Monash Health is a great place to work

Monash Health is Victoria’s largest and most comprehensive health service. For more than 170 years, Monash Health and its predecessors have provided safe, high-quality healthcare and service for people at every life stage. 

To see first-hand what our colleagues think about working here, take a look at the following short videos: monashhealth.org/careers.

Embark on a rewarding career and be part of a team where your dedication makes a difference in people’s lives.

About the Role

Join our team as a Social Worker - Care & Recovery, on a part time (.8 FTE / 30.4hours), fixed term basis until 30 June 2025, working in the Drug & Alochol Services as part of Monash Health.   

This role will sit as part of the Primary Health Clinic (PHC) and Needle Syringe Program (NSP) which offer the provision of basic health interventions, equipment, information and referral within a harm minimisation framework as it applies to people who use drugs. This work will include basic knowledge of infection control, vein and wound care, HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections. The PHC provides an Opioid Replacement Therapy that the Care and recovery will support by providing assistance to the Addiction Mdedicine Specialist, Nurse Practitioners and other health care workers and clients of this services.  The clinician will work closely with the team to ensure oversight of the clients care plans, in conjuction with the Team Leader and other staff working within these areas. 

Key accountabilities include: 

• Provision of harm reduction education and advocacy.  

• Facilitating and supporting referrals to relevant services 

• Support safer using and disposal of needles/syringes and other injecting equipment. 

• Undertake community engagement, development activities and tasks which reduce stigma and ensure community safety and wellbeing for the clients 

• Supports and assists clients to understand and navigate health and other community services internally and externally to Monash Health.   

• Complete client related data via the Department of Health NSP Portal data system or equivalent data bases.  

Program Contributions:

• Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of service provision whilst providing care co-ordination, brief intervention, education and support to clients of this service. 

• Contribute to the quality improvement, policy, and program development of the PHC/NSP and wider drug and alcohol services 

Collaboration, Reflection and Networking:

• Participate and contribute to the regular group reflection/supervision/team meetings

• Regular collaboration, information sharing and reflection within the care team at PHC/NSP and other care providers and supports as appropriate. 

• Attend relevant networking, collaboration and reflection with relevant stakeholders (i.e. Pennington Institute, Harm Reduction Victoria, Southern Dual Diagnosis Service, etc.)

• Work closely with the Mobile Overdose Response and Proactive Overdose Response Initiative Workers, including Lived/Lived experience workers. 

About You 

To ensure your success in this role you will bring the following demonstrated skills, experience and knowledge:

• the ability to engage with service users in a warm, non-judgmental manner.
• demonstrate a strength-based and motivational approach
• engage the client in harm reduction, brief interventions, education, community connections, and information provision as appropriate
• Knowledge of both the mental health system and drug and alcohol sectors
• Knowledege of comprehensive mental health/aod assessment and screening tools
• Experience with developing relationships with stakeholders and providing mentioring/networking opportunities to assist with providing integrated care to consumers 
• Provide best evidence based practice when providing brief interventions, education, communication and information provision

Mandatory requirements of this role 

• Bachelor of Social Work or Masters Social Work Qualifying OR Masters of Social Work, OR equivalent as assessed and approved by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
• Eligible for ordinary membership of AASW (http://www.aasw.asn.au/)

• Written evidence of eligibility for AASW membership for overseas qualifications is required.

• Accredited Social Worker and/or Accredited Mental Health Social Worker: As approved by the AASW
• Completion of a post graduate qualification in relevant field or working towards

For a confidential discussion and to explore the opportunity further, Tanya Clarke on 043 320 295.

Position Description can be found here and here.

We recognise the value of equal employment opportunity. We are committed to patient safety, promoting fairness, equity and diversity in the workplace and to Child Safe Standards. At Monash Health we are relentless in our pursuit of excellence and work to our six guiding principles and our five ICare values.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted via the Monash Health online EHub system. For information including how to apply and probity check requirements, please click here for the ‘Application Guide’

Applications will be screened upon receipt and selection activity may commence prior to the closing date. 

Applications close: 7 March 2025.