About Us

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities. We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. It is that belief which drives us to find recent ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here – providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

About The Role

The AOD Senior Support Worker plays a critical leadership role in ensuring high-quality participant support, safe residential operations, and consistent staff practice across every shift. This is a Permanent Full‑Time position based on site in Bendigo, Victoria . The role is part of an on‑call roster to provide response for risk matters outside normal business hours, consistent with the on‑call arrangements.

Reporting to the Program Manager , you will lead on‑shift practice, coordinate daily residential operations, guide crisis responses, manage behaviour management, facilitate handover processes, and ensure continuity of care. You will sustain a safe, supportive and structured residential setting aligned with TSA’s AOD model of practice.

Responsibilities

- Provide day‑to‑day residential leadership to AOD Support Workers.
- Lead crisis and behaviour management responses to participant needs.
- Facilitate high‑quality shift handovers using TSA’s structured handover principles.
- Coordinate operational support of daily program operations, after‑hours response, and safe staffing levels.
- Supervise and develop staff performance and provide people leadership.
- Coordinate care by communicating participant progress, risks and protective factors to case workers and support the implementation of participant plans.
- Assist with group facilitation and ensure consistent delivery of the program timetable.

What You Will Bring

- AOD Skill Set (CHCSS00093), including CHCAOD001, CHCAOD004, CHCAOD006, CHCAOD009.
- Relevant qualifications such as a Diploma or Degree in Social Work, Psychology,



Counselling or related fields (preferred).
- Residential leadership experience including staff supervision and reflective practice.
- Strong crisis response capability and ability to maintain a safe, structured environment.
- Collaborative communication skills and ability to support team cohesion and participant safety.
- A Victorian Employee Working with Children Check.
- A current Victorian Driver’s Licence.

What We Offer

- Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + $2,650 meal entertainment benefit.
- Generous paid parental leave, purchased leave scheme and professional development opportunities.
- Access to EAP, wellbeing initiatives and Fitness Passport.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supports including Burra Burra Network, Cultural Events, Sorry Business and Ceremonial Leave.
- A purpose‑driven culture grounded in compassion, justice and community impact.
- Ongoing training and development to enhance your professional skills.

How To Apply

If you’re passionate about supporting people through recovery and ready to lead a team dedicated to creating positive change, please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your alignment with the role’s requirements. Applications will close as soon as a suitable candidate is secured.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Salvation Army is a child‑safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child‑facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration.

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📌 AOD Residential Senior Support Worker (Greater Bendigo City)
🏢 The Salvation Army Australia
📍 Greater Bendigo City