Drug and Alcohol Community Counsellor - Hunter Region
Drug and Alcohol Community Counsellor - Hunter Region – Bendigo Advertiser
Join our team as a Drug & Alcohol Counsellor to support recovery and community wellbeing. This is a permanent full-time role with a focus on compassionate, person-centred care.
Overview
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 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.
Responsibilities
- 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
About You
- 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
- Australian Citizenship or permanent resident status, or a New Zealand citizen with a current Recent Zealand Passport; visa considerations apply where applicable
- An eligibility list will be created for future permanent or temporary vacancies
- We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position
Employment Details
- 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
- Remuneration: $72,152.53 – $113,226.00 per annum + superannuation + salary packaging
- Requisition ID: REQ
- Applications Close: Monday 22 September 2025
Note: This is a Category A position. Applicants will be assessed against NSW Health policies and may be required to comply with vaccination and screening requirements where applicable.
Additional Information: This role is part of NSW Health and related information is provided for applicants. For role related queries or questions contact Kellie Collinson at
We are unable to sponsor visas for this position.
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📌 Drug and Alcohol Community Counsellor - Hunter Region
🏢 Bendigo Advertiser
📍 Newcastle City Council