AOD Psychologist/Mental Health Clinician

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.

 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

The Salvation Army’s HeadFyrst program has partnered with six headspace sites across the South‑Western and Western Sydney LGAs, enabling collaboration between HeadFyrst clinicians and medical/allied health services to provide individualised treatment and care coordination for young people.

Headfyrst is safe, inclusive, and youth‑friendly, operating from a harm‑minimisation and client‑centred approach. A HeadFyrst clinician provides effective evidence‑based psychological support, counselling, and intervention to HeadFyrst clients aged 12–25 years, including interventions for comorbid mental health and drug & alcohol use, along with screening and assessment duties, risk management, referral, education, and support responsibilities.

This permanent part‑time position, based in Bankstown NSW, operates two days per week from 9am to 5pm and reports directly to the coordinator. Remuneration is in line with the Health Professionals and Support Services Award.

How you will make an impact

• Conduct psychosocial and psychometric assessments for young people accessing the service.
• Develop tailored case formulations, treatment plans, and deliver evidence-based mental health and AOD interventions.
• Build strong relationships with young people, families, and carers while providing referrals and support pathways.
• Assess and manage risk, maintaining accurate clinical records and documentation.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team and work closely with internal and external service providers.
• Participate in clinical reviews, supervision, professional development, and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Promote the program within the mental health and AOD sector and maintain strong sector partnerships.
• Adhere to professional, ethical, and organisational standards, including relevant Codes of Conduct.

What you will bring

• Fully or provisionally registered Psychologist, or registered Allied Health Professional (AHPRA).
• Experience delivering evidence-based, trauma-informed mental health services to young people (16-25 years).
• Strong clinical skills in assessment, risk management, counselling and therapeutic interventions.
• Knowledge of mental health, AOD, trauma, domestic and family violence, homelessness, suicide risk and other complex presentations.
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culturally diverse communities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with external services and stakeholders.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and eligibility for psychologist registration pathway.
• Current NSW Working With Children Check and driver's licence.
• Current First Aid Certificate, or willingness to obtain.

Experience in youth mental health and/or AOD treatment settings will be highly regarded.

What we offer

The Salvos offer eligible employee's a well-balanced package of meaningful benefits including: 

• 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
• 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.

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