Youth AOD Counsellor

Our Townsville-based Youth Service helps young people between 12 and 25 years who may be having problems with alcohol or drugs and are subject to corrective service Community Youth Justice orders or are incarcerated at Cleveland Youth Detention Centre.

Every day will be different, as you provide assessment, counselling and support to young people and their families – working alongside them to develop and implement individualised treatment goals.

This full-time, fixed-term position (until June 2026) is based at our office in Kirwan, with a large part of time spent in the community - wherever young people feel the most comfortable. There is also some flexibility to work from home. The annual salary is $88, $94,828.24 plus Superannuation and Salary Packaging.

Although this is not an identified role, we strongly encourage First Nations people to apply.

Your Opportunity

A qualified Social Worker or Psychologist, you don't need to have experience in this field – in fact we welcome new Graduates, but you must be passionate about working with youth in the Townsville community and have the following skills and attributes:

• An understanding of evidence-based practices and how to conduct assessments and treatment plans
• Strong computer skills and knowledge of CRM systems, and the importance of maintaining accurate data
• Culturally safe and appropriate work practices, and ability to tailor your approach to a wide variety of people
• Engagement and rapport building skills – you will need to develop connections quickly
• Emotionally maturity, patience, and resilience – there will be both positive and negative outcomes in this role
• Stakeholder engagement - maintaining relationships with local youth services is a key factor
• We deal with a large number of young male offenders so you will need to be comfortable and confident communicating with this group
• You will be tertiary qualified, hold an Australian Drivers Licence and current Working with Children Check (Blue Card).

Most importantly, you will be values-driven and aligned with ours:

• We are humble, human, and full of hope
• We show up and share
• We ask "why not" and "what's next"?
• We leave a positive wake

Our Team and Our Benefits

Supported by a manager who has a genuine open-door policy, you will be part of a team of 10, who enjoy having a laugh and supporting each other during good times, and tough times. They foster a culture of reflective practice and learning from mistakes and enjoy democratic decision making, open communication and honesty.

As an organisation, Lives Lived Well offer a large range of benefits, which can be found on our website, but include:

• The opportunity to work out in the community – in the park, at the beach – and WFH options
• Five extra days paid leave per year to support your wellbeing
• An Employee Assistance Program for both you and your family
  Discounted access to gyms, pools, and leisure facilities throughout the country

How to Apply

To submit your application, please click "Apply". For further information about the role or to request a Position Description, please contact Sarah Collins at

Applications close at 5.00pm on Friday 5th December , however we may be conducting interviews throughout the process.

Lives Lived Well is an equal employment opportunity employer. We encourage applications from a diverse range of social, cultural and gender backgrounds that reflect our community including First Peoples.