Drug and Alcohol Community Counsellor

6 days ago

Nelson Bay, New South Wales, Australia Hunter New England Health Full time $72,000 - $113,226 per year

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

Remuneration: $72, $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:

  • To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
  • 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

2) Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Kellie Collinson on

Information for Applicants:

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit:

Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit:

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.

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