Welfare Worker
- Location: Primarily based at Footscray Hospital
- Employment Type: Fixed Term, Part-Time
- Salary: WW24
About the role:
Drug health Services is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Welfare Worker/AOD Clinician with outstanding clinical and interpersonal skills who will join our residential withdrawal units. As a key member of our dynamic team, you will work collaboratively with the Nursing and Medical team to provide excellent care to our clients and shape the direction of the service as we transition to the New Footscray Hospital.
Drug Health Services includes two residential services: The Community Residential Withdrawal Service and Westside Lodge Dual Diagnosis Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC). The Community Residential Withdrawal Service (Footscray campus) provides a short-term residential program to individuals who are affected by substance use.
The primary focus of the service is to provide residential based substance withdrawal and stabilisation. The program includes medium level medical and pharmacological treatment, along with psychosocial support, health education and recreational activities in a safe environment.
Key responsibilities:
- Adhere to relevant professional guidelines, clinical guidelines, and local models of care.
- Identify, implement, and support ways to improve practice and outcomes.
- Using evidence-based practice, participate in evaluation of the progress of individuals and groups towards expected outcomes and reformulation of care plans.
- Participate in ongoing learning opportunities.
- Adhere to documentation and record keeping requirements.
- Utilise de-escalation and redirection skills to assist consumers in managing emotional wellbeing.
About you:
- Qualifications in a relevant discipline (welfare, social work, community development or equivalent).Demonstrated experience working with clients with AOD use, mental health issues and complex comorbidities.
- Understanding of and commitment to the principles and practises of harm minimisation in the drug and alcohol field.
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?
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 8 July 2025.
Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact Fred Gorah (Nurse Unit Manager) via Fred.Gorah@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, an Immunisation Status Clearance and a Working with Children Check (if applicable).
Western Health does not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from recruitment agencies.