Youth Substance Worker

About the role

Mater Clarence Street are seeking an experienced Youth Substance Worker to work in our Thread residential program based at South Brisbane. This is a permanent full-time role at 38 hours per week.

As the Youth Substance worker, you will be providing Youth Alcohol and Other Drug support to young people participating in our residential programs.  This position in our Thread program is an initiative for young people 13 – 17 years who are experiencing problematic substance use. This program offers longer term therapeutic interventions; a 5 bed residential program providing a safe and supportive residential environment for young people to experience life without alcohol and/or other drugs. The program provides a structured holistic program which includes individual support and a skill-based group program, as well as recreational and educational/vocational activities. 

This program is a part of Clarence Street and is based at Mater Health Campus South Brisbane. Clarence Street is part of the Mater Young Adult Health Centre and offers a range of services to support young people and their families who experience problematic substance use. A specialist youth work service that can outreach to individual young people and a Day Program where young people can drop in and access support in a creative and safe environment.

Salary range: $38.61 - $52.06 per hour plus superannuation and access to not-for-profit salary packaging up to $15,900  + access to many staff benefits!  

What you’ll be doing

• Delivering youth drug and alcohol interventions which may include intake assessments, brief interventions, case work including coordinating individual support planning for young people during their residency at Clarence Street 
• Providing individual counselling, advocacy and support to young people participating in the residential programs.  Ensuring that interventions are consistent with a framework of harm reduction, relapse prevention and strength-based approaches
• Ensuring clinical practice reflects the developmental needs of young people.
• Capacity to successfully manage complex issues and clients whilst maintaining professional boundaries
• Facilitating group work with young people, focusing on relapse prevention, support young people to develop coping strategies and skills for resilience while also including cultural and recreational activities in the program
• Providing input into the development of clinical practices, procedures and protocols within the multidisciplinary team particularly in the area of the residential program
• Writing case notes and reports to document work undertaken to facilitate internal team communication, and to enhance Clarence Street’s collaboration with those agencies providing services to Clarence Street clients
• Contributing to a safe, supportive, and friendly environment and work respectfully with young people and their families, other supports and colleagues
• Actively participating in the multidisciplinary team, working cooperatively and effectively with the young person and within the context of family and other social systems

About you

To be successful in your application, you must have a minimum Diploma or higher qualification preferably in Alcohol and Other Drugs/Youth Work/Community Services and can demonstrate completion of Insight Induction package and/or completion of Dovetails online induction package and evidence of working towards a qualification in alcohol and other drugs or human services.

You will also have:

• Positive Notice Blue Card or ability to obtain
• Queensland C Class driver’s licence
• Completion of First Aid Training (Emergency Care Course, St John’s Ambulance is the minimum requirement)
• Developed communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability and experience in establishing and developing key relationships with stakeholders.
• Demonstrated understanding of contemporary treatment modalities for young people impacted by alcohol and other drugs

This position will also require you be part of an on-call roster providing after hours support for the residential services.

Why join us?

Mater is Queensland’s largest not-for-profit healthcare provider, delivering exceptional care to nearly 700,000 patients each year across 11 (soon to be 12) hospitals. We’re leaders in healthcare, education,  fundraising & philanthropy and research — and it’s our people who make the difference.

We’re looking for passionate individuals to join our team and help shape the future of care. At Mater, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation that values innovation, compassion, and excellence.

• Increase your take-home pay with generous salary packaging options, including meal and entertainment benefits
• Grow your career with access to industry-leading training and professional development through Mater Education
• Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Program and on-site pastoral care teams
• Access a range of health and wellbeing services with a corporate discount on private health insurance
• Exclusive discounts across dining, retail, travel, accommodation (just to name a few!)
• Stay active with unlimited access to discounted gyms via the Fitness Passport program
• Convenient, discounted on-site parking
• Enjoy great food with reduced prices at our campus cafés and coffee spots
• Join Queensland’s Largest and Most Innovative Not-for-Profit Healthcare Team

Be part of something bigger. Make your move with Mater. #GETBETTERWITHMATER

Applications close Sunday 31st May 2026 –please note, we may contact applicants prior to the closing date, please do not hesitate to APPLY NOW. Direct applications only — we are not engaging recruitment agencies at this time. All successful candidates may be required to complete pre‑employment checks (including criminal history, working rights, medical and working with children checks).

Mater offers a safe, supportive, flexible and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. Visit our Reconciliation webpage. 

Mater ensures all children have an environment suitable for their safety and wellbeing through proper supervision and safeguarding practices.