Work at SHARC
About us
Established in 1995, SHARC is a community of people impacted by alcohol, drugs and gambling, including family, friends and supporters. Together, we work towards an Australian society where our communities’ lived expertise is at the heart of inclusive communities, services, and systems.
Our Vision: Lived expertise is at the heart of inclusive communities and services, where people proudly share their experiences and support each other in a society free of stigma and discrimination.
Our Purpose: We transform lives, services and society through our community’s lived experience of alcohol and other drugs, gambling and related harms. We create change by being ourselves, supporting one another, telling our stories, sharing our knowledge, advocating and building allyships.
SHARC places a priority on a positive, supportive, and productive work environment. Our services operate within an empowerment framework which maximises clients’ and volunteers’ opportunities for self-responsibility, mutual support and participation. We transform lives, services and society through our community’s lived experience of alcohol and other drugs, gambling and related harms.
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Current job openings:
About the program
The Association of Participating Service Users (APSU) is the peak Victorian consumer body for people who use, have used, or are eligible to use AOD services, including families and significant others. We exist to ensure the voices and expertise of people with lived experience are central in the systems that affect them. Through training, advocacy, and peer-led engagement, APSU empowers individuals and shapes the policy and service landscape to better meet the needs of our communities. These positions will support a funded project that is managed by APSU.
About the project
Utilising co-design methodologies and peer-led research, the project aims to contribute to the understanding of how peer-led models of support can meet the treatment and support needs of people with a history of drug use, who have been recently released from prison or otherwise involved with the justice system. The research findings will inform a proposed model of care. The project is a partnership between SHARC and the Burnet Institute.
About the role
This is an entry-level peer research role designed for a person with lived and living experience of alcohol and other drug (AOD) challenges and engagement with the justice system who is interested in building skills in research and co-design. The roles will initially commence on a casual basis, with the possibility of it becoming a part time role. The project will be delivered over 21 months, and the peer researchers will be engaged at different stages across the project. You will be supported through mentoring, training and on-the-job learning from SHARC and the Burnet Institute. No prior research experience is required — curiosity, willingness to learn and a commitment to lived experience leadership are essential.
For a confidential conversation about the role, contact Nathan Akoka, Research Coordinator on 0435537675. For the full role description or to apply, go to the Ethical Jobs website.
About the program
The Lived & Living Experience at Heart (LLEAH) Program supports Department of Health–funded alcohol and other drug (AOD) and mental health organisations to embed, strengthen and sustain lived and living experience workforce (LLEW) roles. Through training, workforce development and strategic guidance, the LLEAH Program supports organisations to align with sector reforms, embed inclusive practice and improve workforce wellbeing. The program is led by lived expertise and plays a key role in driving systemic change across Victoria’s AOD and mental health sectors.
About the role
The LLEAH Program Manager provides strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of the LLEAH Program. Reporting to the Senior Lived Experience Manager, the role leads multiple projects and workstreams that support organisations to implement and grow sustainable lived and living experience workforce roles. This is a senior role requiring strong program leadership, stakeholder engagement and people management skills, alongside a deep understanding of lived and living experience practice within complex service systems. This position is a designated lived experience role, open to people with lived or living experience of the impacts of mental health and/or alcohol and other drug use, who have transformed this into lived expertise applied in purposeful, values-aligned ways.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the design, implementation and evaluation of the LLEAH Program in alignment with SHARC’s strategy and Department of Health priorities
- Provide expert leadership on embedding lived and living experience within AOD and mental health service systems and reforms
- Develop and manage program plans, timelines, budgets and reporting requirements
- Build and maintain strong relationships with sector partners, government stakeholders, peak bodies and advisory groups
- Facilitate meaningful consultation and co-design with lived and living experience communities
- Lead, supervise and support LLEAH staff, consultants and facilitators
- Oversee governance, compliance and ethical practice across program delivery
- Use data, feedback and evaluation to inform continuous improvement and strategic planning
If you have any questions about the role, please email Ari Siggins candidates@curiosityco.com.au using the subject line: Lived & Living Experience at Heart Program Manager – SHARC enquiry via EthicalJobs.
Read more on the role, including the position description, and apply via the Ethical Jobs website.
About the program
The Lived & Living Experience at Heart (LLEAH) Program supports Department of Health–funded alcohol and other drug (AOD) and mental health organisations to embed, strengthen and sustain lived and living experience workforce (LLEW) roles. Through training, workforce development and strategic guidance, the LLEAH Program supports organisations to align with sector reforms, embed inclusive practice and improve workforce wellbeing. The program is led by lived expertise and plays a key role in driving systemic change across Victoria’s AOD and mental health sectors.
About the role
The Senior Facilitator & Consultant plays a central role in delivering high-level facilitation, consultation and technical expertise across the LLEAH Program. Reporting to the LLEAH Program Manager, the role leads the delivery of key projects including The Learning Collaborative (TLC) and Supporting Organisational Lived Experience (SOLE) initiatives. This position works closely with sector partners, including Yale University, to support organisational change, workforce development and the embedding of lived and living experience principles in practice. The role requires advanced facilitation capability, strong sector credibility and a values-aligned approach to working alongside lived and living experience communities.
This is a designated lived experience role, open to people with lived or living experience of the impacts of mental health and/or alcohol and other drug use, who have transformed this experience into applied lived expertise.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the facilitation and delivery of TLC modules and SOLE guided assessments, both in-person and online
- Provide expert input into the development and refinement of LLEAH tools, including the Yale toolkit and SOLE assessment framework
- Lead data analysis and reporting for SOLE projects, translating insights into clear recommendations
- Facilitate co-design processes with participating organisations to tailor program delivery
- Provide consultation and technical advice to sector stakeholders supporting organisational change
- Contribute to program planning, evaluation and continuous improvement
- Represent SHARC and the LLEAH Program at sector forums, advisory groups and information sessions
- Work collaboratively with the LLEAH Program Manager, coordinators, technical experts and partner organisations
- Participate in reflective practice, supervision and strategic planning activities
Some travel within Victoria may be required.
If you have any questions about the role, please email Ari Siggins candidates@curiosityco.com.au using the subject line: Lived & Living Experience at Heart Senior Facilitator and Consultant – SHARC enquiry via EthicalJobs.
Read more on the role, including the position description, and apply via the Ethical Jobs website.Â
Student Placement
SHARC is committed to positively contributing to the development of the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector workforce and providing opportunities for community education and development.  One of the most effective ways we can do this is through a student placement program that will assist students to gain the necessary experience, skills and knowledge to obtain qualifications suitable for employment.
SHARC offers a unique environment for the development of clinical, education and training skills for students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Â Maintenance of an efficient and effective AOD sector is dependent upon appropriately trained staff which SHARC plays an active role in growing the sector.Â
Note, due to our unique offering, we do receive a high number of placement requests. Unfortunately, we can only accommodate a limited number of students throughout the year.
Please email info@sharc.org.au for further information with the subject line titled ‘Student Placement’.