Drug and Alcohol Counsellor

• Full time, 76 hours per fortnight located in Karratha
• Competitive Salary $82,043.52 – $88,287.68 + regional allowance of up to $20,000 per/annum
• Salary sacrifice benefits

HOPE has been a community service in Western Australia for over a century, providing much needed support to people affected by alcohol and other drugs, mental ill-health, youth justice issues and socioeconomic disadvantage. 

We have an exciting opportunity for a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor to join the Pilbara Community Alcohol and Drug Service team! The position is full time, working Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 16:30pm.

Relocation allowance possible for the right candidate.

About the Opportunity 

The Counsellor / Educator provides assessment, counselling, case management, education, and support to individuals, families, significant others dealing with the impact of alcohol and other drug use and mental health problems or mental illness. 

Requirements of the Role: 

• Provide screening / assessment, counselling, education, support, advocacy, case management, and where appropriate referrals to other agencies to meet the client’s goals.  
• Provide respectful support and effective interventions for people who experience mental health concerns or mental illness as well as problems related to AOD use.  
• Provide assessment in court for the WA Diversion Program, and targeted interventions, reports, advocacy, and referral for people who participate in Court and Police Diversion Programs.  
• Work in a culturally secure and appropriate way, following the Strong Spirit, Strong Mind -Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Framework For Western Australia 2011-2015. 
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records, and actively participate in quality audits, including data validation and review. 
• Participate in community prevention activities, interagency and service coordination meetings as requested / required. 

About you:

• Commitment to upholding HOPE’s vision, mission and values. 
• Commitment to work in culturally secure and competent ways  
• Ability to work in a team as well as autonomously to meet funding deliverables. 
• Experience in case management, and client record management.   
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with a diverse range of people and professionals and manage difficult situations. 
• An understanding of and commitment to working within professional boundaries and client confidentiality. 
• Ability and capacity to travel to deliver outreach services, which will include overnight stays depending on distance. 

Desirable Criteria: 

• Tertiary qualification in health, education, behavioural/social sciences, youth work, health/mental health nursing or approved equivalent, with demonstrated experience. 
• Experience in the Alcohol and Other Drug or Mental Health sector. 
• Good understanding of the complex needs of clients who experience co-occurring AOD, physical and mental health problems.  
• A broad understanding of the challenges and experiences of people in regional Australia. 
• Sound knowledge of harm reduction practices. 
• Knowledge of the physical, mental, legal, and social impacts of alcohol and other drugs. 
• Knowledge of Diversion and Prevention work. 

Appointments will be subject to Australian residency/visa, satisfactory National Police check, Current C or A class driver’s license, First Aid Certificate, and suitable work referee.

Our Culture  

Hope strives to provide a safe workplace and promotes progressive policies that prioritise the health, safety and unique needs of our team. Hope’s ambition is to be an employer of choice by supporting staff to grow, learn, innovate and achieve their potential. We invest in developing our people to sustain the workforce built on ‘growing our own’. 

Find out more about Hope on our  website. 

If you need support to submit your application, please email [email protected]  

Your benefits  

Knowing you are making a real difference in your community and being in a team that celebrates your successes and supports you during challenges. 

Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay).   

Discounts with a major health insurance provider. 

We offer employees and their family members access to a confidential, and professional counselling service.

What to expect next  

We vow to respond to every candidate that applies for a role at Hope/headspace.  

If your application is shortlisted, you will receive a phone call to discuss your skill further and may be invited to attend an interview either online or in person at our local office/Hub.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply

HOPE acknowledges and welcomes diversity in all its forms amongst staff and clients, including culture, language, race, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex variations, religion, and socio-economic and relationship status.

To apply online, please click on the appropriate link below. Alternatively, for a confidential discussion, please contact Ansume Lane on , quoting Ref No. 1139632.