ACT AOD Sector Project eBulletin: April 2008

The monthly AOD Sector eBulletin is a concise summary of information, important developments, publications, events and other information relevant to AOD Workers in the ACT. The eBulletin is an activity of the ACT AOD Sector Project which is auspiced by the Youth Coalition of the ACT.
To subscribe, submit an item or to provide feedback email ebulletin@aodsector.org.au

For more information visit http://www.aodsector.org.au or contact Amanda Bode, ACT AOD Sector Project Officer, Youth Coalition of the ACT on info@aodsector.org.au or 6247 3540.

April ACT AOD Sector Forum
The guest speaker for the April forum will be Carrie Fowlie, Deputy Director, Youth Coalition of the ACT who will provide participants with an overview of youth services in the ACT, including providing participants with key resources to make effective referrals and linkages with youth services in the ACT. All participating services will receive 1 copy of The Big Red Book, the first handbook and directory for people who work with young people in the ACT.
Date: Thursday 24 April 2008
Time: 9.15am for arrivals, forum 9.30am - 11.30am
Venue: Youth Coalition Office, 46 Clianthus St, O'Connor
Note: This forum is for AOD Workers only.
Click here for more information or to RSVP contact Amanda Bode, ACT AOD Sector Project Officer, Youth Coalition of the ACT on info@aodsector.org.au or (02) 6247 3540

ACT Drug Action Week Planning Group
Drug Action Week (DAW) is a national week of activities to raise awareness about alcohol and other drug issues and to promote the achievements of those who work to reduce drug related harm. The AOD Sector Project is coordinating an ACT Drug Action Week Planning Group , in response to the stated need of the sector. The Planning Group is involved in the development of activities for Drug Action Week and is open to anyone in the sector.
Date: Thursday 10 April
Time: 2 - 3pm
Location: Youth Coalition Office, 46 Clianthus St O'Connor.
RSVP: To Amanda Bode, AOD Sector Project Officer, Youth Coalition of the ACT on info@aodsector.org.au or (02) 6247 3540

See also theTraining and Professional Development section for the ACT Training and Professional Development Calendar.

Alcohol and Drug Program (ADP)
Service spokesperson: Kate Gardner
Phone: 6205 8381, Email: Kate.Gardner@act.gov.au

ADP Diversion Service:
The Diversion Service is an assessment, referral and support service for people referred by the AFP and ACT Courts. Services provided include:

• Police Early Diversion program: Provides for those who have been apprehended by the Police for possession of a small amount of illicit drugs (or licit drugs used illicitly). Rather than charge the client, Police can divert them to the health sector. The client is referred to the Alcohol & Drug Program Diversion Service for assessment, and then referred to an approved ACT agency for treatment.
• Court Alcohol and Drug Assessment Service (CADAS): CADAS is a pre-sentencing treatment option for clients charged with alcohol and other drug (AOD) related offences. The goals are to reduce recidivism during the bail period, and to engage the client in treatment.
• Treatment Referral Program: This is a post sentencing option, for clients who have either committed a crime to get drugs, or money for drugs, or while under the influence of drugs.The magistrate or judge may, as part of the sentence imposed, instruct a client to undergo a treatment order rather than receive a custodial sentence or as an option to reduce their custodial time.
• Aboriginal Liaison Officer (ALO): Provides support to Indigenous clients accessing ADP and NGO services. The ALO also provides suppot to Ngambra Court and information to other service providers.
• Note: Treatment plans are client directed and clients are supported to develop and explore achieveable and appropriate treatment options.

ADP Withdrawal Unit:

• Clients now have access to designated smoking areas.
• The Withdrawal Unit is currently running at full capacity and there is currently a 1 - 2 day waiting list.
• Counselling team runs groups in detox and therapeutic walks.
  

ADP Opioid Treatment Service:

• A new Methadose computerised dispensing system willl be installed in March. The system uses iris scanning for increased safety and efficiency.

ADP Liaison Service

• ACT's acute hospitals work with the ADP Liaison Service, to ensure that expert professional help is available for clients who may have AOD dependencies. They also liaise with Psychiatric Services at ACT Health.

ADP Co-morbidity Clinician

• Janet Smith commenced as the new Comorbidity Clinician on 22 March 2008. The role will focus on liaising and working with government and non-government organisations to provide clinical work, education and training.

