Type: Permanent Part-time
Location: Newcastle, NSW
Remuneration: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (Level 3) + full salary packaging options available up to $15,900 per year

About Us:

Originally named The Wayside Foundation, The Ted Noffs Foundation was established in 1970 by the Australian humanitarian, Reverend Ted Noffs, who’s work championed social justice, mental health support, and innovative youth services. Today, the Foundation continues his legacy, delivering frontline services and community support across NSW, ACT & QLD. With over 200 staff and 350 volunteers, we remain deeply committed to helping young people affected by issues related to drugs, crime, and mental health.

The Role:

Noffs is looking for dedicated Alcohol and Other Drugs Worker (Part-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. At Noffs, we stand beside young people who’ve faced adversity early in life, offering free, evidence-based treatment and genuine care. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and walk alongside these young people on their journey, we’d love to hear from you.

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.

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.

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].
Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted.