There are three (3) permanent, full time vacancies available for immediate filling.

Make a Real Impact Where It Matters Most!

Join Corrective Services, Justice Health and Wellbeing as a Clinical Nurse - AOD and be the difference in a unique and challenging environment.

Deliver critical care and support some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community.

Step into a role where your expertise changes lives – every day.

About the role

The Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drug (MHAOD) Branch of the Justice Health and Wellbeing Service delivers mental health, alcohol and other drug healthcare to some of the most vulnerable and high-risk individuals in the State. The MHAOD staff work to improve MHAOD patient outcomes and reduce associated harm and risks as far as possible.

MHAOD services are delivered by multidisciplinary teams made up of highly specialised staff including nurses, consultant psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, aboriginal mental health workers and prison support officers. 

The role of the Clinical Nurse Alcohol and other Drugs (AOD) is to assess, plan, implement and evaluate the care of those identified as experiencing drug and alcohol related problems, support opioid substitution treatment, assess and support management of clinical substance use withdrawal and to participate in the development of the Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Service.

As part of the MHAOD team, the successful applicant will be expected to:

• Maintain focus on the Department’s goals concerning safety, security and rehabilitation.
• Work to improve communication and model integrity and respect in all interactions.
• Operate within the Department's Corporate Governance Framework, policies and procedures and ensure effective transparency and accountability of all Department activity.
• Operate within chain of command facilities to coordinate activities required to meet the Department’s strategic objectives.
• Work collaboratively to achieve common goals and best practice and facilitate business improvements as appropriate.
• Delivers specialist Alcohol and Other Drugs evidence-based screening, triage, comprehensive assessment, therapeutic interventions and treatment planning to support reintegration into Prison or release to freedom.
• Delivers dedicated Alcohol and Other Drugs intake and screening to support appropriate referrals and treatment planning with the MHAOD and Primary Health Team.
• Monitors patients’ substance withdrawal and mental status in consultation with the MHAOD and Primary Health Team.
• Provides Alcohol and Other Drugs clinical input into the multidisciplinary team and intake meetings with main stakeholders.
• Delivers MHAOD Alcohol and Other Drugs clinics to Prisoners as part of the Primary Health Care Services.
• Supports discharge planning for mental health/addictions patients, including liaison with other service providers to support integrated care.
• Supports and delivers Alcohol and Other Drugs education to MHAOD, Primary Health Clinics and Custodial Staff.

Suitability Requirements

Through the recruitment process, we will be looking for candidates who can demonstrate skills, experience and attributes in relation to the following:

Mental Health and AOD Experience – Demonstrated nursing practice in mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) settings, including skills in clinical planning, care coordination and decision-making within complex environments.

Collaboration and Effective Communication – Strong collaborative skills within multi-disciplinary teams, supported by well-developed written, verbal and interpersonal communication abilities.

Clinical Governance, Quality and Safety  – Ability to apply quality improvement and risk management principles in daily practice, with awareness of principal AOD governance legislations, including Medicines & Therapeutic Regulation.

Eligibility

Qualifications

• A current registration in the category of Registered Nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Benefits and opportunities

• Free Parking.
• Flexible working and leave arrangements.
• 12% employer contributed superannuation into a fund of your choice.
• Professional development opportunities
• Career pathway opportunities.
• Health and wellbeing programs including Fitness passport providing a wide range of gym, pool, and fitness Centre discounts available for employees and their families.
• Check out the attached Applicant Information Pack to find out other benefits of working for Justice.

Application process

How to apply

Please ensure you review the attached Job Description Form (JDF) for further information about the requirements of the position. This information will assist you with the preparation of your application.

We require you to submit:

1. A detailed Resume or CV showcasing your skills, relevant experience and key accomplishments in the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector.
2. A copy of your current registration as set out in the above Eligibility section.
3. Contact details of two (2) work related referees, one (1) of whom should be your current/ most recent supervisor
4. A statement no more than three (3) pages addressing all the Suitability Requiremets as listed above. Please provide examples to support your claims.

Subsequent Vacancies

Applicants found suitable but not recommended for this vacancy, may be considered for subsequent similar vacancies for a period of twelve (12) months, in accordance with section 7d of the Commissioner’s Instructions No.48 – Recruitment, Selection and Appointment to Permanent Vacancies, and section 9d of the Commissioner Instructions 49 - Recruitment, Selection and Appointment to Fixed Term Vacancies. Permanent, fixed term, full time and part time appointments may be offered at Perth Metropolitan Area during this period.

For further job-related information

If you would like further information regarding the vacancy please contact

David Balakrishnan on David.balakrishnan@justice.wa.gov.au for a confidential discussion.

Equity and Diversity

The Department of Justice is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and accessible workplace that reflects the community we serve. We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants can access support by following this link. 

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. For a confidential discussion about support or adjustments, please contact the person listed above or email workforcediversity@justice.wa.gov.au. 

Submitting your application

To submit your application, click the “Apply for Job” button at the bottom of this advertisement.

Please ensure you allow sufficient time to submit your application, as late applications will not be accepted.

If you are having difficulty submitting your online application, please telephone RAMS Helpdesk ramshelpdesk@bigredsky.com on 1300 733 056 for assistance.

To keep you up to date on what is happening in Department of Justice and job opportunities you can go directly to the departments website or follow us on social media.

The Department of Justice has introduced a smoke-free policy, which has been fully implemented across all women’s prisons and the Academy, with all other prison sites to follow.