ADP 2008 Group Programs:
Program being run in 2008 include Effective Weed Control, Relapse Prevention, Controlling Your Drinking, Mindfullness, Mediation & Stress Management, and The Stepping Stones Course. Click here to download a flyer listing all their groups. To register or for more information phone (02) 6205 4515 or (02) 6207 9977.

Directions ACT
Service spokesperson: Claudia Imbriano
Phone: 6122 8000, Email: reception@directionsact.com

• Althea Medical Centre is a new medical clinic being established by Directions ACT. The new service is due to open in June of this year. Various services around the ACT will offer their services and expertise through Directions. The aim of the service is provide free medical care to people with drug or alcohol related health issues and their children. Directions ACT will strive to create a professional, safe and non-judgemental medical service where people can feel comfortable discussing their physical or mental health issues. For more information on Directions ACT Programs visit www.directionsact.com
  

Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation, Drug and Alcohol Program
Service spokesperson: Selina Walker
Phone: 6231 9555, Email: selina@gugan-gulwan.com.au

• Provides information, support, advocacy, case management and court support to young people aged 12 - 25 years experiencing alcohol and other drug related issues.
• They have an Outreach Worker, Detox Support Worker, Dual Diagnosis Worker and Coordinator.

Ted Noffs Foundation ACT
Service spokesperson: Narelle Wright
Phone: 6123 2400, Email: info@noffs.org.au

• Adolescent Drug Withdrawal Unit (ADWU): Provides up to 14 days of residential support for young people aged 14 - 18 experiencing withdrawal.
• Program for Adolescent Life Management (PALM): Provides up to 3 months residential rehabilitation for young people aged 14 - 18 years.
• Community Outreach and Outclient Program (CO-OP): Supports young people who are experiencing AOD issues in the community and who do not want or need residential rehabilitation services.

The Sobering Up Shelter
Service Spokesperson: Katrina Campion
Phone: 6162 6836, Email: soberingupshelter@centrecare-canberra.org

• Open 11pm - 11am, Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights. Provides a safe place for intoxicated persons to recover from alcohol and/or other drug use. The shelter is a free and confidential service.

National Drug and Alcohol Awards: Nominations Open
Help Australia to encourage, recognize and celebrate Australians' achievements in addressing drug and alcohol issues. The 2008 National Drug and Alcohol Awards will be presented at the Plaza Ballroom, Melbourne, Friday 27 June 2008.
Nominations opened Friday 1 February 2008 and close 11 April 2008. To view categories and nominate now visit www.drugawards.org.au

• At the March EDs' meeting, the next steps in relation to Directions' review of their drug education program in December 2007 were considered. Directions will be targeting dissemination of their 'Party Safe ' packs and booklets to those over 18 years of age and making reference in their next printing run of the materials to " most people don't use drugs, but if you do, then you need to know the following information..."
• In terms of printed information disseminated to young people across the sector, the Workers' Group has been asked to take a lead on progressing a review of written materials for young people commencing July 2008. The primary focus of the work is to include:
  - identifying target groups for written information for young people
  - identifying different purposes of providing information to these different groups
  - assessing the current status of material disseminated
  - improving materials
• ACT AOD services will continue to work with the ACT Department of Education and Training, schools and teachers to deliver drug education sessions that are consistent with the 2007 ACT Curriculum Framework [http://activated.act.edu.au/ectl/index.htm] and the Australian Government's Principles For School Drug Education [http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/school_education/policy_initiatives_reviews/key_issues/drug_education/principles.htm]

First Aid Guidelines Project: Problem drinking
ORYGEN Research Centre
ORYGEN are inviting consumers, carers and clinicians to participate (by completing a survey) in their project developing first aid guidelines for problem drinking. First aid for problem drinking is the help provided to a person developing a drinking problem or in an alcohol-related crisis (e.g. alcohol poisoning). The first aid is given until appropriate professional treatment is received or until the crisis resolves. At present, there are conflicting views about how to support a person with drinking problems. Thus, the aim of this project is to get consensus between experts (consumers, carers and clinicians) on the best way to help. Once developed, the Guidelines will direct the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training program. The MHFA training program was developed in 2000 in an attempt to provide basic knowledge to people on how to help someone who is experiencing mental health difficulties.
Once established, these guidelines will empower members of the public to provide crucial and appropriate support to family, friends or loved ones who are believed to be experiencing or developing a drinking problem.

Please note: Later this year, other first aid guidelines will be developed for problematic use of illegal drugs, for example, cannabis. If you feel your area of expertise would be better suited to substances other than alcohol, please email Anna and she can email information about these projects as they develop.

