Drug and Alcohol Counsellor - NENW

Support recovery and change lives - become a Drug & Alcohol Counsellor in Armidale or Tamworth and make a real impact every day

Remuneration: $36.39 - $57.10 per hour (dependent on qualifications) + superannuation + salary packaging
Location: Negotiable - Armidale or Tamworth
Employment Type: Permanent Part Time
Position Classification: Counsellor Level 1/2, Social Worker Level 1/2, Psychologist, Registered Nurse
Hours Per Week: 18
Requisition ID: REQ587588
Applications Close: Thursday 10th July 2025

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:

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero 
• Proximity to shopping and other services 
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees) 
• Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife balance 
• Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing 
• Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members 
• Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals 
  
  

About the role:

We’re looking for a committed and compassionate Drug and Alcohol Counsellor to join our dedicated team, ideally in Armidale but with Tamworth also an option. In this meaningful role, you’ll provide counselling and support to people facing substance use challenges, helping them move toward healthier and more empowered lives.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you’ll deliver client-centred care while collaborating with supportive and experienced colleagues across the district. You will:

• Provide counselling and case management for clients experiencing alcohol and other drug-related issues.
• Work independently to manage referrals and schedule client appointments.
• Participate in outreach services to surrounding communities, broadening the reach of our care.
• Engage in ongoing education, including monthly training sessions and clinical supervision.
• Be supported by senior clinicians who offer mentorship and professional guidance.

You will receive a comprehensive orientation and ongoing professional development opportunities, with clinical supervision and regular educational programs available to support your growth. We are proud to foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture committed to learning and support.

Requirements:

• Must hold a degree in Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, 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.

Additional Information:

• To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa. 
• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent part time and temporary part time vacancies. 
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
• 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. 

Need more information?

  1) Click here for the Position Description
  2) Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Patricia Skelton on Patricia.Skelton@health.nsw.gov.au

 Information for Applicants:

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2 
 
Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp 
 
This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy