Forensic AOD Assessor (Casual positions)

Is this you?

• Believe in humanity and keen to support forensic clients with AOD dependencies?
• Have fantastic communication and report writing skills?
• Available for an immediate start?

At ACSO, we look for people who believe in second chances, who share our values and are passionate about supporting forensic clients to re integrate back into the community. If this sounds like you, read on!

What ACSO can offer you

• Casual roles with immediate commencement! Melbourne location!
• $44.59 – 47.98 per hour + 25% Casual loading + 12% superannuation + NFP salary packaging options - more after tax $ in your pocket!
• Flexible working arrangements, including a hybrid of working from our Melbourne hub and home if desired, in line with operational requirements
• Learning and development opportunities, including in house training suite of client specific training including in Trauma Informed Practice, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), plus best practice training on all aspects of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
• Wellbeing initiatives such as free flu vaccines, professional development vouchers, Employee Assistance Program and Reward and Recognition Program. Our employees matter!
• Dedicated inclusion and diversity initiatives to support employees from all backgrounds and dispositions, including specialised leave for cultural ceremonies or gender affirmation.

About Us  

The Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) is a vibrant, values driven NFP, focused on partnering with Government and the community to co-design services that create real social change. We are an organisation with a bold vision to create a safe and inclusive community where prison truly is the last resort. Our purpose is to strengthen the wellbeing of our communities by advocating for and delivering services which divert people away from the justice system.

About the role

Our Community Offender Advice and Treatment Service (COATS) program is a state-wide intake, assessment and referral service that administers both state and commonwealth funded treatment pathways for clients in contact with, or at risk of coming in to contact with, the justice system. COATS provides specialist assessments for clients being considered for, or placed on, community corrections orders that include AOD assess and treat conditions.

Assessments either take place in community or in prison when a client is placed on parole.  Our assessors also undertake assessments for the Adult Parole Board (looking at mandated post release treatment) and for the courts (for presentencing purposes). Forensic AOD assessors are responsible for assessing, writing high-quality clinical forensic assessment reports and developing realistic treatment plans for Justice clients across Victoria.

What we’re looking for?

• Tertiary qualification (minimum level of Diploma) in a relevant health, social, or behavioural-related discipline (e.g., nursing, psychology, social work, criminology).
• Certificate IV (minimum) in Alcohol and Drug Work, or currently completing AOD qualification
• 12+ months, full-time equivalent, alcohol and drug work clinical experience delivering a range of treatment interventions in a credible alcohol and drug treatment agency/program
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills and conflict management skills
• The ability to gather information through assessment, and formulate findings and recommendations utilizing strong report writing skills
• Eligibility to enter Victorian prisons

Desirable but not essential

• An extensive background working with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people will be highly regarded.
• Experience working with clients with forensic backgrounds, and the ability to work in various settings, including prison environments
• Department of Health Clinical Drug Assessor Accreditation (desirable) or the ability and willingness to obtain once AOD studies are completed (essential).

How to apply

If you think you’d be a great fit, we’d love to hear from you!

As ACSO is an NDIS provider, the successful candidate must hold an NDIS Worker Screening Check Clearance before they commence employment in this position.

To apply and view the position description (PD), please visit our careers website and provide a copy of your resume and a brief covering letter outlining responses to the key selection criteria found in the PD. Please note, applications that do not address key selection criteria may not be considered.

To learn more about this role, please contact Kate Laverack, Program Manager, on 0447 126 980.

Applications close Sunday 21 December 2025 and will be reviewed as received, so apply early!

ACSO proudly acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia’s first peoples and pay respect to their rich culture, lores, customs and elders past and present. We strongly embrace the spirit of reconciliation and continue working towards ensuring an equal voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, particularly those who have been touched by the justice system.

ACSO recognise the right to a safe and inclusive service without bias and aims to provide a safe working environment, one which seeks to protect those affected by domestic and family violence and holds those who may use domestic and family violence to account, whilst supporting positive behaviour change.

ACSO embraces diversity within its workforce and encourages applications from appropriately qualified and skilled people regardless of their background. All suitable applicants for this role will be considered regardless of age, ability, race, gender expression, sex, cultural background, spiritual beliefs or lived experience. If you are a candidate that requires any adjustments to participate in the process, please let us know at pc@acso.org.au.

What we’re looking for?

• Tertiary qualification (minimum level of Diploma) in a relevant health, social, or behavioural-related discipline (e.g., nursing, psychology, social work, criminology).
• Certificate IV (minimum) in Alcohol and Drug Work, or currently completing AOD qualification
• 12+ months, full-time equivalent, alcohol and drug work clinical experience delivering a range of treatment interventions in a credible alcohol and drug treatment agency/program
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills and conflict management skills
• The ability to gather information through assessment, and formulate findings and recommendations utilizing strong report writing skills
• Eligibility to enter Victorian prisons

Desirable but not essential

• An extensive background working with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people will be highly regarded.
• Experience working with clients with forensic backgrounds, and the ability to work in various settings, including prison environments
• Department of Health Clinical Drug Assessor Accreditation (desirable) or the ability and willingness to obtain once AOD studies are completed (essential).