HELP YOUNG AUSTRALIANS MOVE BEYOND DRUGS AND CRIME. JOIN THE TED NOFFS FOUNDATION, AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST PROVIDER OF DRUG TREATMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.

Type: Full-time

Location: Newcastle, NSW

Remuneration: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (Level 3) + full salary packaging options available.

About Us:

Originally named The Wayside Foundation, The Ted Noffs Foundation was established in 1970 by the Australian humanitarian, Reverend Ted Noffs. His work championed social justice, mental health support, and innovative youth services including establishing Australia’s first residential drug treatment program specifically for young people.

Today, the Foundation continues his legacy to create meaningful impact, offering services that are dedicated to supporting young people facing challenges around drugs, crime and mental health. We run services across NSW, ACT and QLD with over 200 staff and nearly 350 volunteers committed to helping disadvantaged young Australians.

The Role:

Noffs is looking for a dedicated Alcohol and Other Drugs Worker (Full-time) to join our Palm Youth Rehab, a residential drug treatment program for young people (aged 13 – 18) to address serious drug and alcohol related difficulties. Operating as a therapeutic community, our youth rehab for teens is a three month program providing a holistic, intensive, multi-disciplinary, residential treatment program staffed by professionals specifically trained in working through trauma, challenging behaviours and complex needs. The program offers counselling, family support, group work, vocational/educational modules, living skills and recreational activities.

This is an entry level role, ideal for people who are starting their careers in social work, youth work and counselling. The role offers a flexible roster, with morning and evening shifts seven days a week.

Responsibilities and duties include, but not limited to:

Supervising the day-to-day running of the household, including allocation and supervision of residents' chores.

Providing information and support as necessary to residents during their participation in the Program and in their preparation for re-entry into the community, including contact with families.

Under supervision, and in line with the approved Program manual, facilitating group sessions.

Providing and promoting a safe and healthy environment which is free of harassment and which encourages a positive atmosphere.

Implementing the general living skills component of the Program.

Providing support to counsellors and others in the implementation of care plans for residents.

Participating in staff meetings, professional supervision and in service training as required.

Essential Selection Criteria

Relevant qualification (minimum Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, Youth Work, Community Service or equivalent).

Experience working with young people, preferably those with alcohol and other drug related difficulties.

Capacity and willingness to work on a rotating shift basis, in particular day, evening, night and weekend shifts.

Knowledge of and commitment to a Therapeutic Community model.

Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage clients positively while maintaining professional boundaries.

Initiative, creativity and practical life skills to organise positive group and individual recreational and other activities.

Group management and crisis intervention skills along with a mature, compassionate, common sense approach to conflict resolution.

Commitment to the principles of harm minimisation and to the aims of the Ted Noffs Foundation.

Must have a current and valid NSW Working with Children's Check.

Current NSW Driver's Licence (minimum Provisional licence) and a good driving record.

Desirable Selection Criteria

Knowledge of and commitment to a Therapeutic Community model.

Proficient in the use of client management systems.

First Aid Certificate.

If you're looking for work that’s real, challenging, and genuinely makes a difference—you’ve found the right place. Stand alongside young people in tough situations and be part of lasting change. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

Ted Noffs Foundation is committed to equal employment opportunity and embraces diversity and inclusion within its workforce. As such, people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. This includes, but is not limited to First Nations People, People with Disability, Women and People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds.

How To Apply

Submit your application via SEEK with a Resume and a Cover Letter stating why you would like to work for the Ted Noffs Foundation rehabilitation program.

As interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, applicants are encouraged to apply at the earliest point and will be highly regarded. Interviews may be offered upon application.

For further information, contact us at [email protected]. Only successful applicants will be contacted.