Visit http://www.mhfa.com.au/surveymonkey/Problem_drinking_info_sheet.html for more information. If you would like to participate in this research, please contact Anna Kingston at annahk@unimelb.edu.au (03) 9342 3764.

March 2008 issue of NewsPoint
Turning Point
A newsletter produced by Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre to highlight issues relating to alcohol and drug treatment and the activities and concerns of the organisation. In the March issue you can read about:

• Changing binge drinking culture in Australia
• Building an AOD workforce in South East Asia
• The urgent need for more GPs who prescribe withdrawal pharmacotherapies
• Turning Point's post withdrawal group
• Ecstasy, Ketamine and GHB research

National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC) Resources
The March issues of the NICPIC E-zine and Bulletin are now available. Click here to download the E-zine or here to download the Bulletin or visit http://ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au/

Note: See the News from the ACT AOD Sector Project section for information on more training and professional development initiatives

ACT Training and Professional Development Calendar (March - April 2008)
The bi-monthly Training and Professional Development Calendar is produced as a partnership between the ACT AOD Sector Project and the Youth Coalition of the ACT. The calendar compiles training and professional development opportunities available for workers from the AOD and allied sectors.
Click here to download the current Training and Professional Development Calendar or visit www.aodsector.org.au
For more information contact Amanda Bode, AOD Sector Project Officer, Youth Coalition of the ACT on 6247 3540 or info@aodsector.org.au

Recruitment and Retention Seminar
ACT Council of Social Services (ACTCOSS)
The aim of this ACTCOSS half day seminar is to assist you with strategies and suggestions on how to:

• Understand the recruitment cycle
• Identify staff development needs
• Implementing performance appraisals
• Motivate and empower staff

When: Wednesday 16 April 2008
Time: 9:30am - 1:30pm
Where: ACTCOSS, Level 1, 67 Townshend St, Phillip
Cost: ACTCOSS Members $35, Non-member community organisations $70, Government/Corporate $135
To register for this seminar please click here and complete the attached form and return the whole page to actcoss@actcoss.org.au or fax to (02) 6281 4192 by COB 11 April 2008. Invoices for payment are sent after each seminar. For further information please contact Lisa on 6202 7200.This seminar is supported by the Community Services Program (CSP) which is funded by the ACT Government.

The New Economics of Smoking
Economics Program and the 'Productive Australia in the World Economy', Research School of Social Sciences, ANU
This public lecture presented by Dr Francesca Cornaglia, Queen Mary University of London & LSE, examines the new economics of smoking.
When: Tuesday 8 April 2008
Time: 12.30 - 2pm
Where: Law Spark Helmore Theatre 2, Buidling 6a, Fellows Road, Australian National University
Cost: Free
Attendance is open to the public and bookings are not required. Email andrew.leigh@anu.edu.au for more information.

What About Me? 2008 - 'Children in Families That Misuse Alcohol and Drugs'
ACT Government
The Department of Disability, Housing & Community Services and ACT Health are presenting this child-focused workshop to enhance the practice of those working in vulnerable families.
When: Tuesday 8 April
Time: : 8.45am - 4.30pm
Where: Beaufort Room, Nature Conservation House, Belconnen
To register, call Sally on (02) 6207 1344 or Robyn on (02) 6205 3839.

National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre PhD Scholarships: Round Two
The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) is offering several PhD scholarships to carry out research on drug or alcohol related issues relevent to the priorities of the Centre. Applicants should have a strong honours degree in one of the behavioural sciences (psychology, public health or a related discipline) and knowledge of EEO/AA principles and policies. Experience in the drug and alcohol field is desirable, although not essential.
Applications close: Wednesday 30 April 2008
To download an application form visit http://ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au
For queries please contact: Ms Pearl Pulmano, Executive Assistant on p.pulmano@med.unsw.edu.au

Call for Applications: Auseinet national train-the-trainer workshop
An exciting opportunity is available for people with relevant training skills, knowledge and experience to submit an application to participate in Auseinet's fully funded national train-the-trainer workshop to be held in Adelaide, May 28th-30th, 2008.
Auseinet has been funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing to develop and implement an introductory level training module on mental health promotion, prevention of mental ill-health and early intervention. The purpose of the training module is to enhance the capacity of diverse sectors to increase awareness and understanding of the principles of promoting mental health, preventing illness, and early intervention, and the relevance of these approaches within an everyday work context.
A train-the-trainer model is being adopted to roll out the training strategy nationally. Auseinet will train and accredit trainers across Australia to deliver the module within their own organisations and sectors.
Closing date for applications: Monday 7th April, 2008.
Comprehensive application information and guidelines, including selection criteria, for those wishing to be considered for the national-train-the-trainer workshop are available from the Auseinet website at: www.auseinet.com/wfdev/

