AOD Residential Senior Support Worker

Number Of Positions Available

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities. We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

Why this role matters

The Salvation Army is one of Australia’s largest providers of Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) services, offering withdrawal management, residential rehabilitation, harm‑reduction programs and holistic recovery support. Our residential programs provide a safe, structured and recovery‑oriented environment where participants can stabilise, heal and rebuild their lives with dignity.

The AOD Senior Support Worker plays a critical leadership role in ensuring high‑quality participant support, safe residential operations, and consistent staff practice across every shift.

About The Role

This is your opportunity to lead on‑shift practice, coordinate daily residential operations, and support a team of AOD Support Workers to deliver safe, structured and recovery‑focused care. You will guide crisis responses, behaviour management, handover processes, and continuity of care, ensuring the residential environment remains safe, supportive and aligned with TSA’s AOD model of practice.

Reporting to the Program Manager, this is a Permanent Full‑ Time position, based on site in Bendigo, Victoria. This role is part of an on-call roster to provide response for risk matters outside normal business hors, consistent with the on-call arrangements.

Conditions

Compensation is in accordance with the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS) Level 4.

How You Will Make An Impact

• Residential leadership provide day‑to‑day guidance, professional support and on‑shift leadership to AOD Support Workers
• Crisis & behaviour management lead staff responses to participant needs, including brief interventions and crisis responses
• Structured handover facilitate high‑quality shift handovers using TSA’s structured handover principles
• Operational coordination support daily program operations, after‑hours response requirements and safe staffing levels
• People leadership supervision and performance development.
• Care coordination contribution communicate participant progress, risks and protective factors to case workers and support implementation of participant plans
• Group program support assist with group facilitation and ensure consistent delivery of the program timetable

What You Will Bring

• AOD Skill Set (CHCSS00093), including CHCAOD001, CHCAOD004, CHCAOD006, CHCAOD009
• Relevant qualifications such as Diploma or Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling or related fields (preferred)
• Residential leadership experience including staff supervision and reflective practice
• Strong crisis response capability and ability to maintain a safe, structured environment
• Collaborative communication skills with the ability to support team cohesion and participant safety
• A Victorian Employee Working with Children Check
• A current Victorian Driver’s Licence

What We Offer

The Salvos offer 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, purchased leave scheme and professional development opportunities
• Access to EAP, wellbeing initiatives and Fitness Passport
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supports including Burra Burra Network, Cultural Events, Sorry Business and Ceremonial Leave
• A purpose‑driven culture grounded in compassion, justice and community impact
• Ongoing training and development to enhance your professional skills

How To Apply

If you’re passionate about supporting people through recovery and ready to lead a team dedicated to creating positive change, please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your alignment with the role’s requirements. Together we can build a brighter future.

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

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. W e are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people. The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration