Is this you?

• Believe in humanity and keen to support forensic clients with AOD dependencies?
• Looking to work on a hybrid model, between home and our hub?
• Have fantastic communication and report writing skills?
• Want to be guided by a passionate leader who will help you grow?

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

• Permanent full-time position available
• $88,109.84 - $ 94,808.48 base salary + 12% superannuation + NFP salary packaging options - more after tax $ in your pocket!
• Flexible working arrangements - includes options for an accrued day off or compressed hours, and the opportunity to work from home on a hybrid model, attending an ACSO hub at least once a week, in line with operational requirements
• Learning and development opportunities -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, wellbeing and 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.

About the role

Our Community Offender Advice and Treatment Service (COATS) program is a state-wide intake, assessment and referral service that administers both state and commonwealth funded treatment pathways for clients in contact with, or at risk of coming in to contact with, the justice system. COATS provides specialist assessments for clients being considered for, or placed on, community corrections orders that include AOD assess and treat conditions.

Assessments either take place in community or in prison when a client is placed on parole. Our assessors also undertake assessments for the Adult Parole Board (looking at mandated post release treatment) and for the courts (for presentencing purposes). Forensic AOD assessors are responsible for assessing, writing high-quality clinical forensic assessment reports and developing realistic treatment plans for Justice clients across Victoria.

What we're looking for?

• Tertiary qualification (minimum level of Diploma) in a relevant health, social, or behavioural-related discipline (e.g., nursing, psychology, social work, criminology).
• Certificate IV (minimum) in Alcohol and Drug Work, or currently completing AOD qualification
• 12+ months, full-time equivalent, alcohol and drug work clinical experience delivering a range of treatment interventions in a credible alcohol and drug treatment agency/program
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills and conflict management skills
• The ability to gather information through assessment, and formulate findings and recommendations utilizing strong report writing skills
• Eligibility to enter Victorian prisons

Desirable but not essential

• An extensive background working with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people will be highly regarded.
• Experience working with clients with forensic backgrounds, and the ability to work in various settings, including prison environments
• Department of Health Clinical Drug Assessor Accreditation (desirable) or the ability and willingness to obtain once AOD studies are completed (essential).

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 and a brief covering letter outlining responses to the key selection criteria found in the PD. Please note, applications that do not address key selection criteria may not be considered.

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 role, please contact Sal Edwards, Team Leader, on 0427 233 212.

Applications close Thursday 28 August 2025

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 recognise 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.