Senior Clinician/Social Worker

Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council (GLALC)’s main objective, for each of our Members, is to improve and protect their social and emotional wellbeing by creating a meaningful connection between us based on mutual respect and understanding. Gandangara Health Services Ltd (GHS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service Organisation (ACCHO) serving the South-Western Sydney community for over eleven years. Operating under GLALC, GHS provides a variety of cultural, clinical, and allied primary health services that are grounded in cultural protocols and co‑created with the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people we serve. The Senior Clinician / Social Worker at the Gandangara Alcohol and Other Drug Hub is pivotal in offering culturally sensitive, holistic, and trauma‑informed social support services to First Peoples with drug and alcohol‑related health conditions in South West Sydney (SWS). Key responsibilities of the role Provide social support services that are culturally sensitive, holistic, and trauma‑informed, specifically tailored to the needs of First Peoples dealing with drug and alcohol‑related health conditions in South West Sydney. Utilise social work expertise to assess and support drug and alcohol‑related health conditions among First Peoples, ensuring assessments are culturally informed. Employ a variety of social support interventions and approaches that respect and incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practices and values, facilitating participants’ exploration of their experiences, development of coping strategies, and resilience building. Ensure all social support interventions and practices adhere to established best practice standards, protocols, and guidelines, particularly those relevant to culturally sensitive care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Conduct support sessions, primarily individual but also in groups, aimed at reducing drug‑related harm, fostering a supportive environment for recovery, and ensuring interventions are aligned with the highest standards of care and ethical practices. Provide social support as part of a broader treatment plan, which may include collaboration with other drug health treatment services, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic approach to recovery with a focus on empowering participants to reach their full potential. Work within a multidisciplinary team, including Nurse Practitioner/Practice Manager, Psychologist, Counsellor, Aboriginal Health Worker, Peer Worker, and the Community Liaison Officer, to ensure the provision of safe, effective, culturally‑sensitive, and person‑centred care. Collaborate with key stakeholders including psychiatrists, psychologists and allied health professionals, to facilitate holistic care and address complex participant needs, including collaboration with the South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), other health services and community organisations, to ensure alignment with broader health strategies and initiatives. Create a positive and supportive work culture, with an ability to foster a culturally competent, inclusive and supportive workplace environment, promoting diversity and respect among team members. Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and accreditation standards, maintaining a safe and ethical practice environment. Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic plans and initiatives to address emerging trends and priorities in the AOD sector. Qualifications and experience Hold current registration as a Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Possess a Bachelor or Master’s degree in Social Work, accredited by the AASW, with specialisation or significant coursework in substance use, addiction or a related field. Demonstrate strong expertise and experience in providing social support within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, using culturally informed and evidence‑based approaches. Show a deep understanding of evidence‑based practices, clinical care standards in AOD treatment and adherence to relevant legislative requirements and ethical guidelines. Exhibit a background in delivering high‑quality, person‑centred, trauma‑informed care, #J-18808-Ljbffr