AOD Counsellor

Role: AOD Counsellor

Employment type: Part Time / Full Time (0.8-1.0 FTE), Ongoing

About us:

Ballarat Community Health is a not-for-profit community health organisation that’s been creating healthy communities through the provision of accessible, affordable and quality health and wellbeing services for over 45 years.

We deliver a range of primary health, social care and community-based support to meet local community needs. We have approximately 300 staff, with seven (7) locations across Ballarat and the Western Region.

If you’d like to know more about us visit our website http://www.bchc.org.au/

About the role:

As an AOD Counsellor, you will provide evidence-based counselling and support to individuals and families affected by but not limited to substance use, mental health issues, trauma, grief, and family violence. Through comprehensive assessments, individual and group therapy, and collaborative recovery planning, you’ll help clients achieve meaningful change and improved wellbeing. Working as part of a dynamic regional team, you’ll also contribute to community education, support forensic clients, and coordinate care with other health professionals. This role is vital in delivering compassionate, effective treatment and strengthening the health and resilience of individuals, families, and the broader community.

What you will bring to the team:

• Strong experience delivering evidence-based counselling, including brief interventions, CBT, and motivational interviewing, within a harm minimisation and recovery framework.

• Proven ability to work with clients experiencing co-occurring AOD and mental health challenges using trauma-informed and family-inclusive practices.

• Excellent assessment and case coordination skills, including the development of treatment and exit plans tailored to individual client goals.

• A collaborative and professional approach to liaising with internal and external stakeholders to support integrated, client-centred care.

• A commitment to maintaining client confidentiality, accurate documentation, and ethical practice.

• Significant experience in the counselling field with generalist casework and group work.

Ballarat Community Health staff benefits

At Ballarat Community Health, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment that values the well-being of both our clients and our staff. Joining our team means becoming a part of a passionate community dedicated to fostering positive change in the lives of those we serve.

Our staff benefits include:

• Salary packaging – up to $15,900 for everyday living expenses and up to $2,650 meals and entertainment

• Excellent working conditions with a high sense of job satisfaction

• Flexible working arrangements

• Access to employee wellness programs and discounts

• Social club

• Ballarat - Australia's most liveable regional city (RMIT 2020)

How to apply

To obtain a copy of the position description, please click here.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm on Monday, 7th July 2025.

For further enquiries about this role please contact Suzanne Powell, Manager Alcohol and Other Drug on telephone 03 5338 4522.

If we can assist you with any reasonable adjustments in order to submit your application for this role, or you need a copy of this advertisement in an accessible format, please contact the People and Culture team via email at employment@bchc.org.au noting your preferred method of communication and contact details and a member of the team will be in touch.

Diversity and Inclusion

At Ballarat Community Health, we are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where we value each person’s uniqueness. We embrace diverse life experiences and the perspectives of our people, whilst providing high-quality health care to all members of our community, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, cultural background, disability, or sexual orientation.

Be more than part of your community - be someone making a difference for people in your community. Apply now!