Alcohol & Drug Counsellor

St John of God Social Outreach

As a Mission driven, for purpose organisation, St John of God Health Care’s commitment to social justice is part of who we are. We exist to benefit the community, especially those most in need.

Our free and low cost community services primarily come under the name St John of God Social Outreach comprising of a range of services that provide community mental health, homelessness support and capacity strengthening services that empower individuals, families and communities across Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Timor-Leste to transform their lives.

Join the South West Community Alcohol and Drug Service (SWCADS) as an Alcohol and Drug Counsellor, with permanent full-time and part-time opportunities available to professionals with qualifications in Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Psychology or Counselling.

About the role

As an Alcohol and Drug Counsellor, you will provide assessment, counselling and follow-up support to clients seeking assistance with substance use issues.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, your key responsibilities will include:

• Conducting assessments and developing individualised treatment plans in collaboration with clients
• Providing evidence-based counselling and therapeutic interventions to support clients experiencing substance use issues
• Delivering brief interventions, planned treatment and ongoing follow-up support
• Applying a harm minimisation approach to client care
• Using contemporary therapeutic approaches including motivational interviewing, cognitive restructuring and social learning theories
• Providing crisis intervention and responding appropriately to client risk and complex needs
• Consulting with and referring clients to appropriate health, community and human service providers
• Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external service providers to support continuity of care
• Maintaining accurate client records, case notes and relevant documentation
• Contributing to service development, quality improvement and positive client outcomes

About you

We are looking for an experienced AOD or mental health professional who can work confidently with clients experiencing substance use issues and complex needs.

You will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Psychology or Counselling, with eligibility for membership of the relevant professional organisation
• Demonstrated counselling experience within a drug and alcohol and/or mental health setting
• A strong understanding of and commitment to harm minimisation
• The ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and independently with limited direct supervision
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience liaising and building networks with a range of services, particularly Human Services and Health providers
• A current First Aid and CPR certification
• A willingness and capacity to embrace the Mission and Values of St John of God Health Care and Social Outreach

To be considered for this position, you will require:

• Current C Class Driver’s Licence
• Current Working with Children Check
• National Police Clearance or willingness to obtain
• Ability to work across various locations as operationally required

We can offer you

• Salary: $88,501to $124,464 plus 12% superannuation – Commensurate with your level.
• Permanent full-time and part-time positions, working up to 38 hours a week.
• Salary packaging up to $18,550 on a range of benefits such as mortgage, rent, meal entertainment, holiday accommodation or other everyday living expenses as well as options to salary package benefits above the FBT cap on items such as:
  • Novated leasing
  • work related expenses
  • self-education and
  • additional superannuation
• A healthy work-life balance through flexible work options, additional purchased leave & well-being programs
• Employee discount on St John of God Hospital & Medical Services and Private Health Insurance

Join St John of God Social Outreach and contribute to a service that supports people to make positive changes, strengthen their wellbeing and move towards a healthier future.

For enquiries contact Karen Barrett-Lennard Manager Social Outreach
on (08) 9729 6700

If suitable applicants are identified advertisement may close prior to listed date

At St John of God Social Outreach, we celebrate diversity and warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Our commitment is to create a safe and nurturing environment for all children and vulnerable individuals in our care and proactively take steps to protect them from abuse, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Our inclusive culture fosters an environment that is respectful and secure, welcoming and accessible, and unified through our diverse community.