NEW** Non Residential Withdrawal Nurse-RN Grade 4A

at  Swan Hill District Health

NON RESIDENTIAL WITHDRAWAL NURSE

The primary role of the Non Residential Withdrawal Nurse is to work within the Counselling Services
multidisciplinary team providing assessment and provision of safe environment for clients seeking to
withdrawal from or reduce the harms of the use of alcohol and other drugs. This role will focus on providing
assessment, support, education and referrals for clients seeking support to reduce harmful drug use.
Registered nurses with interest and /or experience in withdrawal encouraged to apply.

POSITION: NON RESIDENTIAL WITHDRAWAL NURSE

Classification: Registered Nurse Classification Division 1 – Grade 4A Community Health.
Department: Counselling Services
Reports to: Mental Health Senior Manager
Position Summary: Whilst it is anticipated that withdrawal staff will be located with the
counselling staff presently at the Pritchard Street venue, it is recognised that
a component of service delivery will take place in the client’s home and a
Medical Clinic in liaison with a Medical Practitioner.
Responsibilities: The purpose of this position is to contribute to the provision of a safe
environment for clients seeking to withdraw from or reduce the harms
of the use of alcohol and other drugs. Delivery of non-residential
withdrawal services and supports includes:
Supporting clients to access hospital based withdrawal
Providing in home withdrawal support
Supporting clients in an outpatient setting
Assist individuals and families to establish healthier lifestyles that
lessen the negative impact of problematic alcohol and drug use.
The Role of the position is:
Provide comprehensive clinical withdrawal assessment, withdrawal
treatment, referral and information as required and to respond to
Assessment referrals provided by Australian Community Support
Organisation ( ACSO)
Utilise evidence based withdrawal management, pharmacotherapy and
behavioural therapies
Provide supports and treatment, using best practice principles including
Family Inclusive and Dual Diagnosis Practices.
Undertake exit planning and tracking of client’s recovery progress
as well as structured follow up at 3 and 12 months.
The Responsibilities of the position are:
Provide high quality engagement, assessment (as required), treatment
and support services to individuals and their families
Assess the suitability of clients referred for non-residential withdrawal
services and or respond to assessments provide by ACSO.
Facilitate the intake and assessment process in collaboration with
external providers
Work with clients to develop, implement and review their individual
therapeutic treatment goals and interventions including discharge
planning and follow up
Facilitate engagement of families and carers of individuals in treatment as
required
Liaise directly with the client’s general practitioner, nurse practitioner
(Addictions) and/or in the case of access to rural hospitals, the admitting
medical registrar.
Manage the administration of medically prescribed drugs in accordance
with the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981.
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Collaborate with a range of service providers and facilitate referrals to
other services if indicated.
Maintain and accurately record client progress and attend to
administrative information and collection and collation of relevant
mandatory and organisational data within given timeframes
Participate in clinical, group and management supervision and commit to
critical reflection and discussion of values and ethical conduct, including:
o Participation in professional network activities, including Advanced
Practitioner Panel engagement
o Commitment to the philosophy of harm minimisation
Undertake responsibilities of the position adhering to:
Professional standards, codes of practice and relevant legislation
Occupational Health & Safety Legislation and requirements
Organisational policies and procedures and quality assurance activities
Equal Opportunity
Actively participate in ongoing professional development attending
relevant training and education as required

OUR PURPOSE: CONNECTED CARE / BEST EXPERIENCE

SHDH commits to meet the growing health care needs of our community
through our new vision to provide better connected care and to achieve the
best care experience.
Privacy and Confidentiality: SHDH are committed to protecting patient and staff privacy and
confidentiality, as it is an important aspect of our commitment to providing
high quality services. In accordance to both the Health Records Act and the
Information Privacy Act, information should only be used and disclosed for
the primary purpose of its collection.
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Each employee has a responsibility to adhere to SHDH’s Privacy and
Confidentiality Policy, as it is a condition of employment. Any breach of the
rules of privacy and/or confidentiality relating to health service business,
patients or medical records will result in disciplinary action.
Mandatory Training: All employees must be aware of and complete designated mandatory training
within the required time frame.

SAFETY: RESPONSIBILITIES: IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERY STAFF MEMBER TO:

Take reasonable care for your safety and the safety of others while at
work.
Report accidents, incidents and potential hazards as soon as
reasonably practicable to your supervisor and record on VHIMS
reporting system.
Advise your supervisor if you have an injury or illness that may affect
your ability to perform the inherent requirements of your position.
Be familiar with emergency and evacuation procedures as detailed in
the Emergency Procedures Manual.
Complete all Mandatory training requirements as identified and
directed.
Comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and all SHDH
O.H. & S. online Policies and Procedures.
Asset Management: Staff with asset management responsibilities are required to adhere to the
Asset Management Policy and Protocols.
Review: Completion of My Work Plan on a yearly basis.
Previous Revision dates: June 2016, June 2017
Current: January 2024
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