Note: Most of the reports and research items referenced below are available from the Alcohol and Other Drug Council of Australias National Resource Centre at http://www.adca.org.au/resource/index.htm

ACT adult and juvenile corrections/justice health services plans released
The ACT Government has released these two plans, following a consultation phase on the draft plans. The adult plan includes the provision that ‘A full and comprehensive evaluation of the proposed drug policies and services, and their subsequent effects on the prisoners and staff within the Alexander Maconochie Centre, will be undertaken 18 months after the commissioning. If, after this evaluation, further consideration of a trial needle exchange program is warranted, ACT Health will investigate the feasibility of introducing such a trial to the Alexander Maconochie Centre’. The Adult Corrections Health Services Plan 2008-2012 is online at http://www.health.act.gov.au/c/health?a=dlpol&policy=1186965029 and the Children’s and Young People’s Justice Health Services Plan 2008-2012 is at http://www.health.act.gov.au/c/health?a=dlpol&policy=1186965414 .

ACT Legislative Assembly Tobacco Amendment Bill 2008
Ms Katy Gallagher, Minister for Health, introduced this new Bill on 6 March 2008. It aims to amend the Tobacco Act 1927 to prohibit the display of smoking products at point of sale. The Bill also proposes to remove the ministerial exemption to allow tobacco advertising and sponsorship, amend the definition of vending machines, ban rewards for smoking product purchases, include a power for the Minister to declare certain smoking products to be banned, and prohibit split packets. So far as we know, if enacted, the ACT will be the first Australian jurisdiction to ban the display of smoking products at the point of sale.

Predicting alcohol-related harms from licensed outlet density
The National Drug Research Institute (NDRI) has released a new report predicting alcohol-related harms from licensed outlet density. They explain that ‘New research has confirmed that an increase in the number of liquor outlets (hotels and/or bottle shops) is associated with an increase in alcohol-related violence and assault in the surrounding area. An unexpected finding, however, is that, regardless of the type of new liquor outlet, most of this increased violence occurs in private homes rather than at licensed premises…Chief Investigator Dr Tanya Chikritzhs…said the research demonstrated that the decisions of liquor licensing authorities had a significant impact on the health and safety of communities.’ Extending the research from WA to the other States and the Territories is dependent upon all jurisdictions collecting alcohol sales data (currently only collected in WA and the NT).
Chikritzhs, T, Catalano, P, Pascal, R & Henrickson, N 2007, Predicting alcohol-related harms from licensed outlet density: a feasibility study, National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund Monograph no. 28, National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund, Hobart, online at http://www.ndlerf.gov.au/pub.php?type=mono .

Drug testing in schools
The Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) has released a policy analysis of drug testing in schools, summarised by the Council as follows:
A major new report on whether drug testing should be introduced into Australian schools is being launched by the ANCD on Wednesday 26th March. The National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction put the report together. The authors, who spent a year looking at all available evidence from around the world, say there is insufficient evidence to indicate that drug testing has any proven benefits and if introduced could create mistrust and stigmatisation between students and teachers.
A full summary is online at http://ancd.org.au/media/media114.htm and the report is online at http://ancd.org.au/publications/pdf/rp16_drug_testing_in_schools.pdf (Large file warning: 1.43MB)

Overview of drug offender diversion programs in Australia
A recent Drug Policy Modelling Project (DPMP) product is their Monograph no. 16: A summary of diversion programs for drug and drug-related offenders in Australia, authored by Caitlin Hughes and Alison Ritter. Its contents are described as follows: This project aimed to summarise the current state of diversion in Australia: its nature and design. A total of 51 programs were identified that diverted drug and drug-related offenders in Australia. For each program, the unique features concerning referral source, eligibility criteria, program characteristics and administrative details were documented. Similarities and differences in designs were identified at two major levels: program and jurisdictional system design. The findings demonstrate the rich diversity of Australia’s diversionary system and the need for new tools to examine the impacts of alternate designs, particularly the design and operation of jurisdictional systems for diverting drug offenders.
The report is available online at http://www.dpmp.unsw.edu.au/DPMPWeb.nsf/resources/Monograph+16.pdf/$file/Monograph+16.pdf .

