P: (03) 9537 3177| E: [email protected] | W: www.firststep.org.au
ABN: 51 093 661 995 | Endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient by the ATO

Practice Nurse
Job advertisement

First Step is seeking a compassionate, skilled and motivated Practice Nurse to join our
multidisciplinary clinical team. Working within our integrated primary health model, the
Practice Nurse provides high-quality, trauma-informed and person-centred nursing care to
people experiencing alcohol and other drug use, mental health concerns, and other complex
health needs. The role combines direct clinical care, care coordination, health promotion and
collaboration with a broad range of health professionals to improve health outcomes and
reduce barriers to care. This is an opportunity to work in a highly regarded, innovative service
that places dignity, respect and recovery at the centre of everything it does.

About First Step

First Step is a centre for integrated care – medical, mental health and substance use – with an
embedded community legal service. Operating in inner Melbourne, we deliver more than 14,000
bulk-billed or otherwise funded appointments each year to over 1,600 people. Our
multidisciplinary team includes doctors, psychologists, nurses, peers, psychiatrists, care
coordinators, lawyers and social workers, working side-by-side to support people with co-
occurring needs such as substance use, trauma and mental distress.

We help people navigate complex systems by taking on the responsibility for care coordination,
building trust, promoting self-agency, and supporting stability and connection. Recognised by
the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, First Step is a leader in integrated,
whole-of-life care. Services are provided free of charge, from one team, in one place.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Essential skills and experience

- Skilled in conducting clinical assessments and review, liaising with other health providers, and

providing secondary consultation with other program sta where required

- Experience coordinating the development, implementation and ongoing review of clinical

assessment and care planning

- Ability to review and respond promptly, e ectively and appropriately to changes in client's

health status





- Able to work closely with the multi-disciplinary team, particularly GPs and mental health

practitioners, to resolve or report on patients’ needs or medical issues

- Skilled in performing routine diagnostic checks (monitor pulse, blood pressure and

temperature) and general nursing duties as instructed by the clinical team

- Highly skilled at monitoring and recording a patient’s condition and document care provided
- Attendance and participation in case conferences and clinical review meetings;
- Administering vaccinations
- Providing pathology services
- Safe storage, documentation and administration of controlled medicines
- Controlling and managing medical stock levels

First Step | 18 Mitford Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
P: (03) 9537 3177| E: [email protected] | W: www.firststep.org.au
ABN: 51 093 661 995 | Endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient by the ATO

Minimum qualifications

- Tertiary qualification in Nursing
- Current registration with AHPRA as a Registered Nurse OR as an Medication-Endorsed

Enrolled Nurse with no restrictions on registration to practice.

Desirable

 Prior experience working with people experiencing mental health concerns, alcohol
and/or drug use and other complex health needs is highly desirable.

 Experience administering long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB).

Personal attributes

- Excellent time management skills
- Maintain respect and consideration for the rights and well-being of co-workers by

following policies and procedures.

- Be an integral member of a multi-disciplinary team
- Excellent communication, engagement and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to

build trust and rapport across diverse family structures and cultural backgrounds.

- High level of qualified integrity, ethical practice, and commitment to continuous

learning.

- The ability to use initiative and work within a rapid changing environment.




- The desire to be an integral part of a team of individuals with encouragement support

and direction

What we o er

This role is permanent full-time (with a six-month probationary period).

As a not-for-profit organisation, First Step o ers access to generous salary packaging benefits,
allowing eligible employees to package up to $15,900 of their salary tax-free each year, plus up
to $2,650 for meals and entertainment, increasing your take-home pay.
Additional benefits include:

 Working within a highly respected multidisciplinary team.
 Regular supervision and support from the Clinical Lead.
 Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
 Opportunities for professional development and training.
 Meaningful work supporting people with complex health needs.

Application process

Applications should include a cover letter that addresses the following essential skills and
experience, an up-to-date resume, and two professional references.

Email your application to Joe Fisburn, Clinical Lead, at [email protected]. Please apply as
soon as possible.

Our commitment

First Step | 18 Mitford Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
P: (03) 9537 3177| E: [email protected] | W: www.firststep.org.au
ABN: 51 093 661 995 | Endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient by the ATO

First Step is an independent not-for-profit organisation that provides a safe and nurturing work
environment for people of all backgrounds, genders, religions, sexualities, ethnicities, or any
other factor. Candidates identifying as LGBTQI+ as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. People with a lived experience of mental illness or
substance use are invited to address their experience from a strength-based perspective in their
applications if they feel comfortable to do so. Note that there are designated peers at First Step
and that many sta members have a lived experience of drug or alcohol use and mental
distress.

We recognise that some people often hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement, but
we encourage you to apply even if you don’t tick every box. If you’re interested but unsure,
please reach out—we’d love to hear from you.

📌 Practice Nurse (St Kilda)
🏢 First Step
📍 St Kilda