Forensic AOD Clinician- Forensic Treatment Services

Is this you?

• Looking for a rewarding role with salary packaging available (that means you keep more of your money- our employees save about $5,500 a year on average)?

• Looking to work for a values driven organisation, with competitive perks and flexible working arrangements (up to 2 days WFH)?

• Looking to build your forensic AOD capability with supportive leaders, specialist training and opportunities to keep developing your practice?

At ACSO, we look for people who believe in second chances, who share our values and are passionate about supporting forensic clients to re integrate back into the community. If this sounds like you, read on!

What ACSO can offer you

• We are looking to recruit to 2 x full time, permanent roles

• $92,298.96- $97,140.1 base salary, dependent on skills and experience + 12% superannuation + NFP salary packaging options

• Salary packaging available- Our employees save about $5,500 a year on average

• Annual leave loading of 17.5%

• Flexible working arrangements - includes options for an accrued day off, compressed hours and the opportunity to work from home up to two days a week on a hybrid model with our Melbourne/Sunshine/Dandenong hubs, plus co-locating sites.

• Learning and development opportunities - including access to ACSO's leadership development program and a dedicated leadership coach. In house training suite of client specific training including in Trauma Informed Practice, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), plus best practice training on all aspects of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.

• Career progression opportunities - leadership development programs and coaching, opportunities for internal consultancy or secondments to other programs

• Wellbeing initiatives - such as free flu vaccines, professional development vouchers, Employee Assistance Program and Reward and Recognition Program. Our employees matter!

• Dedicated inclusion and diversity initiatives to support employees from all backgrounds and dispositions, including specialised leave for cultural ceremonies or gender affirmation

About Us

The Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) is a vibrant, values driven NFP, focused on partnering with Government and the community to co-design services that create real social change. We are an organisation with a bold vision to create a safe and inclusive community where prison truly is the last resort. Our purpose is to strengthen the wellbeing of our communities by advocating for and delivering services which divert people away from the justice system.

The Australian Community Support Organisation recognises the right to a safe and inclusive service without bias. ACSO is committed to the equitable treatment of its participants, employees and partners. We believe in humanity and celebrating the diverse voices of our community through leadership, practice and policy design, to honour and embrace diverse traditions, cultures and experiences of those we support and work alongside.

We work across Victoria, New South Wales , Western Australia and Queensland.

About the role

The Forensic AOD Clinician will be part of an integrated Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Service Delivery Model that will work in a range of environments and locations in Victoria - ACSO offices, Department of Justice and Community Safety sites and Court Services; to offer AOD treatment services including Comprehensive Assessments, Counselling, Care and Recovery Coordination, that include Brief Intervention and treatment planning. The purpose of this holistic service delivery is to support clients in contact with, or at risk of contact with the criminal justice system. The services will be delivered face to face, via phone or video call.

About the program

Forensic Treatment Services (FTS) is a program that was established in August 2021 that focuses on waitlist demand across the sector. Working in partnership with the Department of Health, the department of Justice and Community Safety and sector partners, ACSO FTS support triage and prioritisation of participants awaiting Forensic AOD assessment through to AOD treatment by offering a more intensive and comprehensive criminogenic approach including assessment, client engagement, intervention and coordinated care for clients with complex AOD issues. These services are delivered statewide, face-to-face where available and via telehealth at prisons, CCS offices, co-located services and ACSO hubs.

What we're looking for

• A relevant tertiary health qualification such as Social Work, Counselling, Psychology, Nursing or Allied Health Sciences

• Certificate IV, or higher qualification, in Alcohol and Other Drugs or have completed the core competencies, along with equivalent relevant experience

• 2+ years prior experience in the AOD sector, including the delivery of treatment interventions and therapeutic approaches

• Demonstrated experience in providing evidenced-based counselling (e.g., Motivational Enhancement Therapy and Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, etc.) to clients tailored through assessment and formulation of client centred treatment planning

• A contemporary understanding of the biopsychosocial model of addiction and a sound knowledge of substances and their effects on human physiology, psychology, and offending behaviours

• A contemporary understanding and approach in working with individuals who have co-occurring mental health and alcohol and other drug issues (i.e., dual diagnosis) or other co-occurring complexities (e.g., ABI and other disabilities)

• Strong report writing skills, incident report writing and case noting abilities

• Ability and willingness to contribute to a supportive and productive team environment

• Committed to continuous learning and professional development

• An ability to adhere to policy and procedure such as privacy, confidentiality and workplace health and safety

• Eligibility to enter Victorian prisons

Desirable but not essential

• Holds a DHHS forensic accreditation or meets the criteria to obtain this accreditation (i.e., possess an appropriate tertiary qualification in a health-related discipline; possess a Cert IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs or equivalent competencies; has minimum 12-month, full-time, alcohol and other drug work clinical experience; possess relevant and appropriate counselling skills and experience).

• Experience working with clients in contact with or at risk of contact with the criminal justice system.

• Holds registration with a regulatory health practitioner body such as AHPRA.

How to apply

If you think you'd be a great fit - we'd love to hear from you!

To apply and view the position description (PD), please visit our careers website and provide a copy of your resume, a brief covering letter and a document outlining responses to the selection criteria found in the PD.

As ACSO is an NDIS provider, the successful candidate must hold an NDIS Worker Screening Check Clearance before they commence employment in this position.

To learn more about this position, please contact Marina Avraam, Team Leader, Forensic Treatment Services on 04•• ••• 661.

Applications close Wednesday 9 September 2026

Applications may close early if a suitable candidate is found sooner, so we recommend applying early!

ACSO proudly acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia's first peoples and pay respect to their rich culture, lores, customs and elders past and present. We strongly embrace the spirit of reconciliation and continue working towards ensuring an equal voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, particularly those who have been touched by the justice system.

ACSO recognises the right to a safe and inclusive service without bias and aims to provide a safe working environment, one which seeks to protect those affected by domestic and family violence and holds those who may use domestic and family violence to account, whilst supporting positive behaviour change.

ACSO embraces diversity within its workforce and encourages applications from appropriately qualified and skilled people regardless of their background. All suitable applicants for this role will be considered regardless of age, ability, race, gender expression, sex, cultural background, spiritual beliefs or lived experience. If you are a candidate that requires any adjustments to participate in the process, please let us know at ••••@acso.org.au.