Senior AOD Youth Worker

$89,000 – $93,000 per year + salary packaging At Directions Health Services, we believe in the power of connection, compassion and non-judgemental care. For nearly 50 years, we’ve been an innovative, not-for-profit leader providing holistic alcohol and other drug (AOD), mental health, and primary health services across the ACT and NSW. We all work together to provide integrated, person-centred care that supports hope, healing and wellbeing. We’re seeking a skilled and motivated Senior AOD Youth Worker who’s ready to step in, connect authentically with young people, and support them and their families through some of life’s toughest challenges and experiences. In this role, you’ll help young people build confidence, strengthen wellbeing, and take meaningful steps toward safer, healthier futures. About the Role As a Senior AOD Youth Worker , you’ll provide high-quality counselling, case management and outreach support to young people experiencing harms associated with alcohol and drug use. You’ll work collaboratively with families, clinical providers and community partners to help young people connect with the right supports at the right time. This position is offered as a full-time, fixed-term contract and will work out of our Queanbeyan location. You will: Provide one-to-one counselling and case management to young people and their families Conduct age-appropriate clinical and psychosocial assessments using evidence-based tools Actively engage young people (and natural supports) with accessible information about Directions’ programs and other AOD, health and welfare services Deliver culturally responsive, youth-friendly support that reduces harm and improves wellbeing Assess clients with coexisting medical, mental health and social issues for admission into withdrawal, counselling and case management programs Provide care coordination for up to six months per service episode, with extension as required to support health and social goals Conduct outreach in locations frequented by young people to improve accessibility Collaborate with local stakeholders to enhance resources and opportunities for young people This is a dynamic, hands‑on role where your connection, creativity and compassion truly matter. About You You’re someone who believes in young people, their strengths, their potential, and their right to compassionate, judgement‑free support. You will have: Cert IV in AOD and/or Youth Work or willingness to obtain within the first year Experience in the AOD sector and/or Youth Work Strong understanding of the impacts of alcohol and other drug use on young people Knowledge of evidence‑based treatment, harm minimisation and youth-specific support strategies A person‑centred, trauma‑informed and developmentally appropriate approach Excellent communication, engagement and interpersonal skills Ability to work independently in a small, flexible and supportive team Experience working effectively in cross‑cultural environments Commitment to ethical behaviour, professional boundaries, and safe practice Other Requirements Current First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain) Working with Vulnerable People Registration Satisfactory National Police Check Current Driver’s Licence Australian Citizenship or working rights in Australia Why Join Directions? At Directions, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation that believes in people, their strengths, their stories, and their capacity for change. We offer: A supportive, inclusive and values‑driven workplace Opportunities for meaningful professional development and career growth The chance to shape innovative, person‑centred service delivery across the AOD and mental health sectors 17½% leave loading Additional paid leave between Christmas and New Year The satisfaction of knowing your work genuinely transforms lives If you’re compassionate, motivated and ready to help people reconnect and rebuild their lives, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and be part of the change that empowers young people to grow and succeed All appointments will be conditional upon having suitable rights to work in Australia, a Working with Children Check, current First Aid and CPR certification, a satisfactory National Police Check and Driver’s Licence. For further information about the position, the position description can be found here: or contact our HR department at Applications can be submitted through Seek and include a current CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the position. If you have temporary or restricted rights to work in Australia, please include details in your application. Applications close Thursday 4 December 2025 at 5:00pm AEST. At Directions Health Services, diversity makes us stronger. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, abilities, and lived experiences including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. #J-18808-Ljbffr