Counsellor - Illawarra Drug and Alcohol Service (iDAS)

Find purpose and passion in your career with Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.

$39.01 - $58.52 per hour + 12% super & salary packaging | 2 x Temporary Part Time vacancies 14 hours per week | Illawarra Drug & Alcohol Service (iDAS) Wollongong | REQ612493 | Grade: Psychologist, Social Worker Level 3 | Applications close: 31 October 2025

Join us in shaping healthier futures. Together we can do more.

As part of the Drug and Alcohol service, you'll play a critical role in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care to individuals and their families facing substance misuse challenges. You'll work closely with clients, their families, and carers to help develop resilience and assist in improving general health and well being. If you're committed to working alongside our consumers and making an impact in the field of Drug and Alcohol, this role offers a rewarding opportunity to develop your expertise and make a lasting contribution to our community.

The clinician is responsible for the provision of person centred; evidence-based care that promotes positive health outcomes. They will assess, plan, implement and evaluate care in collaboration with clients and the multidisciplinary healthcare team.

The clinician will work in therapeutic and professional relationships with clients, as well as families, groups, and communities within the Drug & Alcohol Service. Staff are expected to act as an appropriate and effective role model and promote culture and supporting practices that reflect the NSW Health CORE values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment through demonstrated behaviours and interactions with patients, clients, and employees.

This position will predominantly work within our Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) team.

For more information and to view the position classification, see the Position Description here.

A little about us.

From Helensburgh in the north to North Durras in the south, ISLHD covers an area of 5,687 square kms. That’s 5,687 square kms of beautiful beaches, coastal cycling tracks, lush rainforests, incredible bushwalks and friendly people. The region is also host to many annual food, wine and arts festivals and events.

Located on Dharawal and Yuin Country, ISLHD operate seven hospital sites, employ over 8,500 staff and provide community health services across 58 locations. Commute times are short, childcare and schooling options are plentiful, and Sydney and Canberra are close by.

Benefits of working with ISLHD.

We understand that balancing career aspirations with the demand of the everyday, as well as maintaining a healthy work-life balance, can be a challenge. To help with this, we offer a range of benefits which include:

-          Allocated Days Off (ADO) - once a month take a paid day off (eligible full-time employees)

-          Salary packaging - less tax and more take-home pay

-          Novated leasing - lease a car and pay for all running costs out of your pre-taxed salary (eligible full-time employees)

-          Fitness Passport - discounted gym membership that both you and your family can enjoy (eligible employees)

-          Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - free confidential and professional assistance for staff and their families

-          Career progression, professional development and secondment opportunities

Apply now by reading the Position Description, then, using our online portal, submit a resume and answer the selection criteria within the application. In addition, please note you must have the following essential requirements:

-          Applicable vaccination requirements for a Category A role.

-          Working With Children Check (WWCC)

-          Current AHPRA Registration as a Psychologist or

-          Social Work degree and eligibility for the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

-          Valid NSW Drivers Licence

This is a temporary leave relief position until 27 September 2025 with the possibility of extension.

ISLHD is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

ISLHD is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

Need more information or help applying?

-          Visit the ISLHD website for application tips, to learn more about ISLHD and other important application information.

-          Visit the Stepping Up website here. Stepping Up supports Aboriginal people to navigate the recruitment process and find a career or employment in NSW Health.

-          Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

-          For role-related queries or help applying, contact ​James Mulholland on james.mulholland@health.nsw.gov.au