Published October 3, 2025
Last Modified October 3, 2025
Bendigo Community Health Services
Location
Bendigo, Australia
Job Type
Full-time / Part-time
Category
Counsellor
Catchment
Loddon Mallee
Contact Phone Number
0484 254 096
Closing Date
October 13, 2025

Job Description

Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Team

AOD Counsellor

45.6 hours per fortnight (0.6 FTE)

Ongoing Position

Join our passionate AOD team at Bendigo Community Health Services (BCHS)

Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of people impacted by alcohol and other drugs? At BCHS, we’re more than a health service — we’re a community of over 280 dedicated professionals committed to supporting healthier lives across Central Victoria.

We’re on the lookout for an AOD Counsellor to join our dynamic, multidisciplinary AOD team. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on building strong therapeutic relationships, working holistically with individuals and families, and being part of a values-driven organisation that puts people first.

 

Why join BCHS?

  • Purpose with impact: Work in a service with over 50 years of history supporting some of our community’s most vulnerable people.
  • Culture that cares: You’ll be part of a supportive and skilled team where supervision, development, and wellbeing are built into how we work.
  • Diverse work: Deliver a mix of counselling, group programs, harm reduction, and recovery-focused interventions across our brand-new Wanyanimbik Wayawan Wellbeing Centre in North Bendigo, and other BCHS sites.
  • Growth & learning: Access professional development, reflective practice, and opportunities to broaden your skills across the AOD and mental health space.
  • Flexibility & support: Enjoy the benefits of salary packaging, employee assistance programs, and a workplace committed to equity, inclusion, and child safety.

 

About the role

As an AOD Counsellor, you’ll:

  • Provide high-quality, evidence-based counselling and therapeutic interventions (CBT, ACT, MI, mindfulness, and more).
  • Support clients and families using a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented approach.
  • Recognise and respond to co-occurring mental health, family violence, and social issues in partnership with other services.
  • Work collaboratively in a team that includes counsellors, peer support, needle syringe workers, care and recovery coordinators.
  • Contribute to safe, positive outcomes for clients, families, and communities.

Key Selection Criteria

To successfully apply for this position, you will need:

  1. A tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, or another health-related discipline, as well as qualifications and experience in Counselling.
  2. Completion of an AOD qualification or willingness to complete the AOD core competencies within the first 12 months of employment.
  3. Proven experience providing therapeutic interventions for individuals with AOD issues.
  4. Knowledge of the Victorian AOD treatment system and relevant practice frameworks.
  5. Ability to respond to complex presentations, including co-occurring conditions.
  6. Strong understanding of client safety, risk assessment, and ethical practice

You’ll also need a Working with Children Check, a current driver’s licence, and the ability to complete a satisfactory Police Check.

For further information about the position, contact Lisa Walklate on 0484 254 096

To view the position description, please go to https://www.bchs.com.au/careers/current-jobs

Applications addressing the Key Selection Criteria should be emailed to recruitment@bchs.com.au by 10pm on Monday 13 October.

 

Bendigo Community Health Services encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and abilities.

Applications will be acknowledged upon receipt.  Applicants are requested to contact Human Resources on telephone 5406 1555 if an automatic acknowledgement has not been received.

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