at Windana: Drug and Alcohol Recovery Inc.
Dandenong, Melbourne VIC
Seeking an experienced Mental Health/AOD Support Worker on a 3-month full-time/fixed term basis working active night shifts at Youth Community House.
13d ago
Windana
(26 reviews)
Company Profile
Company overview
Website
Industry
Healthcare Services
Specialities
Residential Rehabilitation, AOD Community Services, Mental Health, Family Reunification Services, Harm Reduction and Minimisation, Youth Outreach AOD Services, ResetLife
Company size
101-1,000
Primary location
Victoria
Windana provides services across Victoria for adults and young people experiencing alcohol and other drug harms, family violence, mental health challenges and social disadvantage.
Our Model of Care puts clients at the centre of what we do to create positive change in people’s lives. We work with families, communities and other organisations to deliver trauma informed, equitable, culturally safe and integrated services based on evidence and practice wisdom.
By intervening early and creating purposeful partnerships, we help clients achieve improved outcomes while reducing demand on acute services. And we are influencing policy, practice and research to help shape better systems for clients.
Jobs at Windana
Based on your search activityat Windana: Drug and Alcohol Recovery Inc.
Pakenham, West Gippsland & Latrobe Valley VIC
Excellent opportunity for an experienced AOD Peer Worker to help others by applying & sharing your own lived AOD experience
18d ago
Our mission statement
Helping people to rebuild their lives
Gallery photos
Reviews overview
3.126 ratings in total
5
10
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9
96%
50%
What’s it like working at Windana?
AI summary of recent reviews
Employees find the client work deeply rewarding, appreciating the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Staff value the supportive team culture, professional growth opportunities, and the organisation's values-driven approach to helping vulnerable individuals create positive life changes.
However, there are some potential challenges, including concerns about management practices and communication, organisational changes following the 2023 merger, staff turnover and resourcing, funding constraints, and the need for more consistent processes across teams.
However, there are some potential challenges, including concerns about management practices and communication, organisational changes following the 2023 merger, staff turnover and resourcing, funding constraints, and the need for more consistent processes across teams.
Recent reviews
1.0
Current employee
Sep 2026Maryknoll VIC 38121 to 2 years in the role, current employee
Wait until there is a total staff and program restructure before even considering to work here
The good thingsWatching clients slowly build self confidence, determination and take control over their own lives to create a solid platform , by which they create a completely different life for themselves and continue integration/alternative transition programs. I enjoy seeing graduate residents (very few these days), who have continued on in life with successful recovery stories, come back to share their experiences and support current residents
The challengesBullys continue, despite numerous reports by multiple staff members - causing mass resignations. Inadequately qualified and corrupt team leaders placed in positions out of necessity due to staff shortages. I didn't think it was possible for a place to continue functioning while most of the staff are filling their 9 hour shifts with mobbing, manipulation and control tactics, targeted not only against other workers, but unfortunately towards residents too with derogatory comments made to and about them. No linear direction, rationale, or clear model of care. The place is chronically understaffed and has one of the highest turnovers you've ever seen. New hires turn up for a couple of shifts, witness the horrors and then never come back. The place needs to be completely torn apart and restructured. There's no way clients will ever achieve lasting recovery in such a toxic, biased, upside down environment, with no education, grounding techniques or meaningful self-reflection and empowerment.
1.0
Drug and Alcohol Clinician
Apr 2026Melbourne VIC 300010 to 11 years in the role, former employee
Terrible. I wouldnt send my dog to work there.
The good thingsThe client work. Some good clinicians.
The challengesExtremely poor management from top to bottom. Teams are weak as professional hardworking staff have been driven out by insecure team leaders. Safety issues rife. Constantly changing systems and high staff turnover. Terrible practice and laziness from some clinicians just left unchallenged. I wouldn't recommend working there, using it as a client, or funding it tbh.
1.0
Manager
Apr 2026Maryknoll VIC 38121 to 2 years in the role, current employee
Traumatising and high recommend never to work in this workplace.
The good thingsThe residents are amazing. They show so much strength and commitment. It’s an amazing job to watch them grow
The challengesThe staff
The higher management
Communication (lack of)
Support (lack of)
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