Job Category: Community Services and Development
Who We Are
Since 2001, Centacare, a Social Services Agency of the Catholic Diocese of Armidale, has been a vital part of the local community. We provide a wide range of social welfare services to support individuals, families, and the broader community.
As a Catholic agency, we welcome everyone—regardless of religion, circumstance, ethnicity, economic situation, age, gender, or ability.
Our work is guided by our core values:
Dignity | Solidarity | Subsidiarity | Common Good
These principles shape how we deliver programs and support those who need us most.
Job Description
What This Role Involves
As a Youth Counsellor within the Youth Drug & Alcohol team, you will deliver recovery-oriented support for young people aged 10–19 years. Your work will include:
* Recovery-focused case management
* Psychosocial counselling
* Care coordination
* Individual and group‐based psychoeducation
* Mentoring and early intervention
Your focus is to support young people experiencing mental health challenges, alcohol and other drug concerns, primary health issues, or social and educational barriers.
Key Responsibilities
* Use creative and assertive approaches to engage young people and promote positive help‐seeking.
* Identify and assess young people (ages 10–19) needing support using the COMS assessment and a strengths‐based recovery framework.
* Conduct comprehensive intake assessments applying harm‐minimisation principles and identifying risks, needs, strengths, and psychosocial history.
* Provide early intervention and treatment to improve mental health and social wellbeing for youth with AOD concerns.
* Develop and monitor individual treatment plans, ensuring flexibility and collaboration with stakeholders.
* Provide individualised case management through Individual Recovery Plans.
* Deliver individual and/or group AOD counselling, therapeutic interventions, and psychosocial support.
* Provide psychoeducation regarding harm minimisation and overdose prevention.
* Collaborate with young people, families/carers, and local service providers through shared decision‐making.
* Support aftercare planning, referrals, and ongoing engagement to ensure continuity of care.
Desired Skills and Experience
Your Employee Benefits
We are committed to organisational growth and the wellbeing of our team. Here's what you can look forward to:
* Tax‐free salary packaging – up to $18,500 for general living and entertainment expenses to increase your take‐home pay
* Support Growth & Transformation – contribute to a dynamic organisation undergoing positive change
* Flexible & Inclusive Workplace – join a supportive, collaborative and development-focused team
What You Bring to the Table
* Minimum Diploma in Community Services Alcohol & Other Drugs, Counselling, or equivalent experience
* Knowledge of youth AOD issues, mental health, and consumer rights
* Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
* Experience developing and implementing individual recovery plans
* Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
Your Next Move
To be considered, please submit:
* A cover letter/statement addressing the Essential Criteria
This is a rolling recruitment process — interviews will be scheduled as suitable applications are received, so don't wait to apply!
Applications close: 4:00 PM, Wednesday 25th February 2026
Centacare is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults. Employment screening checks—including Working With Children Checks and National Criminal History Checks—are mandatory for all staff working with young people or adults at risk.
Click Apply below to submit your application via SEEK and join a team that values dignity, solidarity, and the common good.
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