Number of Positions Available:
1
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 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.
Families Worker – Youth AOD
SCHADS Level 5
Full Time – Permanent
Rowes Bay, Townsville
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.
Our Youth Services encompasses a range of programs for vulnerable young people, their families, and the community. Our services have a strong focus on prevention and early intervention and enable access to safe accommodation options, Holistic case management, community outreach programs and programs that teach vital independent living skills. Our centres are safe and supportive environments creating an ideal environment for growth, where participants feel believed in, valued, listened to, and respected.
Why You Matter
Step into a role where your expertise shapes safer futures, stronger families, and real change for young people navigating alcohol and other drug challenges.
You’re not just supporting young people — you’re strengthening the systems around them. You’ll be the specialist who helps young people and families understand trauma, family and intimate partner violence, rebuild connection, and create safer pathways forward. Your leadership will shape how the service responds to family dynamics, risk, and recovery.
This is purposeful work. Impactful work. Work that changes lives.
About the Role
As the Families Worker – Youth AOD, you’ll be the specialist voice guiding young people and their families through complex AOD, wellbeing, and relational challenges. You’ll deliver youth‑centred therapeutic support, lead family‑inclusive practice, and influence service-wide approaches that drive meaningful, sustainable outcomes.
This is your chance to be the person who helps young people reconnect, stabilise, and thrive.
What You’ll Do
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Deliver specialist interventions that strengthen safety, recovery, and engagement for young people in the Townsville Youth AOD Service.
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Work therapeutically to unpack how family histories, trauma, and relationships shape substance use and wellbeing.
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Engage families and kin to build understanding, improve communication, and support safer environments.
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Navigate complex family dynamics including conflict, estrangement, reconnection, and domestic violence contexts.
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Use expert judgement to determine when and how family involvement supports the young person’s goals.
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Lead high‑risk family engagement including situations involving coercive control or significant relational breakdown.
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Provide specialist advice to Case Managers and contribute to integrated care planning.
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Champion family‑inclusive practice, driving continuous improvement across the program.
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Model trauma‑informed, culturally safe practice, especially when working with First Nations young people and kinship networks.
You will Bring
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Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Family Therapy, or related discipline.
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3–5 years’ experience supporting young people and/or families with complex needs.
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Strong capability in trauma‑informed practice, adolescent development, and family systems.
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Confidence working in high‑risk, sensitive, or complex relational scenarios.
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Experience in multidisciplinary teamwork and systemic practice approaches.
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Current Driver’s Licence
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Working With Children Check.
What we offer
The Salvos offer eligible employee's a well-balanced package of meaningful benefits including:
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Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + $2,650 meal entertainment benefit.
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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.
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Flexible working arrangements.
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Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives incl Fitness Passport
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Ongoing training and development opportunities that enhance on the job skills and proficiency.
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Rewarding and fulfilling purpose driven careers that have positive and sustainable / social impacts.
About us
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.
How to apply
If you’re passionate about making a difference and ready to join a team dedicated to creating positive change, please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your alignment with the requirements of the role. Together we can build a brighter future.
Applications will close as soon as a suitable candidate is secured.
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
