First Nations Senior AOD Support Worker

We’re Hiring: First Nations Senior AOD Support Worker
Role: Full-time
Location: Working across our Fortitude Valley & Logan hubs
Salary: SCHADS Award Level 5.1 + Super + Salary Packaging

This is an Indigenous Identified position. This Identified role is to be filled by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person as permitted under section 25 of the Queensland Anti-discrimination Act 1991.

WHO WE ARE:

Open Doors Youth Service (ODYS) supports LGBTQIA+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy young people aged 12 to 24 and is the only service of its kind in Queensland. ODYS is dedicated to:

• Empowering young people to live with pride as valued, celebrated, and authentic members of community
• Engaging a workforce with lived experience and professional expertise
• Providing safe spaces for young people to connect with peers and community to foster a sense of belonging
• Advocating for the rights and needs of our young people to improve their access to resources and supports
• Improving the mental health outcomes of our young people by building the protective factors of community, access and pride

Our mission is that all LGBTQIASB+ young people have access to appropriate and safe supports, that builds their resilience, strengthens their identity, and provides them with community. Our framework is built on the pillars of safety, connection, and pride.

Our vision is a world where all young people can live authentically and unapologetically, free from the fear of violence, discrimination, and isolation.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Research has shown that the LGBTIQAP+, Sistergirl and Brotherboy community is more susceptible to AOD use and misuse for a range of factors including impacts of colonisation, discrimination and exclusion, self-medication due to medical mistrust, and minority stress. Given this ODYS takes an early intervention prevention approach to AOD with harm minimisation at the core.

ODYS equips LGBTQIA+, Sistergirl and Brotherboy young people with AOD knowledge so that they can make safe and smart decisions, and builds the protective factors of community, belonging and pride to minimise the propensity for AOD misuse both now and into the future.

The First Nations Senior AOD Support Worker provides strengths-based, trauma-informed, and LGBTQIASB+ affirming psychosocial support to young people aged 12–24 years. The role supports young people to navigate complex systems, overcome barriers to access, and build skills, confidence, and connection.

Working within ODYS’s Practice Framework and values, the First Nations Senior AOD Support Worker delivers youth-led case management, advocacy, service navigation, and community engagement whilst also supporting and mentoring staff and contributing to First Nations practice and engagement across ODYS.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Key Responsibilities

Direct Support, Advocacy & Case Management

• Provide culturally appropriate case management, referrals, outreach and psychosocial support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQAP+ young people and their families
• Deliver one-on-one support and group programs that integrate cultural identity, community connection, and harm reduction approaches
• Support young people to navigate systems including but not limited to health, mental health, housing, education, Centrelink, employment, NDIS, and legal services.
• Advocate alongside and on behalf of young people experiencing discrimination, systemic barriers, family conflict, housing instability, or exclusion from services.
• Provide support to young people across funded activities, including but not limited to homelessness or risk of homelessness, AOD, DFSV, gender identity, sexuality and mental health.
• Conduct intake, needs assessments, risk identification, safety planning, and ongoing reviews.
• Support young people to develop self-advocacy skills, resilience, and cultural connection.

Case Coordination & Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with ODYS team members to ensure coordinated, holistic support.
• Liaise with external services including but not limited to schools, healthcare providers, housing services, child protection, and community organisations.
• Facilitate referrals and warm handovers to internal and external supports as required.
• Participate in coordinated responses for young people with complex needs

Group Work & Community Engagement

• Lead the ODYS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander psychosocial group.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of psychosocial group programs that promote connection and belonging.
• Participate in outreach, school visits, community events, and service promotion activities.
• Support community capacity building and strengthen referral pathways with aligned organisations with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.

Senior Worker Duties

• Provide on-the-job training and ongoing mentoring to new and junior team members.
• Contribute to the effective operational running of hubs.
• Contribute to the strategic direction and priorities of the organisation.
• Develop, coordinate, and deliver special events.
• Contribute to the embedding of First Nations ways of Knowing, Being and Doing across service delivery
• Actively support team cohesion and a positive workplace culture in line with organisational expectations.

Administration, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, data entry, and reporting in ODYS client management systems.
• Meet funding, contractual, and organisational reporting requirements.
• Ensure compliance with ODYS policies and procedures, including Child Protection, critical incidents, privacy, and confidentiality.
• Ensure all engagement with young people is conducted in accordance with the ODYS Scope of Practice.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, reflective practice, and professional development.

Workplace Culture and Practice

• Contribute to a workplace culture that reflects ODYS Team Values
• Practice in alignment with ODYS practice framework
• Adhere to the ODYS Code of Conduct and all organisational policies.

Qualifications, Experience and Requirements

• Relevant qualification in Youth Work, Community Services, Human Services (Diploma minimum), and/or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with LGBTQIASB+ young people and/or relevant lived experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people and/or relevant lived experience.
• Strong advocacy, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Current Queensland Driver’s License.

Current Queensland Blue Card (or ability to obtain).

Current National Police Check. (or ability to obtain).

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

You’re the right fit if you:

• Are deeply passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy young people and creating safer communities.
• Bring both lived experience as a member of the LGBTQIASB+ community and professional expertise in health, social work, youth work, or human services (minimum bachelor’s degree required).
• Thrive in dynamic, grassroots environments where no two days look the same.
• Hold a current driver’s license, Blue Card & National Police Check (or can obtain one), and COVID-19 vaccination.

WHY JOIN US?

You’ll be part of a bold and compassionate team driven by justice, pride, and community. ODYS is a place where you can show up authentically, lead with purpose, and make a real difference in the lives of our young people.

TO APPLY:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining:

• Why you want to work at ODYS
• Your personal connection to our mission and vision
• The experience you bring to this role including your lived experience

Please apply through Seek at LGBTQIA+ Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Senior AOD Support Woker Job in Springwood, Brisbane QLD – SEEK