Honesty     Trust      Respect     Concern      Love

Duty Worker

• Casual - Roster may include weekday & weekends including during the day, evening and sleepover shifts.
• Based in Bairnsdale at the Hope Centre.
• $42.6028 - $46.4821 per hour, plus super.  
• 17.5% annual leave loading and generous salary packaging options
• Meals provided on-site.

About Odyssey House Victoria:
Odyssey House Victoria (OHV) is a place of hope and positive change for individuals working towards breaking their pattern of addiction. At Odyssey House we believe that every person should have the opportunity to change and grow. Our diverse teams work with individuals, families, and communities to reduce alcohol and other drug (AOD) use, improve mental health, and reconnect people to their family and the community. OHV is a dynamic and fast-growing organisation committed to excellence in service provision and innovation in responding to alcohol and other drugs use problems.

About our Therapeutic Community – Hope Centre:
The Hope Centre is one of three residential rehabilitation facilities operated by Odyssey House Victoria. Establishment of the centre came together through a unique partnership between the Hope Restart Board and Odyssey House Victoria, with funding contributions from the Commonwealth and State Governments, and from the community. Ongoing operational funding is provided by the Victorian State Government.

Using a therapeutic community model, the program offers a holistic treatment experience for those seeking help for problematic drug or alcohol use. To enhance individual motivation for change, the Therapeutic Community combines meaningful work and recreational activities, with therapeutic group work and skills development, in a physically and psychologically safe environment. An essential element of the model is the individual residents’ relationship to the peer community.

Role Purpose:
The position contributes to the life of the therapeutic community (TC) by liaising closely with residents and other staff and assists in TC processes to foster safe, therapeutic relationships within an atmosphere of mutual acceptance and harmony. The key purpose of the position is to provide appropriate operational responses to resident issues and in conjunction with clinical staff support residents in treatment to establish healthier lifestyles free of problematic alcohol and drug use.

Key areas of focus:

• Facilitating the functioning of the residential facility (including after hours and on weekends), ensuring appropriate communication and feedback is provided.
   
• Holding the staff keys and being the first point of contact for resident issues.
• Facilitating group sessions, including managing conflict through the communique process.
• Communicating and disseminating information to residents effectively managing the various emotional responses by utilising counselling skills and therapeutic community techniques (e.g., Directive, Encouraging, Supportive and Inconspicuous).
• Implementing appropriate responses to events occurring within the program by consulting with senior and support staff where necessary.
• Supporting the organisation of house activities for residents (e.g., games, music, art, other recreational activities).
• Performing a variety of operational tasks adhering to day-to-day, evening and weekend schedules.
• Managing after hours petty cash in accordance with TC cash handling procedures.
• Administering medication as prescribed, including organising emergency medical appointments, as necessary.
• Fulfilling duties of a First Aid Officer performing first aid in the workplace, as compensated through a FAO allowance.
• Contributing to team activities by participating in staff meetings, program development and review.
• Participating in and supporting reviews of standards in the TC including “Community of Community” reviews.

For a copy of the position description which outlines the full list of responsibilities and key selection criteria, please click HERE (https://odyssey.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/POSTC2095-Casual-Duty-Worker-Hope-Centre.pdf)

A week in the role:
If you were here last week, you would have:

• Supported the senior residents in the daily running and tasks of the program as well as effectively de-escalate residents when in a heightened state of emotion.
• Dispensed medication to residents.
• Been present and active whilst on shift and engaged in recreational activities with residents.
• Ran a conflict resolution group as needed.
• Role modelled a high standard in line with the pillars and expectations of the program.

Key Selection Criteria:
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Duty work to help facilitate the day-to-day operations of the Hope Centre.

To be successful in this role, you must…

• Certificate IV in Alcohol or Other Drugs and/or a diploma in Health, Mental Health, or Allied Health with a minimum of the AOD Skill Set for Health Professionals (or commitment to obtain one of these within 12 months of employment). See Appendix A.
• Hold a current Victorian Drivers License.
• Current First Aid & CPR Certificate.
• Demonstrate the ability to engage residents in dialogue and develop a therapeutic relationship to facilitate a meaningful TC experience.
• Have the ability to resolve conflict and work with difficult and demanding clients.
• Have the ability to take initiative and capacity to work independently, adapting to changing organisational needs.
• Have a comprehensive understanding of alcohol and drug substance abuse and an understanding of residential rehabilitation services.
• Strong organisational skills (both verbal and written) with a consultative approach to addressing issues.
• Demonstrated knowledge of record keeping methods, administrative procedures, confidentiality, and privacy protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment, be open to giving and receiving feedback, and recognise and resolve interpersonal conflict.
• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide variety of agencies and individuals at various levels.

For a copy of the position description which outlines the full list of responsibilities and key selection criteria, please click HERE (https://odyssey.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/POSTC2095-Casual-Duty-Worker-Hope-Centre.pdf)

What we can give YOU!

In return we are committed to offering you an inclusive and transparent workplace culture where our people can develop to be their very best by:  

• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Providing work that is meaningful and challenging, with career development opportunities through project and secondment opportunities and succession planning.
• Access to 24/7 counselling through our Employee Assistance Provider (EAP)
• Generous leave options such as 48/52 Purchase Leave, Study Leave and Sabbaticals

In addition to the above, staff will also be provided monthly Clinical Supervision sessions for professional development and personal wellbeing.

Application information

Please apply directly via our careers website (applications via external recruitment websites or via email will not be considered)

Applications should be addressed to Ashlee Morgan and include your CV and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria. 

If you have any questions relating to the position, please contact Ashlee Morgan Team Leader – Operations - HC on, amorgan@odyssey.org.au or 0428 149 592.
 
We will be assessing applications on a rolling basis and suitable candidates will be shortlisted immediately. This role will close once a suitable candidate has been selected which may be prior to the application deadline, so please don’t wait to apply! 

 

Our commitment to diversity

At OHV we value diversity and believe that a range of backgrounds brings a variety of ideas, perspectives and experiences that will enhance our effectiveness. We promote a workplace that actively seeks to include, welcome and value unique contributions by encouraging people with disability, Aboriginal Australians, LGBTQIA, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply for this position.

Safety screening

OHV is committed to child safety and is a child safe organisation. All OHV employees must undergo Police Records and Working with Children Checks. Any person issued with a negative notice on their Working with Children Check will not be eligible for employment with us.

Mandatory COVID vaccinations

In line with OHV's Mandatory Vaccination Policy, all Odyssey House Victoria staff are required to hold Fully Vaccinated (Boosted) status, having also received the Booster Vaccination. Evidence of this minimum of three (3) COVID-19 vaccinations will be requested during the onboarding process and offers will be rescinded where such evidence cannot be provided.

All Odyssey House Victoria sites are smoke free for all employees.