Drug and Alcohol Community Counsellor

**Support recovery, empower change - join our team as a Drug & Alcohol Counsellor and make a real difference in community wellbeing**

**Remuneration**: $72,152.53 - $113,226.00 per annum + superannuation + salary packaging
**Location**: Nelson Bay / East Maitland / Hunter Region
**Employment Type**: Permanent Full Time
**Position Classification**: Counsellor Level 1, Counsellor Level 2, Psychologist, Registered Nurse, Social Worker Level 1, Social Worker Level 2
**Hours Per Week**: 38
**Requisition ID**: REQ605453
**Applications Close**: Monday 22nd September 2025

**About the Service**

Hunter New England Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services delivers compassionate and person-centred support to individuals navigating substance use challenges.

The successful applicant will join our community counselling teams, which operate across several districts in the Local Government Area. You will be primarily based at our Maitland and Nelson Bay locations, with the requirement to travel to other surrounding areas as service needs arise.

Our culture is grounded in collaboration, respect and genuine care. We are a multidisciplinary team that values each other’s expertise and supports professional development through mentoring, reflective practice and shared learning.

**About the role**

As a Drug and Alcohol Community Counsellor, you will:

- Conduct comprehensive assessments for clients seeking support for drug and alcohol use
- Develop individualised treatment plans aligned with client goals
- Provide structured, evidence-based counselling (typically on a weekly basis)
- Facilitate referrals and collaborate with internal and external services
- Support clients in achieving improved health and wellbeing outcomes

This is a rewarding position where no two days are the same. You’ll have the opportunity to work autonomously while staying connected with a team that thrives on mutual support and shared purpose.

**About you**

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

- A strong understanding of and competence in delivering evidence-based drug and alcohol interventions
- Excellent clinical documentation skills, including the ability to complete timely, accurate case notes
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment
- Organisational, analytical and problem-solving strengths
- Confidence managing challenging behaviours and navigating complex client situations with empathy and professionalism

**Requirements**:

- Must hold a degree in Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Welfare, Counselling or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer, which provides eligibility or membership of the relevant professional association and full registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), where applicable.
- Eligible to drive in NSW and the ability and willingness to travel for work purposes which may involve driving long distances.

**_ _**

**Additional Information**:

- An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
- We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.

**Need more information?**

1) Click here for the Position Description

**Information for Applicants**:
**This is a Category A position**. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with**NSW Health policy directive **PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases** for Category A positions prior to offer.**All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.