Lack of association between levels of amphetamine in the blood and clinical impairment in drivers
A Swedish study has investigated (among other things) the association between levels of amphetamines in the blood of apprehended drivers, and clinical measures of impairment caused by the drug. The researchers found that ‘The results of clinical tests of impairment showed no relationship with the concentration of amphetamine in blood…’, leading them to conclude that ‘The lack of association between degree of drug influence and the concentration of amphetamine in blood speaks against the notion of introducing concentration per se limits or graded penalties depending on the blood-concentration of this stimulant. Zero-concentration limits or LOQ- [limit of quantitation] limits are a much more pragmatic way to enforce DUID legislation.’
Jones, AW 2007, ‘Age- and gender-related differences in blood amphetamine concentrations in apprehended drivers: lack of association with clinical evidence of impairment’, Addiction, vol. 102, no. 7, pp. 1085-91.

The unintended adverse consequences of drugs policy: alcohol restrictions in NT Aboriginal communities
Inadequate policy analyses frequently lead to unintended adverse consequences of drugs policy. This has been demonstrated yet again with respect to the Commonwealth Government’s intervention in the NT. Previously, researchers from the Menzies School of Health Research have shown that, among adolescents in some Central Australian Aboriginal communities, the introduction of ‘un-sniffable’ Opal fuel resulted in a lower prevalence of petrol sniffing and a higher prevalence of cannabis use. This new study has shown that ‘Restrictions in the availability of alcohol and petrol have led to increased use of marijuana with serious social and community consequences…Efforts to control licit substances, such as alcohol, in remote communities need to be addressed in the context of understanding the dynamics of alcohol and drug use in totality as well as interventions that address underlying structural and social inequalities.’ The adverse consequences of the new NT intervention alcohol bans include family violence, family neglect, economic effects, lives centred around obtaining cannabis and smoking it, little money available for food, and family breakdown. These problems are linked to the shift that has been observed from cannabis use being concentrated in teenagers to a high prevalence of use among adults.
Senior, K & Chenhall, R 2008, ‘Lukumbat marawana: a changing pattern of drug use by youth in a remote Aboriginal community’, Australian Journal of Rural Health, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 75-9.

What’s it like to be on a waiting list for drug treatment?
For some years we have known that people on waiting lists for various kinds of helping interventions fare better than those not on waiting lists and, in some cases, fare as well as those receiving active interventions. In this ethnographic study USA researchers explored this issue with respect to people waiting for drug treatment, and have summarised their study as follows:
‘Many substance users report that they experience multiple barriers that produce significant challenges to linking with treatment services. Being on a waiting list is frequently mentioned as a barrier, leading some people to give up on treatment and to continue using, while prompting others to view sobriety during the waiting period as proof they do not need treatment. This ethnographic study examines the views that 52 substance users have of the waiting time before treatment and the strategies they created to overcome it. Understanding how substance users react to waiting time itself and in relation to other barriers can lead to services that are effective in encouraging treatment linkage.’
Redko, C, Rapp, RC & Carlson, RG 2006, ‘Waiting time as a barrier to treatment entry: perceptions of substance users’, Journal of Drug Issues, vol. 36, no. 4, pp. 831-52.

Senate calls for an inquiry into alcohol
Earlier this month, on a motion by the Australian Democrats that was unanimously endorsed by all parties in the Senate, the Senate has asked the Government to initiate a comprehensive inquiry into alcohol abuse. The Senate motion read, in part, ‘That the Senate, noting concern in the community at the abuse of alcohol, asks that the Government refer the following matter to a parliamentary committee, an appropriate body or a specially-established task force for inquiry and report: The need to significantly reduce alcohol abuse in Australia, especially in geographic or demographic hot spots, and what the Commonwealth, States and Territories should separately and jointly do with respect to: (a) the pricing of alcohol, including taxation; (b) the marketing of alcohol; and (c) regulating the distribution, availability and consumption of alcohol…’. Details are online at http://www.democrats.org.au/news/?press_id=6511&display=1 .

National Binge Drinking Strategy
10 March 2008
The Rudd Government has announced a new national strategy to address the binge drinking epidemic among young Australians.
This national strategy will begin with three new practical measures to help reduce alcohol misuse and binge drinking among young Australians:

• $14.4 million to invest in community level initiatives to confront the culture of binge drinking, particularly in sporting organisations;
• $19.1 million to intervene earlier to assist young people and ensure that they assume personal responsibility for their binge drinking;
• $20 million to fund advertising that confronts young people with the costs and consequences of binge drinking.

