Hunter Drug & Alcohol Counsellor

Remuneration: $79,419 - $125,507 Per Annum (dependent on qualifications) + 12% Super + Salary Packaging
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Counsellor Lvl 1 ,CounsellorLvl 2, Psychologist, Registered Nurse, Social Worker Lvl 1, Social Worker Lvl 2
Hours Per Week: 38
Location: Westlakes CHS (Toronto and surrounding areas)
Requisition ID: REQ689730
Applications Close: Wednesday 16th September 2026
 

💫 About the Role:

In this role, you’ll draw on your clinical expertise to undertake comprehensive client assessments and develop tailored care and management plans designed to achieve positive outcomes within established timeframes. Working as part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team, you’ll apply sound clinical judgement and evidence-based practice to inform individual case decisions, while confidently prioritising competing demands and responding effectively within a dynamic environment.

You’ll be supported by your Line Manager, Allied Health Lead and experienced colleagues across the DACS team, ensuring you have the guidance and support to thrive in your role. A comprehensive orientation will set you up for success from commencement, with ongoing encouragement and access to professional development opportunities designed to strengthen your skills, broaden your expertise and support your continued career growth.
 

📍 Where You’ll Be Working:

Join the Hunter Drug and Alcohol Counselling Team at Westlakes Community Health Service in Toronto, where you’ll become part of a compassionate and collaborative multidisciplinary team dedicated to supporting individuals and communities across the Greater Newcastle region.

This role offers the opportunity to provide meaningful, face-to-face care while building genuine connections with clients from diverse backgrounds and communities. With regular travel across the region, you’ll take your expertise beyond the clinic and help deliver accessible, person-centred support where it is needed most.

Enjoy the opportunity to broaden your clinical experience, connect with diverse communities and make a tangible difference across the Greater Newcastle area.
 

What we can offer you:

At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also offer:

Supportive and collaborative team environment

Ongoing professional development opportunities across the administrative network

Career progression opportunities within NSW Health

Annual leave and paid parental leave for eligible employees

Salary packaging options to increase take-home pay

Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support wellbeing

Essential 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.
  
   

If this sounds like you, we would love you to apply:

✨ Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly, professionally and with genuine interpersonal warmth.
🌿 Adaptability and resilience, with the confidence to navigate complex, evolving environments while maintaining a calm and considered approach.
🤝 A collaborative spirit, with a strong commitment to teamwork and the ability to thrive within a dynamic multidisciplinary environment.

Bring your dedication, professionalism, and heart for healthcare to our team - we can’t wait to hear from you!

Additional information:

• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.

• Hunter New England Health 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 well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

• At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace.  Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au  for confidential support.  

• To be eligible for employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold an appropriate visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. Employment of a temporary visa holder will only be offered in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.

• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.  

How to apply:
Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.

• Demonstrated skills in drug and alcohol practice including comprehensive assessment, care planning, intervention, evidence based counselling models of care and ability to apply case management principles. 
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development, evidence based practice and continuous improvement. 
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a multi- disciplinary team demonstrated application of professional and ethical boundaries when working with complex situations and minimal supervision.
  
   

Need more information? 

• Click here for the Position Description 
• Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Leeona Moxey on Leeona.Moxey@health.nsw.gov.au