First Step
Employer Business Type
Profile Summary
First Step is a Melbourne-based not-for-profit health and social services organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals facing addiction, mental health challenges, legal issues, homelessness, and other complex life barriers. Founded in 2000 in St Kilda by Peter White OAM, Dr Simon Rose and Tim Costello AO, the organisation was established to provide low-cost, effective treatment for people affected by substance dependence and related issues.
First Step operates a unique fully-integrated care model that brings together a multi-disciplinary team — including general practitioners, psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health nurses, counsellors, lawyers and care coordinators — to deliver coordinated support under one roof, helping clients address physical and mental health, legal, social and practical needs in a single, compassionate setting.
The centre supports thousands of people each year free of charge, with services designed to promote incremental improvements in whole-of-life wellbeing, strengthen social connections, and enhance individuals’ capacity to participate in society.
First Step emphasises dignity, respect and equity for all, regardless of cultural, socio-economic, or personal background, and believes that everyone deserves an opportunity to transform their lives.
First Step operates a unique fully-integrated care model that brings together a multi-disciplinary team — including general practitioners, psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health nurses, counsellors, lawyers and care coordinators — to deliver coordinated support under one roof, helping clients address physical and mental health, legal, social and practical needs in a single, compassionate setting.
The centre supports thousands of people each year free of charge, with services designed to promote incremental improvements in whole-of-life wellbeing, strengthen social connections, and enhance individuals’ capacity to participate in society.
First Step emphasises dignity, respect and equity for all, regardless of cultural, socio-economic, or personal background, and believes that everyone deserves an opportunity to transform their lives.
Area Classification
Area Insights
First Step is centrally located at 18 Mitford Street, St Kilda, a vibrant Melbourne bayside suburb known for its cafés, parks, beaches, and community services. The centre is highly accessible, with nearby tram routes (16 and 96), bus connections, and street parking, making it convenient for both clients and staff.
The location is within walking distance of Fitzroy Street’s shops, pharmacies, cafés, and local amenities, as well as parks like St Kilda Botanical Gardens, providing a pleasant environment for work and visits. Overall, the centre’s central, well-connected, and amenity-rich setting makes it an attractive location for healthcare professionals and those accessing its services.
The location is within walking distance of Fitzroy Street’s shops, pharmacies, cafés, and local amenities, as well as parks like St Kilda Botanical Gardens, providing a pleasant environment for work and visits. Overall, the centre’s central, well-connected, and amenity-rich setting makes it an attractive location for healthcare professionals and those accessing its services.
Work Culture
Why work with us
The First Step Program provides a unique service to clients in Victoria.
The team of professionals who work with First Step are dedicated and experienced in all facets of addiction and mental health.
We are continuing to expand our practice to include more services and the focus at present is the complete health of a client, First Step provides an holistic approach to health care and all staff are well supported.
The team of professionals who work with First Step are dedicated and experienced in all facets of addiction and mental health.
We are continuing to expand our practice to include more services and the focus at present is the complete health of a client, First Step provides an holistic approach to health care and all staff are well supported.
Team Size
25+
Employed Medical Doctors
Employed Allied Health Professionals
Jobs posted by First Step
First Step provides a uniquely multi-disciplinary team of General Practitioners, Registered Nurses, therapists, lawyers and care coordinators all of w...
Job Classification
General Practitioner / GP
Posted By:
First Step
Job Type:
Permanent
Start Timeframe:
Immediately
Posted Date:
13-Aug-2026
Job Description
First Step is seeking a compassionate, skilled and motivated Practice Nurse to join our multidisciplinary clinical team. Working wi...
Job Classification
Practice Nurse
Posted By:
First Step
Job Type:
Full Time
Start Timeframe:
Immediately
Posted Date:
22-Jul-2026