Description:
Based in Wodonga or Wangaratta
Part Time Permanent
45.60 hours per fortnight (0.6 FTE)
ABOUT US
Gateway Health is a community health service providing health and welfare services to individuals, families and communities across Northeast Victoria and parts of southern New south Wales. We are a not-for-profit Company limited by guarantee and a registered Community Health Service under the Health Services Act 1988 (Vic).
The organisation employs over 380 staff providing a range of primary health and community services across the Ovens Murray region in Northeast Victoria and parts of Southern New South Wales. Gateway Health serves all people and is committed to improving individual and population health outcomes. We do this by providing health care and support to individuals and communities in times of need, and by actively working with our partners to address the social and environmental determinants of health.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Gateway Health is seeking a passionate and experienced High Risk of Overdose Practitioner to join our expanding and vibrant Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) team. This role sits within our Pharmacotherapy Program (MERPS) and is a key component of our response to opioid use and overdose in our community. The position will provide intensive, person-centred support to clients at high risk of overdose, linking them with timely treatment, ongoing care, and support services.
You will primarily support MERP clients, while also working with clients engaged in other internal Gateway Health AOD programs. The role spans across Wangaratta and Wodonga, helping connect individuals with critical resources before, during, and after their engagement with specialist AOD treatment services.
Key Responsibilities
Provide short-term, intensive support to clients at risk of overdose.
Work closely with the Care & Recovery team and other AOD services to ensure wrap-around care.
Act as a key liaison between clients and treatment services to minimise risk of overdose.
Deliver flexible, responsive interventions tailored to individual client needs.
Support and promote safe prescribing practices in line with MATOD and other relevant guidelines.
Work collaboratively across both Gateway Health sites in Wangaratta and Wodonga.
ABOUT YOU
You are a compassionate, client-focused practitioner with a strong commitment to harm reduction and improving outcomes for people impacted by opioid use. You thrive in dynamic environments and bring a proactive, flexible approach to working with individuals experiencing complex challenges.
You’ll bring to the role:
Experience working in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector, particularly with clients experiencing substance use.
A deep understanding of overdose risk factors, and confidence in applying harm minimisation strategies in a real-world context.
Strong skills in engagement, advocacy and coordination, especially with clients who may be disconnected from services or in crisis.
The ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, while also operating independently across sites.
A non-judgemental, strengths-based approach to supporting clients with complex social, health and psychological needs.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and confidence in navigating systems and referrals.
You’re motivated by the opportunity to walk alongside clients through their recovery journey—connecting them with treatment, reducing risk, and creating safer pathways forward.
REMUNERATION
Community Health Centre Stand Alone Services Social and Community Service Employees Multi Enterprise Agreement 2022
Classification Level 4
GATEWAY HEALTH CULTURE
Gateway Health promotes a learning culture that encourages innovation and initiative and recognises our staff as our greatest asset. Gateway Health is committed to creating a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that a workforce that recognises and celebrates diversity will best meet the health and well-being needs of all people we serve within our community.
GATEWAY HEALTH BENEFITS
Work within a supportive team environment.
Laptop, mobile phone with remote access on and offsite
Generous Not for Profit Salary Packaging A$15,900 tax free
Flexible hours and arrangements, for a work-life balance that works for you.
Option to be able to swap any existing public holiday to another religious holiday or day of significance of your choice.
Paid parental leave.
Professional development + ongoing training and support provided.
Free car parking
Fitness Passport - a discounted workplace health and fitness program for you and your family
Access to regular external supervision debriefing with Employee Assistance Program (EAP) support available as needed, together with Group Supervision and Wellness activities.
Access to our free confidential counselling service through EAP for staff and their family
Access to annual vaccination program
Discounted Health Insurance
A suite of employee reward and recognition programs
For a confidential chat about the position please call Caddie Russell 0477 210 059
Don’t meet every single requirement? At Gateway Health we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every selection criteria and/or qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE SUNDAY 11th May 2025
As part of our recruitment process, we will be reviewing applications as they are received. As a result, this position may close prior to the closing date. If you are interested in working with us, we recommend sending your application across as soon as possible. Best of Luck!
Gateway Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that a workforce that recognises and celebrates diversity will best meet the health and well-being needs of all people we serve including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; people with disability, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse people, intersex people, people experiencing health inequalities, and culturally and linguistically diverse people.
Please Note - should you be successful; you are required to undergo a:
Criminal History Check
Working With Children Check
Evidence of Influenza Vaccination
Proof of your eligibility to work in Australia (provide a copy of your birth certificate, passport. VISA, etc)
If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application. We will then work with you to identify the best way to assist you through the recruitment process.
All personal information will be kept confidential in compliance with relevant privacy legislation.