Job Description
This isn't just a case management role. You'll be a specialist voice, a trusted guide and a catalyst for meaningful change.
Our Youth AOD services provide more than treatment - we create safe, supportive spaces where young people can feel heard, valued, respected and empowered to move forward.
As the Families Worker - Youth AOD, you'll play a key role in strengthening the connections around young people, helping families better understand trauma, substance use, family dynamics and safety.
You'll work alongside young people and their families through some of life's most challenging moments - helping them reconnect where possible, establish boundaries where needed and create safer pathways forward.
Why this role matters
The Salvation Army (Salvos) is one of Australia's largest providers of alcohol and other drug (AOD) programs including withdrawal management, residential and non-residential rehabilitation, and harm reduction programs. Salvos services go beyond addressing the core issues and challenges associated with problematic substance abuse and provide participants a place of hope, compassion, and dignity to recover safely.
About the Role
You'll provide specialist therapeutic and family-focused support within the Townsville Youth AOD Service.
Your expertise will help shape how the service responds to complex family relationships, trauma, risk and recovery. You'll work closely with Case Managers and the broader team to ensure family involvement is purposeful, safe and aligned with each young person's goals.
Every day will be different. Every conversation will matter.
What You'll Do
Deliver specialist interventions that promote safety, recovery and engagement for young people.
Explore the impact of family history, trauma and relationships on substance use and wellbeing.
Engage families, carers and kin to build understanding, communication and safer support networks.
Navigate complex family dynamics including conflict, estrangement, reconnection and family violence.




Use your professional judgement to determine when family involvement is safe and beneficial.
Support complex and high-risk family engagement, including situations involving coercive control.
Provide specialist advice and contribute to integrated care planning.
Champion family-inclusive, trauma-informed and culturally safe practice across the service.
Support continuous improvement and strengthen the way the program works with young people and families.
About the Employer
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 this belief which drives us to find new 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., The Salvation Army (Salvos) 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 this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, the Salvos are always there providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.
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.
About the Candidate
A tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Family Therapy or a related discipline.
3-5 years' experience working with young people and/or families experiencing complex challenges.
Solid knowledge of trauma-informed practice, adolescent development and family systems.
Confidence working with high-risk, sensitive and complex relational situations.
Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
Strong systemic and therapeutic practice capability.
A current Driver's Licence.
A current Working with Children Check.
Ready to Make Your Impact?
If you're looking for a role where your professional expertise can strengthen families, empower young people and influence better outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.
Work Environment
Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + $2,650 meal entertainment benefit.
Generous Paid Parental leave for primary (12 weeks) & secondary carers, Purchased Leave Scheme (up to 8 weeks) and 5 days paid leave per year to experience working in other TSA programs or activities.
Flexible working arrangements.
Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives incl Fitness Passport
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supports such as: Burra Burra Network (pastoral care network), Cultural Events, Sorry Business and Ceremonial Leave (up to 10 days)
Ongoing training and development opportunities that enhance on the job skills and proficiency.
Rewarding and fulfilling purpose driven careers that have positive and sustainable / social impacts.
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📌 Families Worker - Youth Aod (Townsville)
🏢 Uworkin
📍 Townsville