BDAC is an ACCO (Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation) registered as a member under the umbrella of VACCHO (Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation) and represented nationally through NACCHO (National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation).
BDAC was founded to represent and provide services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living on Djaara Country.
BDAC has a responsibility to ensure growth of services, development of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, better and improved health outcomes for our people, improved quality of life and be a lead agency in providing self-determination employment and career pathways for Aboriginal people.
What We Are Offering
Access to Not-for- Profit Salary Packaging - up to $18,550 annually (general living expenses and meals and entertainment)
12% Superannuation
SCHADS Level 4
Full Time, 38 hours
Fixed Term until 30 June 2026
Supportive work environment
Ongoing training and development opportunities
Job Description
About the Role
The AOD Worker will bring practical skills, cultural awareness, and a client-focused approach to the Public Intoxication Response (PIR) service, supporting Community members in the Greater Bendigo and Castlemaine areas who are affected by alcohol and other drugs. Guided by Victoria’s health-based approach to public intoxication, the AOD Worker will play an important role in engaging with individuals who are intoxicated, providing brief interventions, and developing immediate care and safety plans while awaiting acceptance into the AOD service.
This role will deliver harm minimisation strategies, facilitate timely referrals, and work alongside the PIR team to ensure individuals are supported in culturally safe and respectful ways. The AOD Worker will also share their knowledge and skills with other team members to strengthen treatment pathways and enhance overall care. By fostering trust, empowering individuals, and linking them with ongoing supports, the AOD Worker will contribute to a compassionate and effective PIR service that improves outcomes and promotes the wellbeing of Community members.
Key Responsibilities
On-Call Outreach: Participate in the PIR on-call roster, responding promptly to referrals from Centralised Intake. Conduct AOD-focused assessments, provide immediate support through brief interventions, and initiate appropriate referral pathways in line with harm minimisation principles.
AOD Support & Intervention: Apply specialist knowledge of alcohol and other drugs to deliver culturally safe, evidence-based interventions. Provide short-term care planning, harm reduction advice, and link individuals to longer-term treatment and recovery supports.
Assertive Outreach: Proactively engage with individuals in the Greater Bendigo/Castlemaine areas through an assertive outreach model. Build trust and rapport with those affected by intoxication, ensuring they are supported in safe environments and connected to appropriate services.
Team Contribution & Knowledge Sharing: Actively contribute to the PIR team by sharing AOD expertise, insights, and strategies that strengthen overall treatment and care. Support colleagues in identifying risks and applying best-practice approaches to working with intoxicated individuals.
Care Coordination & Advocacy: Support individuals to navigate health and community services, advocating for their rights, dignity, and health needs. Work collaboratively with services to ensure equitable access to culturally safe and appropriate care pathways.
Guidelines and Procedures: Work under the guidance of the Program Manager, adhering to all reporting requirements,
guidelines, and standards to ensure quality, safety, and consistency in service delivery.
Stakeholder & Community Relationships: Build and maintain strong working relationships with emergency services, health providers, community organisations, and other stakeholders. Contribute to strengthening referral pathways and promoting a collaborative, community-centred response.
Desired Skills and Experience
About You
Demonstrated experience working with individuals affected by alcohol and other drugs, including those presenting with intoxication, chronic health issues, and comorbidities, with an understanding of the unique needs of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Sound knowledge of harm minimisation principles and the ability to provide brief interventions, immediate support, and short-term care planning that is culturally safe and responsive to Community needs.
Proven ability to deliver assertive outreach, engaging respectfully with vulnerable individuals in community settings to build trust, reduce harm, and connect them to appropriate health and social supports.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work in partnership with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, families, and communities, ensuring services are culturally safe, inclusive, and empowering.
Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary PIR team within an ACCHO environment, contributing AOD knowledge and insights to strengthen care pathways, while adhering to organisational policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
Education, Training and/or Competencies.
Mandatory
Minimum Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, Mental Health, Community Services, or a related field
Current Victorian Driver’s Licence
Preferred/ desired
Previous experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members or in an Aboriginal organisation
Additional qualifications in Aboriginal Health, Social Work, Counselling, or Community Development will be highly regarded.
How to Apply
If this role sounds like the role for you then click on the link below and apply by attaching your CV and a cover letter detailing how you suit the role prior to Sunday 18 October 2025.
Please ensure you submit your application via the ELMO Portal or SEEK. We cannot accept applications via email.
Mandatory Requirements
Should an applicant be the preferred candidate, background checks (Police check, reference check and Working with Children's Check) will be completed prior to the candidate’s employment being confirmed.
For more information about this position please see the Position Description which can be accessed via our website www.bdac.com.au or contact us on (03) 5442 4947 and ask to speak with the Program Manager - Public Intoxication Response, or send an email through to recruitment@bdac.com.au
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
