Make a meaningful difference in Aboriginal health, healing and recovery.

FORWAARD Aboriginal Corporation is seeking an experienced AOD Counsellor & Therapeutic Programs Facilitator to join our dedicated team in Darwin.

This is a unique opportunity for a passionate AOD professional who wants the prospect to make a genuine impact. You will be the only dedicated AOD Counsellor onsite, providing specialist therapeutic support while helping shape and develop FORWAARD’s counselling and therapeutic programs.

This is not a role where you simply deliver a pre-existing model. You will have the autonomy to use your expertise, develop resources, introduce innovative therapeutic approaches and contribute to the ongoing growth of our service.

Working closely with our Treatment Manager, you will provide individual counselling, facilitate therapeutic groups and develop programs that support clients on their recovery journey.

About the Role

Your responsibilities will include

- Providing specialist AOD counselling to residential rehabilitation and continuing care clients.
- Managing your own counselling caseload with a high level of professional autonomy.
- Facilitating therapeutic groups and psychoeducation sessions.
- Developing and delivering the General Offender Program.
- Creating therapeutic resources and client education materials.
- Coordinating women’s recovery and wellbeing groups.
- Supporting continuous improvement and reporting requirements.
- Working collaboratively with our culturally diverse team to deliver holistic, trauma-informed care.

About You We are looking for someone who:

- Has strong experience in alcohol and other drug counselling and rehabilitation.
- Has a genuine passion for supporting people impacted by AOD use.
- Enjoys working autonomously and using their professional expertise.
- Has experience developing and facilitating therapeutic programs.
- Is confident managing complex client presentations.




- Understands the importance of culturally safe, trauma-informed practice.
- Values lived experience, cultural knowledge and community connection.

You will bring not only qualifications and experience, but curiosity, compassion and a commitment to walking alongside people on their recovery journey.

About FORWAARD

FORWAARD Aboriginal Corporation is a quality-certified, not-for-profit Aboriginal-controlled organisation established in 1967. We provide culturally safe, holistic rehabilitation and support programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples — and others — seeking to address alcohol and other drug misuse.

Our approach is grounded in respect, cultural safety and empowerment. We believe recovery is strengthened through connection to culture, family, community and personal identity.

What we offer

- 6 weeks annual leave (pro-rata) + salary packaging
- Supportive, values-driven and culturally safe workplace
- Professional development and growth opportunities
- Meaningful work in a respected Aboriginal-controlled organisation
- A role where relationships, trust and humanity genuinely matter
- Chance to shape and develop therapeutic programs.
- A high level of professional autonomy.
- Supportive multidisciplinary team environment.

Applications are encouraged from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with relevant lived experience of recovery, community connection and healing journeys. To request the Position Description, please contact [email protected] or reach out to Vanessa Schuurman, HR Manager, for more information about the role.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria of the role via seek or to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

FORWAARD values diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We welcome unique contributions and perspectives of all people to ensure our workforce is representative of the communities we work with and live in.

📌 AOD Counsellor & Therapeutic Programs Facilitator (Darwin)
🏢 FORWAARD Aboriginal
📍 Darwin