development or equivalent) and minimum qualifications to Certificate IV level in Drug and Alcohol and/or Mental Health, or willingness to work towards the same or equivalent. There is also a requirement for demonstrated experience working with clients with AOD use, mental health issues and complex comorbidities.
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-centred care across every life stage.
We provide a combination of hospital, community-based, at-home and in-reach services to aged, adult and paediatric 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 personalised 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.
Organisational 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 compassionate care, innovation, community wellbeing, 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: at 11:59 on the 18th September 2025
Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact Kelly Linda on 03 8345 4010.
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, an Immunisation Status Clearance and a Working with Children Check (if applicable).
Western Health does not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from recruitment agencies.