About the Opportunity
MCM (Melbourne City Mission) is a leading community services organisation that innovatively works alongside thousands of Victorians and their communities to overcome barriers experienced through Homelessness, Early Years, Disability, Palliative care, Early Childhood Intervention Services and Education.
Homes First is an innovative five-year program based across the Local Government Areas of Brimbank-Melton and Hume Merri-Bek regions. Homes First is one of a suite of programs to support adults sleeping rough and experiencing persistent homelessness. Our support model includes allied health, specialist housing, assertive outreach, therapeutic supports, early intervention & prevention services, legal, education and employment support.
The Dual Diagnosis Practitioner is a maximum term contract role (2 years) within the Homes First program that is responsible for holding a caseload and contributing to day to day practice support and guidance, as well as the provision of specialised therapeutic knowledge and skills in regard to people who have experienced homelessness with mental ill health and/or drug and alcohol.
About you
We are looking for someone who can:
- Provide secondary consult to Key Workers and other staff (when applicable) in relation to people’s mental health plans and AOD barriers.
- Participate in case reviews and act as a subject matter expert by providing specialised knowledge and skills regarding adults with complex mental health and/or AOD needs.
- Develop successful working relationships with adults and work collaboratively with their care teams to assess their needs, support them to set goals, work out strategies to achieve those goals and help to develop the skills towards independence.
- Be the subject matter expert in the development, implementation and monitoring of practice innovation within the portfolio.
- Contribute to an environment that will disrupt disadvantage for people through utilising a healing orientated practice model that proactively responds to adults who have experienced adverse experiences.
- Support people to build new networks and access specialised mental health and/or AOD services.
- Lead and maintain strong connections with public, private, non-government and volunteer services in the local area.
- Provide tailored and appropriate responses to people who are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- Ensure assessments and reports are written in a timely manner.
- Undertake ongoing training and professional development.
- Participate in meetings, debriefing, supervision, training, and forums.
- Ensure services are delivered within the framework of MCM’s policies and procedures, legislative requirements, and meet the relevant service standards.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities, as directed by their line manager.
Benefits of working with MCM include:
- Diverse and inclusive organisation
- Attractive Salary Packaging benefits
- Supportive learning and development environment
- Culture of continuous improvement
Essential:
- Bachelor’s qualification in Psychology/ Social Work or other related field.
- Demonstrated experience working within a case management framework with adults with complex support needs including mental health and AOD barriers.
- Knowledge and understanding of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022.
- Strong passion for working with adults who have complex needs and the ability to engage people actively and assertively.
- Knowledge on the impact of abuse and trauma on development in order to meet clients’ needs in a developmental, individualised way.
- Ability to exercise judgement and initiative when procedures are not clearly defined.
- Regular travel between MCM West (Braybrook) and North (North Fitzroy) sites is required.
- Proficiency in planning and report writing independently and can demonstrate the ability to coordinate or network with other stakeholders for their implementation or follow up.
- Capacity to work effectively both independently an as part of a multidisciplinary team, demonstrate accountability and willingness to take direction.
- Ensure services are delivered within the framework of MCM’s policies and procedures, practice framework, legislative requirements and meet the relevant standards. All employees are required to comply with Child Safe Standards.
- Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and client databases.
Screening Criteria:
- National Police check
- International Police check (if required)
- Working with Children Check (employee) or ability to obtain
- Valid Victorian Drivers license
Applications close 26th May 2025 and may close before the deadline, so please apply early. Please include your current resume and cover letter.
Please review the position description to understand more about the role and responsibilities. If you have any needs throughout the recruitment process that have not already been catered for, we encourage you to contact recruitment@mcm.org.au using the subject line: Dual Diagnosis Practitioner - Homes First enquiry
About MCM
MCM is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to safety. MCM embraces differences because we know that diversity and inclusion help us to attract, recruit, engage and retain talented people.
We are a leading not-for profit-for-purpose organisation that offer a broad range of services in Disability, Homelessness, Palliative Care and Education.
Our commitment to Safety
MCM is committed to the safety of its clients and employees, taking a zero-tolerance approach to violence within the workplace and abuse, including child abuse and abuse of people with disability. All employees are required to comply with the Child Safe Standards.
Our commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Equity of Access
At MCM we embrace our differences because we know that diversity helps us to innovate and make the biggest impact possible. Our DEI Strategy supports and drives an inclusive workplace culture. We embrace the learning opportunities that come with authentic commitment to equity of access for all. We particularly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.
