At Lives Lived Well, we've been treating and supporting people whose lives are affected by alcohol and other drugs for over 50 years. We also support people with mental health and gambling concerns and those transitioning from correctional centres. We're growing fast and building a reputation as a trusted, innovative provider, focused on clinical excellence… and we'd love you to be part of it.
Your opportunity
As an AOD Counsellor / Case Manager, you will engage with and support clients referred to the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program. MERIT is a voluntary, 12-week program for adults with matters before the Dubbo or Wellington courts who are experiencing problematic alcohol and/or other drug use. In this role, you will provide comprehensive case management, facilitate group programs, and deliver evidence-based treatment addressing AOD dependency and related factors. You'll walk alongside clients throughout their recovery journey - supporting their progress, celebrating their achievements, and helping them build the capacity and confidence to make meaningful, lasting change.
This is a full-time, maximum-term contract position through to 03 March 2027. The annual salary ranges from $88,000 to $94,000, depending on your skills and experience, plus superannuation, salary packaging to boost your take-home pay, and access to a wide range of discounted products and perks through Perkbox.
What we are looking for
We're seeking a confident and capable Counsellor / Case Manager who can manage day-to-day responsibilities while working collaboratively within a high-performing team. This is a dynamic, high-demand environment, so you'll need to balance autonomy with efficiency -delivering high-quality engagement, assessment, counselling, and support services to clients. You are experienced in applying evidence-based practice principles across withdrawal support, treatment, and recovery. You will also bring the following skills and experience:
Provide high quality engagement, assessment, counselling and support services to clients, and their families, using evidence-based practice principles.
Comprehensive Assessment of clients for entry into the MERIT program.
Supervise and manage risk where practicable – including high level complexity and dual diagnosis behavioural management.
Facilitating group work and processes autonomously (taking sole responsibility and management of challenging behaviour, efficacy blockers and detractive dynamics).
Developing program resources and key documents that support the clinical and operational functioning.
Providing culturally appropriate practice as relevant to varying clients.
Applying knowledge in contemporary evidence based AOD clinical practice.
Demonstrating expertise in residential treatment service delivery with a sound knowledge of the potential risk elements specific to this type of environment.
Developing and delivering education programs and group facilitation with AOD clients.
You'll hold tertiary qualifications in a relevant field including Bachelor in Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Human Services or related discipline. Membership or eligibility for membership with relevant professional body such as Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is desirable. You'll also have a current unrestricted Australian Drivers Licence and a Blue Card (or ability to apply).
Most importantly you will have passion, commitment, and a great attitude with a genuine alignment to the Lives Lived Well values. Our values are:
We are humble, human, and full of hope
We show up and share
We ask: Why not? And what's next?
We leave a positive wake
Benefits of Working with Us
This a great opportunity to be at the forefront of an essential service for people requiring drug and alcohol support, with a chance work within the multi-disciplinary MERIT program team who provide the best support they can. Some of our benefits include:
Salary packaging options up to $15,900 per year to increase your take-home pay, plus an Entertainment and Meals allowance card
Wellspring Discounts – save on everyday items including groceries, petrol, and leisure activities from over 360 retailers
Five extra days paid leave per year (pro rata)
Training and development to help you grow as a person and a professional
Regular clinical supervision, case conferencing and debriefingsBoth paid and unpaid
Cultural Leave for special days and events
85% of our current workforce think LLW is a truly great place to work (People Survey, September 2023)
How to Apply
For more information about this role or to request a copy of the position description, contact Virgina Green at
Applications close on Friday 13 March 2026, however we will be conducting interviews throughout the process and may close applications early.
Lives Lived Well is an equal employment opportunity employer. We encourage applications from a diverse range of social, cultural and gender backgrounds that reflect our community including First Peoples.