Binge drinking among young people is a community wide problem that demands a community wide response, including a new emphasis on young people taking greater personal responsibility for their behaviour. The three new practical measures announced today will be funded by reprioritising existing government spending.
To view the full media statement visit http://www.alp.org.au/media/0308/mspm100.php

Treatment Service Users Project - Phase 2
Australian Illicit and Injecting Drug Users League (AIVL)
During Phase 2, 5 demonstration consumer participation projects across 3 Australia States and Territories, NSW, Vic, and WA will be implemented. The demonstration projects will then be evaluated and the findings disseminated within the sector. After this, they will bring together all key stakeholders in a nationally convened workshop and develop a nationally agreed framework for consumer participation in drug treatment agencies.
Contact John Francis, TSU Project Officer on johnf@aivl.org.au for more information.

• Have a stall at the Expo on Friday 4 April
• Join us at the Quamby Youth Services Expo on Wednesday 9 April
• Work with your clients to enter a short film in the comp
• Bring young people to our media phone - 1pm Wednesday 2 April in Civic
• Check out one of the more than 45 events happening around Canberra from April 4 - 13.

Case Management ServicesAlcohol and Drug Program (ADP), ACT Health
Applications are sought from Allied Health Professionals with demonstrated experience in counselling for a position within the Counselling & Treatment Service, Alcohol & Drug Program. The Alcohol & Drug Program is a multidisciplinary service within ACT Health, providing a range of specialised services for persons affected by alcohol and other drug use.

Duties: This position will work within a multi skilled team of health professionals to provide a range of psychological interventions and services to the community. The successful applicant is required to have recent demonstrated experience in the provision of comprehensive assessments, counselling, group work and case management services and the ability to develop links with primary stakeholders including families. Knowledge of alcohol and other drug issues desirable.

Eligibility/Other Requirements: Tertiary qualifications or equivalent in Psychology or Social Work with current unconditional ACT registration where applicable and/or eligibility for membership of the appropriate organisation or Health related undergraduate Degree with postgraduate Diploma in Counselling or a related discipline. This is a senior clinical position. Previous clinical experience is essential. Previous experience in the alcohol and other drugs sector or a related area is desirable. Current driver’s licence. Note: This position may be required to participate in an overtime, on call, and/or rotation roster.

Annual Salary: $65,435-$69,042 (Up to $72,554 on achieving a personal upgrade)
Closing date: 17 April 2008
Contact Officer: Lisa Spencer (02) 6205 5189

For more information, duty statement and selection criteria visit http://acthealthaus.recruitmax.com/MAIN/careerportal/Job_Profile.cfm?szOrderID=14040&szReturnToSearch=1&szWordsToHighlight=

AOD Support Workers, Canberra Recovery Services
The Salvation Army Canberra Recovery Services is a residential drug and alcohol rehabiolitation centre for men. They require full time and part time Support Workers.

Essential Requirements:

• Tertiary qualifications in Alcohol and Other Drug Work or relevant discipline (or working towards achieving same).
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant areas of Drug, Alcohol and Gambling service provision.
• Current Senior First Aid Certificate.
• The capacity to work as part of a multi disciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with unpredictable situations and behaviour.
• Skills in written and verbal communication.
• Skills in numeracy
• Ability to use a range of computer software programs.
• Ability to work under general supervision.
• Maintain the privacy, confidentiality and dignity of all Participants.
• An understanding of and empathy with the Christian faith, values and ethos of The Salvation Army
• Ability to work effectively within the Bridge Program’s treatment philosophy.
• If in recovery, a minimum of at least two years recovery is required for this position
  

Desirable Requirements:

• Experience in Residential Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation.

Applications Close: 4 April 2008
Employment is offered under Social and Community Services (ACT) Award with Salary packaging up to $16,050 tax free .
For more information visit http://www.salvos.org.au/about-us/employment-opportunities/ or contact Julie Podmore on (02) 92124000.

Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation (AER) Grants Available for Professional Development
Alcohol Education and Rehabilitaiton Foundation (AER)
Education and training grants are available for organisations that pursue best practice goals by developing the knowledge and expertise of staff that work in the AOD field. Applications for grants up to $20,000 are now being accepted. To apply for a grant, download the appropriate application file, complete the application and return it to AER.
Education and Training grants: click here to download form
Conference Attendance grants: click here to download form
If you cannot access the hyperlinks above, please visit the AER homepage: http://www.aerf.com.au