About the role: In this role, you’ll get to work in a supportive multi-disciplinary team including a GP, Clinical Psychologist, Mental Health Nurse, Social Worker, Case Workers and Peer Workers to improve the wellbeing of participants. You’ll guide and support participants through The Buttery’s treatment programs and teach skills that bring meaningful and positive change.

Our Residential Therapeutic Community (TC) and Maintenance to Abstinence (MTA) programs are abstinence-based rehabilitation programs that treat adults with substance and other drug misuse. The program’s motto – Community as Method – uses the community to heal individuals emotionally and supports the development of positive behaviours, attitudes, and values of healthy living. You will be supporting the Therapeutic Community treatment model which focuses on social, psychological, and behavioural dimensions of substance use.

Hours and location: The role is 35 hours per week. We are based in Binna Burra, about five minutes from Bangalow. Our team work from Monday to Friday between 8.30am – 5.30 pm. Workday flexibility is offered except for Mondays when we have team meetings together. A four day week can be easily negotiated.

About you: Selection criteria:

1. Diploma qualifications or above in Counselling, AOD, Social Work, Psychology or Community Services. 
2. Licences and checks: A current and valid Driver’s Licence, a current COVID vaccination, satisfactory current Criminal Record Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencement. 
3. Demonstrated AOD experience and counselling skills including the ability to uphold healthy boundaries
4. Experience in delivering psycho educational groups and facilitating group therapy/process groups with a background working with trauma and family systems 
5. Demonstrated proficiency using the Microsoft suite, a variety of databases and video conferencing applications.
6. Desirable criteria: Lived experience of AOD recovery is preferable.

What’s in it for you: 

The Buttery supports its staff with generous work conditions and benefits – whether its ways to make money go further, a great work culture, recognition of First Nations Peoples, or opportunities to develop skills. The Buttery’s reward package includes: 

• Flexible working solutions to support work-life balance. We offer the potential to scale your hours up or down over time. Depending on the role, we support a hybrid work environment and staff work face-to-face, in offices or from home. 
• Six paid annual leave weeks (pro rata) is provided to spend more time on holiday. 
• Internal opportunities to transfer and work in other programs. 
• Training and development opportunities. 
• Access to external clinical supervision for direct service staff. 
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program includes access to an online wellbeing platform and financial and legal advice, free to staff and their immediate family. 
• Salary sacrifice benefits allow a 6-12% increase in take home pay. Staff receive an ATO-approved incentive and can access 15,899 of tax-free salary to pay a mortgage, rent, loan, credit card or school fees. 
• A $2,650 meal and accommodation card. 
• The ability to package computer, phone, or novated vehicle lease costs. 

Find out more: For a position description, see https://www.buttery.org.au/employment-opportunities

For any other queries, please contact [email protected]

This role is remunerated at SCHCDS Level 3 ($38.60ph) depending on qualifications and experience. (For a 38 hour week, this is a package inc. super of over $85k with access to salary packaging to potentially increase your take home pay by another 5k). The role is funded to 30 June 2024 with strong potential for extension.

How to apply: Please email your resume and cover letter addressing each of the six selection criterions listed above as 

In your cover letter, please use each of the 6 selection criteria above as a heading and write a brief paragraph under each one addressing it. Unfortunately, applications that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered.

Applications close: We will be processing applications every few days so we encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience so you don’t miss out! 

About us: The Buttery is a not-for-profit charitable organisation established in 1973.Through residential and community-based programs, we specialise in the treatment of alcohol and other drug misuse and mental health concerns. Our programs are evidence-based, best-practice and informed by the latest research into addiction treatment. We never stop believing in change for the better, and we work constantly to improve the lives of the people we support. 

The Buttery recognises the benefits that diversity and inclusion bring, and encourages people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities to apply to our vacancies. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and CALD and LGBTIQA+ community members are encouraged to apply.