Are you an emerging leader in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector looking to enhance your leadership and management skills?
Introducing the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Leadership Accelerator Program, a collaboration between RMIT and VAADA. The AOD Leadership Accelerator Program is designed to empower new and emerging leaders in the AOD sector with the necessary theory and practice to lead teams in complex social service settings.
This project is funded by the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions through the
Skills Solutions Partnership Program.
Why an AOD specific leadership and management course?
Through our surveys and consultations with sector staff and services, it is clear that current leadership and training programs do not meet the needs of the AOD sector. There is a significant demand for a leadership program that understands the complexities and unique challenges of the AOD and other social service sectors. VAADA has heard the call for greater support in developing a tailored leadership program, and we are excited to collaborate with RMIT, a leader in TAFE education, to nurture and support the future leaders of our sector.
Program Overview
Our six-month pilot program focuses on practical skill development through a series of engaging workshops tailored to the unique needs of the AOD sector.
Highlights
Sector Specific Training
Engage in interactive and challenging workshops focused on the unique needs and challenges of the AOD sector
Manageable Training Bursts
Short and intensive workshops designed to fit your schedule
Expert Facilitators
Learn from experienced professionals and subject matter experts who bring real-world experience and insights
Networking Opportunities
Connect with peers, educators, and professionals across the AOD sector
Supportive Learning Environment
Benefit from a program that is both accessible and achievable, without onerous assessments
Program Structure
- Six in-person 2-day workshops covering key leadership topics, tailored to the unique needs of the AOD sector:While the workshops are in development, these are likely to include a focus on:
- Leadership and Management Essentials
- Supervision and Reflective Practice
- Effective Communication
- Human Resources Skills and Management
- Critical Incident Management
- Trauma-Informed Leadership
- Leading with Inclusion
- Leadership in the AOD setting
- Eight online Community of Practice (CoP) sessions to support application of knowledge and skills in between workshops.
- Guest speakers. The workshops will include guest subject matter experts sharing their insights and expertise on key topics and leadership.
Key Course Dates
See course dates below.
| Description | Dates |
|---|---|
| CoP: Introduction (online) | 19th September 2024 |
| Workshop 1 (2 days in-person) | 7th and 8th October 2024 |
| CoP 1 (online) | 24th October 2024 |
| Workshop 2 (2 days in-person) | 11th and 12th November 2024 |
| CoP 2 (online) | 28th November 2024 |
| Workshop 3 (2 days in-person) | 2nd and 3rd December 2024 |
| CoP 3 (online) | 16th December 2024 |
| Workshop 4 (2 days in-person) | 3rd and 4th February 2025 |
| CoP 4 (online) | 18th February 2025 |
| Workshop 5 (2 days in-person) | 17th - 18th March 2025 |
| CoP 5 (online) | 25th March 2025 |
| Workshop 6 (2 days in-person) | 14th and 15th April 2025 |
| CoP 6 (online) | 29th April 2025 |
| End of program celebration (in-person) | May 2025 |
Applications for the Accelerator Program have closed.
Stay tuned for further details in 2025.
FAQ’s
I’m not a current manager but I am interested in this course.
Our program is designed for aspiring leaders and managers, and you don’t have to be in a current leadership/manager role.
Will the course be running next year?
The program is a pilot leadership and management running across 2024 and 2025. The pilot program will be evaluated by RMIT’s Workforce Innovation and Development Institute (WIDI), and subject to the outcomes of the evaluation, we hope to continue and expand the program.
I am interested in applying for this course, but I am not currently working or tied to a social service organisation.
The program includes both theoretical and practical elements. The CoP sessions are designed for participants to reflect on and discuss the application of learned skills in real-world settings, which requires active employment in the sector. If you’d like to discuss your specific situation further, please contact us.
I’m not sure if I can attend all in-person workshops.
We understand the challenges of stepping away from your roles and backfilling them. The program has been designed specifically with that in mind. While the Community of Practice sessions will be held online to support this, the workshops will be in-person due to the benefits of fully immersing yourself into the course and the networking opportunities it brings. Speak to your manager and consider your capacity to commit to attending all workshops before applying.
I don’t currently work in the AOD sector but I am interested in applying for this course.
If you are a new or emerging leader in another social service sector, you may also apply for this program. Note that the workshops will be tailored to the AOD sector, and places for applicants from allied sectors will be limited.
Will I receive anything upon completion of the program?
Participants will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon completion. We will also host an End of Program Celebration. We expect participants will also take away important knowledge and practical skills to apply in their workplace, while also developing enduring relationships with peers from the pilot.