Overdose Prevention Practitioner

Why this role matters 

The Salvation Army (Salvos) is one of Australia’s largest providers of alcohol and other drug (AOD) programs including withdrawal management, residential and non-residential rehabilitation, and harm reduction programs. Salvos services go beyond addressing the core issues and challenges associated with problematic substance abuse and provide participants a place of hope, compassion, and dignity to recover safely.

About the role

As an Overdose Prevention Practitioner, this is your opportunity to provide support to clients who are at high risk of overdose through assertive Care & Recovery Coordination/Case Management. You will also engage and support clients through the service system to reduce drug-related harms to individuals and the community by providing education and information on harm reduction, overdose awareness, and recovery options.

Reporting to the Manager of Intensive Services, this is a permanent full-time role, located in Bendigo, VIC.

How you will make an impact 

• Transform lives by completing holistic assessments that truly see the whole person, ensuring every client is connected to the right support at the right time.
• Build trust and hope through strong therapeutic relationships that empower clients and families to navigate AOD challenges together.
• Champion client‑led change by co‑creating care plans that honour each person’s goals, strengths, and readiness for recovery.
• Deliver evidence‑based support that helps clients stay safe, build resilience, and access the community connections that sustain long‑term recovery.
• Strengthen service quality by keeping records accurate, responding flexibly to referrals, identifying improvement opportunities, and contributing to a collaborative, high‑performing therapeutic team.

What you will bring

• A Tertiary qualification in human services, social work, community
  services, or relevant area of study.
• Relevant experience in a similar role, preferably within the alcohol and other drug sector
• Demonstrated experience in working with vulnerable people
• AOD Skillset or willingness to undertake within the first 12 months of commencing employment
• A current VIC drivers’ licence and employee Working with Children’s Check

What we offer

The Salvos offer eligible employee's a well-balanced package of meaningful benefits including:

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + $2,650 meal entertainment benefit.
• Generous Paid Parental leave for primary (12 weeks) & secondary carers, Purchased Leave Scheme (up to 8 weeks) and 5 days paid leave per year to experience working in other TSA programs or activities.
• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives incl Fitness Passport
• Ongoing training and development opportunities that enhance on the job skills and proficiency.
• Rewarding and fulfilling purpose driven careers that have positive and sustainable / social impacts.

Conditions 

Compensation is in accordance with Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award Level 5.

How to apply 

Are you ready to make a difference and help individuals rebuild their lives? Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your alignment with the role's requirements. Together, we can create lasting change and build a more inclusive and compassionate community.

Applications will close as soon as a suitable candidate is secured.

Enquiries only:
For the Position Description, please contact Renato Angelo via Renato.Angelo@salvationarmy.org.au