Youth Substance Worker

About the role

Join Mater Hospital Brisbane as a Youth Substance Worker within the Mater Young Adult Health Centre's Clarence Street 24-hour Residential Withdrawal Program in a full-time, permanent position.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people aged 13–21 experiencing problematic substance use. Working within a specialised multidisciplinary team, you'll provide therapeutic support in a safe, structured residential environment that promotes harm reduction, relapse prevention, resilience and positive long-term outcomes for young people and their families.

Salary range: $38.61 - $52.07 per hour plus superannuation and access to not-for-profit salary packaging up to $15,900  + access to many staff benefits! 

What you’ll be doing

You'll play an integral role in supporting young people throughout their withdrawal journey by delivering compassionate, evidence-based care in a residential setting. You will:

• Provide individual support, counselling, advocacy and case management for young people participating in the residential withdrawal program.
• Conduct intake assessments, brief interventions and coordinate individual support plans.
• Facilitate therapeutic group programs focused on relapse prevention, harm reduction, resilience, life skills, and recreational and cultural activities.
• Deliver person-centred, developmentally appropriate interventions using strength-based approaches.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to provide safe, coordinated residential care.
• Maintain accurate case notes, documentation and reporting in line with organisational standards.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of clinical practices, procedures and quality improvement initiatives.
• Support the day-to-day operations of the residential program, including participation in an after-hours on-call roster.

About you

You're a compassionate and resilient professional who is passionate about supporting young people to achieve positive change. You thrive in a collaborative environment, build genuine relationships, and bring a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to your practice.

You will bring:

• Minimum Diploma qualification in Alcohol and Other Drugs, Youth Work, Community Services or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting young people experiencing alcohol and other drug issues, mental health challenges or other complex needs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction, relapse prevention and strength-based intervention frameworks.
• Experience providing individual support, counselling, case management and facilitating group programs.
• Ability to manage complex situations while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development, quality improvement and evidence-based practice.
• Current Queensland C Class Driver's Licence.
• Current First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain).

Why join us?

Mater is Queensland’s largest not-for-profit healthcare provider, delivering exceptional care to nearly 700,000 patients each year across 11 (soon to be 12) hospitals. We’re leaders in healthcare, education,  fundraising & philanthropy and research — and it’s our people who make the difference.

We’re looking for passionate individuals to join our team and help shape the future of care. At Mater, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation that values innovation, compassion, and excellence.

• Increase your take-home pay with generous salary packaging options, including meal and entertainment benefits
• Grow your career with access to industry-leading training and professional development through Mater Education
• Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Program and on-site pastoral care teams
• Access a range of health and wellbeing services with a corporate discount on private health insurance
• Exclusive discounts across dining, retail, travel, accommodation (just to name a few!)
• Stay active with unlimited access to discounted gyms via the Fitness Passport program
• Convenient, discounted on-site parking
• Enjoy great food with reduced prices at our campus cafés and coffee spots
• Join Queensland’s Largest and Most Innovative Not-for-Profit Healthcare Team

Be part of something bigger. Make your move with Mater. #GETBETTERWITHMATER

For more information, please contact Amanda Tilse: ************@mater.or.au / 3163 8400

Applications close Sunday 23rd August 2026 –please note, we may contact applicants prior to the closing date, please do not hesitate to APPLY NOW. Direct applications only — we are not engaging recruitment agencies at this time. All successful candidates may be required to complete pre‑employment checks (including criminal history, working rights, medical and working with children checks).

Mater offers a safe, supportive, flexible and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. Visit our Reconciliation webpage. 

Mater ensures all children have an environment suitable for their safety and wellbeing through proper supervision and safeguarding practices.