Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) Counsellor

Northern District Community Health (NDCH) is seeking an Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) Counsellor to work within the Community Support team.

This is a Part-time (0.8 FTE) position in our not-for-profit community health organisation.

Position Summary

Working within a team-based and multidisciplinary organisation, the primary purpose of the position is to provide support and treatment for people with drug and alcohol dependency problems, develop strategies which assist them to set goals and affect and maintain change, and provide community education in line with funding obligations and NDCH vision and values.

 

Key Accountabilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessment and re-assessment of clients’ needs with co-occurring substance use disorders, utilising standardised assessment tools and evidence-based practices.
• Deliver one-on-one or group-based Alcohol & Other Drugs Counselling services in the contexts of both voluntary and mandated clients.
• Collaborate with clients based on assessment findings, to facilitate insight, develop goals & rehabilitation plans, improve coping strategies, using a goal-focused approach to provide coordinated treatment of co-occurring conditions taking account of vocational and social needs.
• Assist clients in the understanding and adjustment of attitudes, expectations and behaviour.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of clients, and adjust interventions as required.
• Collaborate effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team, work closely with clinical, mental health, AOD and community teams to coordinate care, participate in treatment planning, decision-making processes, and support referrals.
• Establish and strengthen collaborative networks with local partners, carers, and relevant community organizations to enhance service delivery.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date, and confidential client records, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, in compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Provide and maintain ongoing case management and data records and other administrative requirements including statistical reports and other correspondence.

 

Application Requirements

• Complete mandatory pre-employment checks (e.g., references, work rights, police, child safety, NDIS checks); appointment depends on results.
• Maintain valid Police, Working with Children, and NDIS checks during employment.
• Provide and keep current professional registrations and driver’s license.

If you require further information, please contact the People & Culture Team at Northern District Community Health on (03) 5451 0200.

To apply

Position descriptions are available at https://ndch.org.au/jobs/alcohol-other-drug-counsellor/

To apply for the position an Application Letter and a Resume including responses to the Selection Criteria are to be sent to:

careers@ndch.org.au

Essential:

Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Counselling, Mental health, Psychology or Social work Certification: Certificate IV or higher in Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) – must have or be willing to enrol and complete expediently after commencement Registration: Australia Counselling Association or equivalent Experience: Working with individuals experiencing mental health challenges and/or substance use disorder, and be able to work within a recovery-oriented or trauma-informed framework

 

Desirable:

• Awareness of current AOD referral pathways into the program, via Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO), as well as support available post program.
• Knowledge of the causes and effects of drugs and alcohol, and addictions on individuals, families and communities.
• Understanding of professional codes of conduct and ethical practice, alongside awareness of the Social Determinants of Health and Trauma-informed care principles.
• Demonstrated excellent time management skills with the ability to effectively prioritise and manage workload, along with a willingness to work flexible hours and across various locations to meet client and community needs in a timely manner.
• Highly developed verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including the effective negotiation and conflict resolution, ability to liaise effectively with diverse external and internal stakeholders, and interact as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to use digital clinical systems and efficiently learn to use new systems.

Interested