Dual Diagnosis Outreach Counsellor

• Part Time (30.4 hrs per week), Fixed Term (until 30 June 2026)
• LGBTIQ+ affirming outreach-based role
• SCHADS Level 5 role + salary packaging + above award rates

Thorne Harbour Health is seeking a passionate and skilled Dual Diagnosis Outreach Counsellor to deliver evidence-based, trauma-informed AOD counselling services to LGBTIQ+ communities across Melbourne's inner and north-west regions. This is a unique opportunity to provide outreach-based support within a harm reduction framework, helping clients reduce the impacts of problematic substance use while also navigating co-occurring mental health challenges.

About the role

Based at our Abbotsford site with outreach and co-location in Melbourne's inner west, this position is part of our multidisciplinary Therapeutic Services team, delivering:

• Individual and group counselling using therapeutic modalities such as MI, CBT, contingency management, and community reinforcement.
• Flexible, accessible outreach support in homes, community health settings, and other safe environments.
• Collaborative care coordination with intake teams, external services, and co-located providers (e.g., TaskForce).
• Capacity-building and secondary consultations with professionals supporting LGBTIQ+ clients.
• Participation in reflective practice and regular supervision within a values-driven workplace.

What's on offer

In addition to your salary of SCHADS Level 5 + leave loading + superannuation, Thorne Harbour also pays above award. You'll also be able to increase your take-home pay by accessing up to $15,900 in salary packaging benefits as well as accessing professional and career development.

About You

We're looking for someone who is client-centred, flexible, and community-minded. You will bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling or related fields, with eligibility for membership of a relevant professional body.
• AOD qualifications (Cert IV or above), or willingness to complete within 12 months.
• Experience delivering short to mid-term counselling interventions with dual diagnosis clients.
• Knowledge of harm minimisation and recovery-oriented frameworks.
• Strong organisational skills, case coordination experience, and a commitment to trauma-informed care.
• A genuine understanding of, or connection to, LGBTIQ+ communities and the values of self-determination, inclusion, and dignity.

About us

Combining passion, commitment and activism, Thorne Harbour Health aims to improve the health and wellbeing of our LGBTQIA+ communities and of those living with or affected by HIV.

For a detailed position description, including selection criteria, visit our website:

For further enquiries, please contact Maycon Merlo, Acting AOD Counselling Practice Lead via email –

Applicants from our LGBTQIA+ communities including those living with HIV, those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, First Nations people, and people with disability are encouraged to apply.

How to apply

Written applications addressing the selection criteria and including a resume and the names and contact details of three professional referees should be sent via job listing in Employment Hero.

Applications close: Monday 20 October 2025

Important: it is essential that applicants specifically address the selection criteria. Where selection criteria have not been addressed, applications will not be considered.

Thorne Harbour Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to child safety. We have zero tolerance of child abuse. Our robust human resources, recruitment and vetting practices are strictly adhered to during the application and interviewing process. Applicants should be aware that we carry out working with children, police records and reference checks for all roles.