Drug and Alcohol Community Counsellor

5 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.



  • Nelson Bay, New South Wales, Australia Tomaree Community College Full time $60,000 - $80,000 per year

    Company DescriptionTomaree Community College, located in Nelson Bay, offers national accredited training courses and leisure classes for the local community. The College aims to provide relevant learning opportunities for career development and personal enrichment. With a focus on meeting the needs of the Port Stephens region, the College under the...

  • 1st Class welder

    2 weeks ago


    Largs Bay, South Australia Workfast Full time $286,400 per year

    Workfast are currently seeking 1st class Welders/ Boilermaker for a Workshop based project near Largs Bay, SA commencing ASAP Highlight: Monday to Thursday- 8 hours per day, Friday 6 hours$55 per hour + OT + Super4-6 weeks duration + more project opportunities availableQualification and Skills Required: Full Australian working rights with no...


  • Bateau Bay, New South Wales, Australia Tip Top Full time $40,000 - $60,000 per year

    Company description: At Tip Top, we've been part of Aussie kitchens and family tables for generations. From the wheat fields of Australia to your local grocery store, our commitment to home-grown quality runs deep. We're proudly part of George Weston Foods—one of Australia and New Zealand's largest food manufacturers, with over 6,000 team members across...


  • Elizabeth Bay, New South Wales, Australia Uniting Full time $90,000 - $120,000 per year

    Health Education Team Manager – Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC)Full-time permanent | Kings Cross, Sydney (Gadigal Land)Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 6:00pm | Award roleAt Uniting's Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC), we stand at the forefront of harm reduction and compassionate care. For over two decades, MSIC has been a safe,...

  • Solicitor

    3 days ago


    Neutral Bay, New South Wales, Australia Lares And Penates Full time $80,000 - $170,000 per year

    About UsWe are a dynamic and growing company in the property and development sector, based in Sydney. We specialize in land acquisitions, construction, and related corporate activities. As we expand, we're seeking a talented solicitor to join our team and contribute to our success.Role OverviewWe are hiring a Solicitor to handle a range of corporate and...

  • Bartender and Barista

    2 weeks ago


    Toowoon Bay, New South Wales, Australia Cecilia's Restaurant and Wine Bar Full time $25,880 - $44,000 per year

    Join Our Team at Cecilia's Restaurant in Toowoon BayAre you a skilled bartender with a passion for crafting exquisite cocktails and a deep understanding of wine? Look no further Cecilia's Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Toowoon Bay, is seeking a talented individual to elevate our beverage program and delight our patrons with unforgettable...


  • Batemans Bay, New South Wales, Australia NSW Department of Communities and Justice Full time $120,000 - $140,000 per year

    Division: Courts Tribunals and Service DeliveryLocation:Batemans Bay, NSW, AU, 2536Req ID: 76291Location: Batemans BayOngoing - Fulltime (35 HPW)Clerk Grade 7/8, Base Salary ($113,574- $125,720) plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.Your roleThe Illawarra South Region is comprised of 5 hubs with 24 Courts.The advertised role...

  • Discovery Guide

    2 weeks ago


    Rose Bay, New South Wales, Australia NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Full time $60,000 - $80,000 per year

    Discovery Guide (Tour Guide)Mulitiple Casual roles located in Vaucluse and across Greater SydneySalary depending on experience, from $37.76 per hourDo you want to work to make a difference for NSW?Together, we create thriving environments, communities and economiesAbout the roleOurGreater Sydney Branchis seeking Casual Discovery Guidesto implement diverse...


  • Nelson Bay, Australia Hunter New England Local Health District Full time

    **Join a supportive team committed to holistic care and better health outcomes** **Remuneration**: $72,152.53 - $113,226.00 Per Annum + Superannuation + Salary Packaging **Location**: Nelson Bay / East Maitland / Hunter Region **Employment Type**: Temporary Full Time **Position Classification**: Counsellor Lvl 1, Counsellor Lvl 2, Psychologist, Registered...

  • Family Counsellor

    1 week ago


    Hervey Bay & Fraser Coast, Australia UnitingCare Community Full time $100,000 - $150,000 per year

    Family Counsellor | Family and Relationship Service | GympieEmployment Term: Permanent full-timeLocation: GympieRemuneration: $100k + Super + NFP salary packaging of up to $15,900 and $2,650 for meals and entertainmentMake a meaningful difference with UnitingCareAt UnitingCare we are leaders in crisis response, the protection of vulnerable people and...


  • Moreton Bay, Australia Education Full time

    **About Us**: **Your Opportunity**: - Provide educational counselling and support services within schools to ensure that the best possible assistance services are available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children, students, families and communities. - Provide cross cultural awareness training to the broader school community. The Community...


  • Hervey Bay & Fraser Coast, Australia Community Action Full time $60,000 - $90,000 per year

    Our Vision is for a safe, inclusive and thriving community.Community Action empowers people to live safe, fulfilling lives through high quality community-based services.The purpose of the Financial Literacy & Resilience Program (FLARP) is to support people who are experiencing financial difficulties. The program has a focus on early intervention by...


  • Wide Bay-Burnett, Australia Queensland Government Full time $60,000 - $80,000 per year

    *About the School Hervey Bay State High School is a dynamic co-educational school offering a broad and inclusive curriculum from Years 7 to 12. Our programs include marine studies, ICT, agricultural science, vocational education, traineeships, apprenticeships, and first-year university subjects through the University of Southern Queensland, alongside the...


  • Hervey Bay & Fraser Coast, Australia Sarina Russo Group Full time $60,000 - $100,000 per year

    Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of people with disability? Do you thrive in a dynamic, client-focused environment where your clinical skills support individuals to overcome barriers to employment and achieve meaningful outcomes?VOICE – Psychologists & Allied Professionals (Part of The Sarina Russo Group) prides itself on the...


  • Hervey Bay & Fraser Coast, Australia Laurel Place Inc. Full time $60,000 - $90,000 per year

    Applications are sought for Counsellors in Laurel Place's sexual assault adult counselling program.​​Gympie Office4 days (30.4hrs) per week for 12 monthsSCHADS Award Level 5Salary Sacrifice availableApplications close 9am Monday 22nd September 2025This position for a Sexual Assault Counsellor at our Gympie office to support women, men, and young people,...


  • Batemans Bay, Australia Katungul Aboriginal Corporation Full time

    Alcohol and Other Drugs Family, Carers and Friends Support Workers x 2 (*Identified) About the role We have two full time fixed term to 31 March 2028 positions, one based in Bega and one based in either Narooma or Batemans Bay. As an AOD Family, Carers and Friends Support Worker you will be responsible for providing high-quality, family-inclusive,...


  • Moreton Bay, Australia Queensland Government Full time $60,000 - $90,000 per year

    *This is a progressional position as per the Role Description. The successful applicant will be appointed to the lower classification with eligibility for progression to the next, once specific criteria have been met or demonstrated. Please note salary rate shown is reflective of both classification ranges. Who We Are: Tullawong State High School is a...


  • Moreton Bay, Australia Education Full time

    **About the School**: Redcliffe Special School has a strong commitment to providing quality educational experiences for all our students in a caring and supportive environment. We are very proud of the 'RSS Way' featuring our school focus on respect, safety and success. Our school values of Empowered Students, Skilled Team and Inclusive Community captures...