- Full Time/Part-time (60.8- 76 Hours per fortnight)
- Fixed term until 30th June 2026
- Remuneration SCHCADS level 5 dependent on qualifications and experience + superannuation
- 5 Weeks Annual Leave
- Up to $15,900 for living expenses + up to $2,600 towards meals and entertainment can be tax-free through NFP Salary Packaging
About us
Youth Support + Advocacy Service (YSAS) is one of Australia’s largest and most comprehensive, youth specific community service organisation that enables young people experiencing serious disadvantage to access the resources and support they require to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
YSAS is a Child Safe organisation. We actively promote the safety and wellbeing of young people, and are committed to protecting young people from harm or abuse who come into contact with and/or access our service.
At YSAS we are committed to people of a diversity of backgrounds and identities being included, represented, and having the opportunity to participate equally in the life of our organisation and the communities in which we provide our services. We strive to create the conditions where people feel safe, enfranchised and valued. We value lived-living experience wisdom, insight, and knowledge.
About the position
The Youth AOD Outreach Worker is responsible for the provision of specialist AOD Outreach and support for clients accessing YSAS Alcohol and other Drugs services. The key responsibilities will include AOD support; Intake & Assessment; Brief Interventions; Care Planning; Case Work; Mental Health System Navigation; Motivational Interviewing and Single Session Therapy with young people aged 12 – 25 years.
The incumbent will provide developmentally appropriate care which is holistic; family inclusive; and culturally sensitive and facilitate supported referrals to other health and social services that will enhance the broad recovery outcomes for clients. Based in Frankston the role will deliver services across the South Eastern areas of Melbourne.
Key Selection Criteria
- Demonstrating understanding the needs, issues and sensitivities of people from diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal, LGBTQIA+ and culturally and linguistically diverse young people communities
- Describe your experience working as a community based AOD outreach worker including experience at conducting comprehensive health assessments.
- Outline any experience in the delivery of clinical interventions, brief interventions or health promoting programs within scope of practice for young people.
- Outline your understanding of the principles and practice of harm minimisation orientated treatment and prevention interventions in the alcohol and drug field.
- Elaborate on your knowledge and understanding of adolescent development issues and common presenting health needs of young people.
- Outline your knowledge of the drug treatment system, pharmacotherapies, withdrawal symptomology and management, and drug interactions
What our young people request from our workers:
Young people across YSAS have spoken out and given feedback about the qualities that best describe a good YSAS worker:
“A good worker takes the time to understand your interests and doesn’t treat everyone the same.”
“Young people believe that a good YSAS worker is empathetic and good at actively listening in a non-judgmental way, is relatable, down-to-earth and able to build trust and rapport in a consistent manner”.
“It takes time to trust someone, but it’s worth it when you know they’ve got your back”.
Young people have also raised that genuine human connection is an important quality, “being authentically human”, while having a holistic, flexible, and adaptable approach that considers the entire context of a young person’s life and their inter-sectionalities. “It’s about making sure workers don’t just tick boxes but genuinely want to see us thrive”
Regardless of where they are based or what position a worker has, everything we do at YSAS is about young people and their families.
For full details of the position and more about YSAS benefits please visit our employment website https://ysas.org.au/employment/
Why work with us?
- YSAS has a true commitment to flexible working, ensuring that individual, team and client needs are met
- YSAS offers additional leave entitlements such as gender affirmation, ceremonial leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, fertility leave, blood donors leave, a generous Parental Leave Scheme and the ability to purchase additional leave.
- Access to learning and development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Please Note:
- As part of our Employment screening process you will be required to undertake a National Criminal History check and have a current Working with Children Check.
- You must have Australian work rights to apply for this position.
Further Enquiries
For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Brittany Witnish, Senior Practitioner, on 0439027749 regarding the Youth Worker (Outreach), Recruitment Ref. Number – 091_2025.
- YSAS is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from all sectors of the community.
- YSAS has a zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to the provision of a child-secure organisation.
A position description is attached.
📌 Youth Worker - Outreach
🏢 Youth Support + Advocacy Service
📍 Melbourne