Alcohol Other Drug jobs in Melbourne VIC

AOD Counsellor

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of people experiencing alcohol and other drug challenges.

At Better Health Network (BHN), we believe everyone should be able to access the right support at the right time. As a leading not-for-profit community health organisation, we provide integrated health and wellbeing services across Melbourne's south-east, helping people live healthier, more connected lives.

We're looking for an experienced AOD Counsellor to join our Integrated Services & Counselling team. This is an opportunity to work within a collaborative, trauma-informed service that supports people, families and communities impacted by alcohol and other drug use.

About the role

As an AOD Counsellor, you'll provide specialist therapeutic counselling and support to people experiencing alcohol and other drug concerns, as well as their families and significant others. Working within a person-centred, evidence-based framework, you'll help clients identify goals, develop treatment plans, reduce harm, and access the services they need to improve their wellbeing.

You'll work alongside a multidisciplinary team that values collaboration, innovation, and integrated care, supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

What you'll be doing

• Deliver evidence-based counselling and therapeutic interventions to individuals, families and significant others.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments, risk assessments and treatment planning.
• Support clients to access AOD treatment services, including referral pathways and care coordination.
• Provide harm minimisation and brief intervention strategies that promote safer outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to provide integrated, coordinated care.
• Maintain accurate client records and contribute to program development and quality improvement initiatives.

About you

You'll be passionate about supporting people through recovery and change, while bringing a compassionate, strengths-based approach to your work.

To be successful, you'll have:

• Qualifications in Counselling or Social Work with relevant professional registration or membership.
• Core Competencies in AOD (or higher).
• Experience providing counselling and therapeutic interventions for people experiencing AOD issues and co-occurring needs.
• Strong assessment, risk management and treatment planning skills.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and harm reduction principles.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and teamwork skills.
• A commitment to person-centred care, continuous learning and quality service delivery.

Why join BHN?

At BHN, you'll enjoy a supportive and inclusive workplace where your wellbeing and professional growth matter. We offer:

• Salary packaging to increase your take-home pay
• Flexible work arrangements where operationally appropriate
• Ongoing professional development and learning opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• A values-driven culture focused on Accountability, Collaboration, Respect and Courage
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference in your local community

Location

Based primarily at Bentleigh East, with occasional travel to other BHN locations as required.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're an experienced counsellor who is passionate about helping people achieve positive and lasting change, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply as soon as possible. Applications will be assessed as received, so early applications are encouraged.

If you have enquiries about the role, please reach out to Sarah Darley, Team Leader AOD Integrated Services & Counselling at sdarley@bhn.org.au

We value Accountability, Collaboration, Respect, and Courage, and we strive to create an inclusive environment that welcomes people from all backgrounds, including those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally and linguistically diverse, and LGBTQI+ communities.

Pre-employment checks include reference checks, National Police Check, Working with Children Check and evidence of right to work in Australia.