Senior Practitioner
- Applications close by COB Wednesday, 30 September 2026
- Fixed Term
- Full- Time (76 hours per fortnight)
- Remuneration SCHCADS level 6 dependent on qualifications and experience + superannuation
- 5 Weeks Annual Leave
- Up to $15,900 for living expenses + up to $2,600 towards meals and entertainment can be tax-free through NFP Salary Packaging
About the position
The Senior Practitioner – KEYS & Day Program AOD Services provides specialist alcohol and other drug (AOD) leadership, direct service delivery, secondary consultation and practice oversight across the KEYS residential care partnership and Youth Day Program services. The role supports young people experiencing complex AOD, wellbeing and psychosocial needs through assessment, care planning, therapeutic interventions, harm reduction and coordinated service responses. The position provides operational leadership, mentoring and practice guidance to practitioners, contributes to referrals, intake, risk management, case reviews, group programs and quality improvement activities, and works collaboratively with Child Protection, residential care providers, health services and community partners. The role promotes YSAS' Resilience Based Model of Care, trauma informed practice and positive outcomes for young people through engagement, advocacy, education, social connection and participation in community life.
Key Selection Criteria
- Demonstrated ability and experience in working with disadvantaged and marginalized young people with complex problems/needs who are involved in the statutory child protection system.
- Demonstrated experience supporting staff through supervision, mentoring and constructive feedback.
- Previous experience in assessment, care planning and case management approaches.
- Previous experience in demonstrating, applying and advocating for the principles of harm minimization/reduction.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the legislative and operating environment of the Child Protection and OoHC systems.
- Experience building and maintaining positive stakeholder relationships, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and CALD communities.
- Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality assessments and reports in a timely manner.
What our young people request from our workers:
Young people across YSAS have spoken out and given feedback about the qualities that best describe a good YSAS worker:
“A good worker takes the time to understand your interests and doesn’t treat everyone the same.” “Young people believe that a good YSAS worker is empathetic and good at actively listening in a non-judgmental way, is relatable, down-to-earth and able to build trust and rapport in a consistent manner”. “It takes time to trust someone, but it’s worth it when you know they’ve got your back”. Young people have also raised that genuine human connection is an important quality, “being authentically human”, while having a holistic, flexible, and adaptable approach that considers the entire context of a young person’s life and their intersectionalities. “It’s about making sure workers don’t just tick boxes but genuinely want to see us thrive”
Regardless of where they are based or what position a worker has, everything we do at YSAS is about young people and their families.
For full details of the position, please view the POSITION DESCRIPTION below
Why work with us?
- YSAS has a true commitment to flexible working, ensuring that individual, team and client needs are met
- YSAS offers additional leave entitlements such as gender affirmation, ceremonial leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, fertility leave, blood donors leave, a generous Parental Leave Scheme and the ability to purchase additional leave.
- Access to learning and development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Please Note:
- As part of our Employment screening process you will be required to undertake a National Criminal History check and have a current Working with Children Check.
- You must have Australian work rights to apply for this position.
Further Enquiries
For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Meagan Mathieson, Regional Manager NW AOD Services, on 0448009939 regarding the Senior Practitioner, Recruitment Ref. Number – 064_2026.
- YSAS is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from all sectors of the community.
- YSAS has a zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to the provision of a child-safe organisation.
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