At Directions Health Services, we believe every young person deserves access to compassionate, inclusive and non-judgemental support. For nearly 50 years, we’ve been an innovative, not-for-profit organisation providing holistic alcohol and other drug (AOD), mental health and primary health services across the ACT and NSW.

We’re now looking for an AOD Youth Case Manager & Counsellor to join our team at headspace Wagga Wagga, supporting young people aged 12–25 who may be experiencing challenges related to alcohol and other drug use.

About the Role

This is a part-time (52.5 hours per fortnight), fixed term contract until 30 June 2027 with the potential for extension subject to operational needs and funding.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference through a combination of AOD counselling, case management, brief intervention, care coordination and community engagement.

Working as part of the headspace Wagga Wagga multidisciplinary team, you’ll provide accessible, youth-focused support that recognises the individual needs, strengths and circumstances of each young person. You’ll work closely with young people, families, natural supports, headspace clinicians and local services to reduce AOD-related harms, improve wellbeing and connect young people with the right support at the right time.

The role offers variety across in-person, telehealth and outreach services, with opportunities to engage with young people in the places and spaces where they feel most comfortable.

You’ll support young people experiencing a range of co-occurring AOD, mental health, physical health and social challenges, using harm reduction, trauma-informed, strengths-based and person-centred approaches.

What You’ll Do

- Provide individual AOD counselling, case management and brief interventions to young people aged 12–25 and their families.

- Deliver adaptable AOD support through a combination of face-to-face, telehealth and outreach services.

- Complete age-appropriate assessments, screening and outcome measurement to inform client-centred care.

- Provide practical harm reduction information, education and support to young people and their families, carers and friends.

- Coordinate care and referrals with headspace staff and external health, mental health, justice and community services.

- Manage a complex caseload, maintaining regular contact and supporting young people through planned transitions and exits.

- Provide support to young people on waiting lists to maintain engagement and connection with services.

- Conduct outreach in locations where young people live, work, study and spend time.

- Participate in community engagement activities, events and local initiatives that promote early intervention and awareness of available support.

- Facilitate or contribute to group programs where required, including Youth SMART.

- Apply the Family, Carers and Friends (FCAF) framework in your practice.





- Maintain high-quality client documentation, case notes, reports, outcome measures and service data.

- Work collaboratively with the headspace multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated and responsive support.

- Contribute to continuous quality improvement, clinical governance, risk management and safeguarding practices.

- Uphold child safety, mandatory reporting and duty of care requirements.

- Participate in team meetings, professional development and training.

- Build positive relationships with local services and stakeholders to strengthen resources, pathways and opportunities for young people.

About You

We’re looking for someone who combines strong AOD knowledge with genuine passion for working with young people.

You’ll bring

- A minimum Diploma-level qualification in a relevant field such as AOD, Counselling, Community Services or Case Management.

- Completion of the four AOD Skill Set units, or willingness to complete them during your first year.

- Experience in the AOD, youth work or another relevant sector.

- Strong experience providing counselling and brief interventions to vulnerable people using harm reduction, trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches.

- A sound understanding of the impacts of alcohol and other drug use on young people, including the relationship with physical and mental health.

- Knowledge of evidence-based AOD treatment, harm minimisation and harm reduction strategies.

- A genuine interest in working with young people in a developmentally appropriate, person-centred and trauma-informed way.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proactive and hands-on approach.

- Strong critical thinking and assessment skills, with the ability to develop and implement appropriate interventions.

- The ability to manage a complex caseload, prioritise effectively and work autonomously while contributing positively to a small, flexible team.

- Strong collaboration skills and the ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

- Confidence working in a cross-cultural environment and with people from diverse and marginalised backgrounds.

- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and client information management systems.

- A thorough understanding of professional boundaries, ethical practice, confidentiality, policies and procedures.

- A commitment to Directions’ mission, ICARE values and the principles of harm minimisation.

What We Offer

At Directions,



you’ll be part of an organisation that values connection, compassion, acceptance and meaningful change.

We offer

- A supportive, inclusive and values-driven workplace

- Generous salary packaging benefits

- 17½% leave loading

- Ongoing career development and training opportunities
- The opportunity to work alongside a passionate multidisciplinary team

- Community Services Employee (CSE) Level 4

You’ll have the opportunity to:
- Make a genuine difference in the lives of young people and their families.

- Work alongside a multidisciplinary team within the headspace environment.

- Develop your AOD and youth practice through ongoing training and professional development.

- Contribute ideas and participate in service improvement and community engagement.

- Work flexibly across face-to-face, telehealth and outreach settings.

- Be part of a supportive organisation that values diverse perspectives, lived experience and working without judgement.

Essential Requirements

- Current driver's licence.

- Current NSW Working with Children Check.

- Satisfactory National Police Check.

- Current First Aid Certificate, or willingness to obtain.

- Australian Citizenship or suitable rights to work in Australia.

- Willingness to undertake further study, including a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drug Work if required.

Child Safety

Directions Health Services is committed to being a child safe organisation and creating culturally, physically and emotionally safe environments for children and young people. We uphold the NSW Child Safe Standards and our organisational safeguarding and mandatory reporting responsibilities.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re passionate about working with young people, believe in meeting people where they’re at, and want to use your AOD skills to reduce harm and create better pathways to support, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and join Directions Health Services at headspace Wagga Wagga.

Applications can be submitted through Seek and should include a current CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

For further information about the position and for a copy of the position description, please contact our HR department at **@directionshealth.com. Applications close at 5pm, 1 October 2026.

At Directions Health Services, diversity makes us stronger. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, abilities, and lived experiences including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

We also understand that women and other marginalised groups often hesitate to apply unless they meet every criterion. If you’re passionate about what we do and believe you could make a difference, we encourage you to reach out, you might be exactly who we’re looking for.

📌 AOD Youth Case Manager & Counsellor – headspace (Wagga Wagga)
🏢 Directions Health Services
📍 Wagga Wagga