Drug and Alcohol Counsellor (Counsellor, Social Worker, Welfare Officer Lvl 1-2, Psychologist) - Perm FT or Temp PT
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- Mental Health Clinician
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- REQ689460 Requisition #
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- 13 hours ago Post Date
Requisition ID: REQ689460
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time, 38 hours per week or Temporary Part Time (minimum hours 24 hours per week), up until April 2027 - Temporary roles are available to visa holders, with contracts issued in accordance with visa conditions. Visa holders will be considered where no suitable Australian citizen or permanent resident is identified.
Remuneration: Dependent on Qualification
- Counsellor (Level 1) - $40.05 - $46.80 per hour
- Counsellor (Level 2) - $49.89 - $57.14 per hour
- Psychologist - $42.19 - $61.76 per hour
- Social Worker (Level 1) - $40.05 - $46.80 per hour
- Social Worker (Level 2) - $49.89 - $57.14 per hour
- Welfare Officer (Level 1) - $40.05 - $46.80 per hour
- Welfare Officer (Level 2) - $49.89 - $57.14 per hour
In addition to base salary, all roles attract 12% Superannuation + Salary Packaging + Flexible Working (subject to approval)
Location:
Full-time position: Liverpool Drug Health Services: Level 2, 157-161 George St, Liverpool, NSW &Fairfield Drug Health Services: Cnr Restwell & Prairievale Roads, Prairiewood NSW 2176
Part-time position: Bankstown Community Health Centre 36-38 Raymond St, Bankstown, NSW, 220
Applications close: 06/09/2026
Contact: Dorota Kuchar - Acting Team Leader Intake and Community Counselling Services on Dorota.Kuchar@health.nsw.gov.au or call on 0476 830 375
With your skills and experience, you can contribute to the millions of ways we're enriching health, and develop your career as part of the largest health organisation in Australia.
Achieve Something Great
As a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor, you'll have the opportunity to support positive change in the lives of individuals, families and communities while building your expertise within a specialist and rewarding area of healthcare. Join a dedicated community-based team committed to delivering high-quality care and improving health outcomes across South Western Sydney.
Please note: Flexible working arrangements may be considered (after a three month probationary period), with flexibility around days of work for part-time positions and working hours for both part-time and temporary positions.
- Make a meaningful difference by supporting people experiencing drug and alcohol-related issues to improve their health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
- Deliver high-quality, person-centred, and trauma-informed care, using evidence-based counselling and psychological interventions tailored to individual needs.
- Work with diverse and complex presentations, providing a rewarding clinical role where every client brings unique needs, goals, and opportunities for therapeutic work.
- Grow your clinical expertise through clinical supervision, professional development, and opportunities to build specialist skills in the Drug and Alcohol space.
- Be part of a supportive community-based team of clinicians across South Western Sydney Local Health District, working collaboratively with colleagues and a range of health and community stakeholders.
Are You the Right Fit?
You are a compassionate and motivated clinician who is committed to supporting individuals experiencing drug and alcohol-related issues. With strong communication and clinical skills, you build effective therapeutic relationships, work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and deliver high-quality, person-centred care in a community setting.
Based across our Liverpool, Fairfield and Bankstown Drug Health Services within South Western Sydney Local Health District, you will support clients through structured counselling interventions tailored to individual needs. Community-based counsellors typically provide individual counselling for up to 12 weeks, with flexibility to extend support where clinically indicated and appropriate. Services are delivered primarily face-to-face, with telehealth available when clinically suitable to meet client needs.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Strong clinical assessment, formulation and risk-management skills, with the ability to respond effectively to diverse and complex presentations using evidence-based drug and alcohol counselling approaches and harm reduction principles.
- The ability to build effective therapeutic relationships and deliver high-quality, person-centred counselling interventions tailored to individual client needs and goals.
- Confidence working independently while exercising sound clinical judgement and recognising when to seek support, consultation or guidance to ensure safe and effective clinical care.
- Well-developed communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with health professionals, community services and other support providers to promote continuity of care and positive client outcomes.
- A commitment to maintaining accurate clinical documentation, participating in clinical review and quality improvement activities, and developing specialist knowledge and skills within the Drug and Alcohol sector.
Selection Criteria
To help us assess your suitability for the role, please tell us as much as you can about yourself in response to the questions below.
- Tertiary qualification as a Registered Psychologist, Social Worker, Counsellor, or Welfare Officer, which provides eligibility for membership with a professional organisation and or current registration with AHPRA where applicable
- Can you provide an example of a client with complex needs and drug and alcohol concerns that you have supported? How did you assess their needs and risks and develop a tailored treatment plan and interventions?
- Can you provide an example of how you collaborated with other health professionals or support services to meet the needs of a client with complex needs? How did you ensure effective communication and continuity of care?
Applicants must possess an Australian C-Class driver's license (including P1 or P2). Those who hold a C class license (P1 or P2 included) from a state other than NSW must obtain a NSW C class (P1 or P2 included) license within three months of appointment. Learner's licenses are not permitted.
If you’d like more details, we’re here to help.
Position Information
Applicants will be assessed against the criteria in the Position Description.
How to Apply
Read our application guide and tips for improving your application.
Diversity, Culture & Inclusion
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer dedicated to accessibility and a supportive recruitment experience. If you require adjustments or assistance during the application process, please contact SWSLHD-EmploymentHub@health.nsw.gov.au
We value the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our workforce and are committed to fostering a respectful and welcoming environment. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, neurodivergent individuals, those from Refugee, multicultural and multifaith backgrounds, and members of the LGBTQI+ community.
Aboriginal Workforce
For Aboriginal candidates who would like to talk to our Aboriginal Workforce Team, please contact SWSLHD-AboriginalWorkforce@health.nsw.gov.au. Support is also available through the Stepping Up website.
More Than Just a Job – Why Work With Us?
Financial Perks
12% superannuation
Salary packaging and novated leasing via Smart Salary
Annual leave with 17.5% leave loading (for full-time and part-time staff)
One extra day off each month for full-time employees
Work-Life Balance
Flexible work options, including hybrid and varied hours (depending on the role)
Paid maternity and parental leave
Generous leave options like long service and carers leave
Grow Your Career
Access to learning opportunities through our dedicated Education and Organisational Development team, who support staff with training, workshops, and career development programs.
Health & Wellbeing
Discounted gym membership through Fitness Passport
Free and confidential support for staff and their families via our Staff Wellbeing and Support Service (EAP)
Wellbeing programs that promote mental health, resilience, and balance
Additional Information
Vaccination Requirements
All staff must meet NSW Health’s vaccination and screening requirements before starting.
Child Safe Employment
South Western Sydney Local Health District 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.
Temporary Positions
For fixed-term or temporary contracts, there may be opportunities for ongoing permanent employment, subject to policy and organisational requirements.
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