Residential Support Workers

• Based in Wangaratta

• Casual positions – must be available to work stand up night shifts and weekends.

• Shifts rotate between evening, nights and weekends with occasional midweek day.

About Us

Gateway Health is a not-for-profit community health service delivering primary health and welfare services to individuals, families, and communities across Northeast Victoria and parts of Southern New South Wales. With a team of over 300 dedicated staff, we operate across the Ovens Murray region and are committed to improving health outcomes for all people, including those facing social, environmental, and cultural barriers to care. We celebrate diversity and actively work to reflect the communities we serve.

The Wangaratta Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Residential Treatment Service is a state-wide centre operated by Gateway Health (GH). The centre is a 30-bed facility providing a ‘Therapeutic Community (TC)’ residential AOD program for adults experiencing harm and significant problems relating to their AOD use.

The model of care used in this Program is underpinned by the Victorian Department of Health AOD Treatment Principles which have as their foundation a philosophy of harm reduction and recovery orientation.

About the Role

The Residential Support Worker contributes to the life of the Wangaratta Therapeutic Community (WTC) by liaising closely with residents and other staff and assists in TC processes to foster safe, therapeutic relationships within an atmosphere of mutual acceptance and harmony. Responsible for facilitating the day-to-day operations of the WTC, the key purpose of the position is to act as the first point of contact and provide an appropriate operational response to resident issues, and in conjunction with clinical staff support residents in treatment to establish healthier lifestyles free of problematic alcohol and drug use.

Working within the Therapeutic Community framework, the Residential Support Worker role models the required behaviours to Residents, using the social environment to maximise peer influences by encouraging transmission of residential community teachings rather than directly instructing, and delivering such communications in the manner or style that reflects the rational purpose of helping.

This role is classified under SACS - Community Health Centre (Stand Alone Services) Social and Community Service Employees Multi Enterprise Agreement at Level 2 - $34.36 - $38.49 per hours + superannuation + Casual loading.

Skills & Experience

To thrive in this role, you'll bring:

• Qualification such as certificate IV in AOD or equivalent, or willingness to undertake within the first 12 months of employment.
• Ability to resolve conflict and work with clients who have challenging behaviours.
• Extensive experience in substance misuse, mental health, health, or community services. (People with lived experience are encouraged to apply)
• The ability to work weekends and overnight shifts is a must!

Benefits

We genuinely invest in our people. Here's a snapshot of the benefits and support available across our organisation:

• NFP Salary Packaging up to $15,900 tax-free per year, putting more money in your pocket
• Flexible hours and working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance
• Paid parental leave
• Fitness Passport - discounted health and fitness program for you and your family
• Professional development, ongoing training, and regular supervision support
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - free confidential counselling for you and your family, plus group supervision and wellness activities
• Cultural leave flexibility - swap a public holiday for a religious or culturally significant day of your choice
• Annual flu vaccination program and discounted health insurance

How to Apply

If you're passionate about making a real difference in community health, we'd love to hear from you. For a confidential chat about the role, please call Bindi Thomson on [0487 817 721](tel:0487 817 721).

Applications are reviewed as they are received, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. The role may close before the listed closing date of 11th October 2026

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 an opportunity at Gateway Health, we encourage you check our website and see what other jobs are available. You may be just the right fit for another opportunity at Gateway Health.

Pre-employment checks include a Criminal History Check, Working With Children Check, evidence of Influenza vaccination, and proof of right to work in Australia.

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, LGBTIQASB+ communities, people experiencing health inequalities, and culturally, linguistically and faith diverse people.

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.