RN Drug and Alcohol

Healthcare Australia (HCA) is a major provider of healthcare services across Australia, including allied health, primary care, recruitment, NDIS, care services, and training.   

In December 2024, we began providing health, mental health, and wellbeing services across the onshore Immigration Detention network. Our team of nurses, general practitioners, and allied health professionals offer a range of healthcare services, including health assessments, chronic disease management, health promotion, wound management, immunizations, and other primary health interventions.  HCA also launched a 24/7 Virtual Care Centre (VCC), offering remote healthcare through telehealth and video consultations to enhance onsite care for detainees.

We are seeking compassionate and skilled Drug and Alcohol Nurses to join our multidisciplinary healthcare team team at the Melbourne Immigration Detention Centre. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals facing substance use challenges while ensuring a safe and supportive setting, within a primary care framework.

Work Days & Hours: Monday to Sunday - No night shifts!

• AM: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

To work within this role, you must either:

• Hold a postgraduate qualification in AOD with a minimum of 5 years’ AOD specialty experience, or
• Have a minimum of 7 years’ specialist AOD nursing experience if they do not hold a postgraduate qualification.

How You’ll Make an Impact! 

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of individuals with drug and alcohol-related needs.
• Develop, implement, and review care plans tailored to each individual.
• Administer medications safely, including detoxification protocols when required.
• Provide education and support on harm reduction, relapse prevention, and recovery strategies.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mental health professionals, security staff, and external services.

Let’s talk about you!

• Current AHPRA Registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1), with either a postgraduate qualification in AOD and a minimum of 5 years’ AOD specialty experience, or a minimum of 7 years’ specialist AOD nursing experience if no postgraduate qualification is held.
• Proven experience in substance use, drug and alcohol nursing, or related healthcare setting. Post graduate qualifications in AOD desirable but not essential.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse populations.
• Experience in high-security or detention settings is highly desirable but not essential
• Calm, confident, and clinically sound under pressure
• Strong communication skills and a non-judgemental approach
• Passionate about equity, access, and high-quality care

Why you’ll love this role:

• Join a well-respected Australian healthcare organisation with 1,000+ clinicians across medical, nursing, and allied health
• Make a real clinical impact with time to assess, engage, and build genuine therapeutic relationships (not just crisis care)
• Deliver holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care within a structured, well-governed environment
• Work within a highly supportive multidisciplinary team that genuinely values nursing expertise
• Access ongoing training, clinical supervision, and opportunities to develop skills in complex care settings
• 7% discount on BUPA Private Health Insurance
• Paid birthday leave 🎉
• Salary packaging & novated leasing via Smartgroup
• Free onsite parking 🚗

If you have any questions or further assistance about the role, please contact Katie Longhurst on [email protected]

Veterans are encouraged to apply. At HCA we are committed to embracing diversity and committed to providing a safe working environment. 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.