Social Worker – Westside Lodge DDRC

Position:Social Worker at Westside Lodge Dual Diagnosis Rehabilition Centre (DDRC)Permanent Part-time: 64 hours per fortnightSummary:The Westside Lodge DDRC Social Worker is an integral member of the multidisciplinary team, providing evidence-based supports and services for clients with high and complex needs to achieve their goals, using a capacity building empowerment approach. The Social Worker will provide case management and counselling and utilise their skill and expertise to make assertive linkages to ensure clients receive appropriate services on discharge to support their recovery.The Social Worker will facilitate high quality engagement, assessment, treatment and support services to individuals and their families using best practice principles including Family Inclusive Practice, Family Violence and MARAM principles and will work collaboratively with the DDRC Psychologist to support clients in their recovery during and post their rehabilitation admissionAbout the Position:

• Supports the delivery of high quality and evidence-based interventions in line with Western Health’s Values and Best Care framework
• Provides support, care coordination and planning, and advice and education to clients from time of referral through to discharge
• Ensures effective working relationships with key stakeholders

About You:As an experienced Social Worker in this role, you will have:

• Previous experience in a similar role and/or working with those who have AOD, mental health and medical complexity
• Independent clinical reasoning and compertencies, including relevant assessment tools, treatment methods and case management skills
• Attendance and participation at relevant meetings such as the weekly Multidisciplinary Team Meetings, Clinical Intake Meetings and other meetings as appropriate
• Demonstrated knowledge of resources relevant to the work area and act as a resource person for other team members
• A strong understanding of harm minimisation, relapse prevention, overdose prevention and other evidence based interventions

About UsOur workforce of over 13,000 employees are driven by our values of ‘Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence and Safety’ (CARES). We value our people and provide them the opportunity to grow and develop. Our teams are friendly and supportive, ensuring we deliver a safe, person-centred and connected patient experience.Western Health is in a period of rapid growth. Our services comprise of four acute public hospitals: Footscray Hospital, Sunshine Hospital (including Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s), Williamstown Hospital and Bacchus Marsh & Melton Hospital. We also operate Sunbury Day Hospital, Hazeldean, Grant Lodge Residential Aged Care, as well as community health centres in Melton, Caroline Springs and Bacchus Marsh and a range of community-based services. We care for a diverse community of more than 1 million people with complex care needs ranging from Neonates to Geriatrics.Our employees enjoy a wide range of benefits such as:

• Professional development support
• Career advancement opportunities
• Salary packaging including novated vehicle leasing
• Work-life balance

Western Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining diversity in our workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.Western Health is committed to providing a safe environment for the children and young people who are involved in our services, sites and operations. We follow and abide by all legislative requirements to keep children and young people safe.All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Police Record Check, an Immunisation status clearance (including evidence of COVID 19 vaccination) and (if applicable) a Working with Children’s Check.Western Health do not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Selection Criteria Essential: Appropriate recognised tertiary qualification (Social Work) and registration if relevant with the appropriate body
Essential: Experience in the Dual Diagnosis area
Essential: Understanding of and commitment to the principles and practises of harm minimisation in the AOD field
Essential: Experience in the provision of services to individuals and/or families and groups affected by substance use and mental health issues, including the delivery of training and group work
Essential: Knowledge and experience of contemporary practices in the AOD and MH sectors
Essential: Well-developed ability to effectively engage and manage complex clients and their issues
Essential: Demonstrated case management skills
Essential: Current Working With Children check
Essential: Highly developed interpersonal, written and electronic communication skills
Essential: Current Victorian Drivers licence
Essential: Computer literacy
Essential: Self-motivated, compassionate and empathetic approach
Essential: Enthusiastically contributes to multi-disciplinary team and supports the professional development of junior staff
Desirable: Post Graduate qualifications in AOD and MH areas
Desirable: An up-to-date knowledge of issues, trends and government policies in the delivery of AOD and MH services and in the broader health industry
Desirable: Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a proven capacity to negotiate with clients, staff and other stakeholders
Desirable: Crisis management/suicide intervention skills
Desirable: Experience in providing outreach services
Desirable: Experience working with clients and families affected by substance misuse and complex comorbidities
Desirable: Knowledge of services and programs available to this client cohort to support recovery