Student placements

Are you currently studying social work, psychology, alcohol and other drugs (AOD), counselling, youth work or another relevant qualification? Do you have an interest in working in the AOD sector and a passion for working with people affected by alcohol and drug issues to achieve their goals?

On this page

Please note:

Due to COVID-19 restrictions we are unable to accept students during first semester 2021.

We are hoping this will change in second semester and will be able to offer student placement from June till November 2021.

Please register your interest below and we will let you know when we are open for applications for this period.

About student placement

Odyssey House Victoria (OHV) offers a variety of student placements that are challenging and rewarding. A placement with OHV can offer you a valuable introduction to work in the AOD sector through a structured and meaningful experience. Depending on your qualification and your goals, you may work with groups including children and families, young people or people with complex histories of long-term alcohol and drug use.

At OHV, we are committed to providing student placements that benefit students, our organisation and most importantly, the people we work with. You will be on the ground doing varied work that directly impacts people with alcohol and drug issues.

We have a strong culture with staff, students and volunteers committed to our core values of love, trust, respect, honesty and concern. We are always looking for dedicated, team-minded and empathetic people who are open to learning new skills and ways of working.

Eligibility

  • Placements are all clinically focused, and high school work experience students are not eligible.
  • eligible qualifications vary by program and site. For more information on relevant qualifications see individual tabs below.
  • OHV accepts placement students from business and administration disciplines on an ad hoc basis. If you are a business or admin student looking to complete a placement or a professional project, please email HR@odyssey.org.au to find out more.
  • generally, preference will be given to students who are required to complete a placement as part of their qualification.
  • students will need to complete a Police Check and a Working with Children Check before commencing their placement. Any student placement offer is conditional until proof of these checks is provided.
  • applications that do not follow the correct process will not be considered, so please read the below section carefully.

Application process

  1. Applications open periodically on our website. Intakes will be in approximately October/November for Semester 1 and March/April for winter and Semester 2 each year. You are required to apply for specific program areas (see placement area tabs for information and links to apply). You can apply for as many areas as you wish, though it is advised that you tailor your application to the specific program area.

    Please ensure you attach both of the following documents to the application submission page that you are presented with when you click APPLY:

    • Your CV
    • A completed application form. This includes the completed cover letter field, addressing:
      • Key selection criteria stated within the specific program area position description
      • Why you are interested in doing a placement with Odyssey House Victoria
      • Any skills, previous experience, professional interests or qualities you possess that you believe align with the work of the organisation and/or program area
      • Any relevant requirements of your placement not covered by the form

    We recommend checking to ensure that your application  form has saved correctly with all of the required content.

  2. If you progress to the next stage, you will be required to have a face-to-face interview.
  3. If you are a preferred candidate you will need to undertake our safety screening requirements, including completing a Police Check and a Working With Children Check, and providing the results of these checks before beginning your placement. OHV will reimburse you for the costs of these checks. If you already have a WWCC, you will need to provide evidence that you have updated your WWCC details to list OHV as an employer before you can commence your placement.
  4. Once all of the above is completed, you can sign your paperwork and begin your placement on the agreed date.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

Odyssey House Victoria has committed to a STRETCH Reconciliation Action Plan and is committed to providing meaningful and culturally respectful student placement opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students of relevant disciplines. If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student who is considering a placement with OHV, you can apply via the above process or you can contact Ian Bloomfield, Aboriginal Cultural Advisor, to discuss your goals. You can get in contact Ian by calling our reception on 9420 7600 and leaving your details.

FAQs

I would like to work for OHV. What is the likelihood of a job opportunity once I complete my placement?

While we can’t guarantee job opportunities with OHV following your placement, we are growing fast and frequently advertise new roles. If you have a successful placement and we feel that you are a ‘good fit’, we would strongly recommend that you apply for relevant roles listed on our careers page once you have completed your studies. Many of our staff started with OHV as students.

I am concerned that I may not pass the safety screening. What if issues arise during my Working with Children Check or Police Check?

OHV is committed to child safety and has zero tolerance of behaviours that compromise the safety of children. Any person issued with a negative notice on their Working with Children Check will not be eligible for a placement with us.

A disclosable outcome on your Police Check does not automatically preclude you from a placement with OHV. We acknowledge that clients can benefit from working with staff and students who have lived experience and strong boundaries. Additionally, we recognise that recovery from drug and alcohol abuse is a journey and therefore applicants may have a police record.

I have a question that has not been answered by this page. How can I get more information?

You can email hr@odyssey.org.au with any additional questions. Please ensure you have read all information and FAQs carefully prior to contacting OHV.

Stay updated

Register your interest and we will keep you updated.