Job Description
St John of God Social Outreach
As a Mission driven, for purpose organisation, St John of God Health Care's commitment to social justice is part of who we are.
We exist to benefit the community, especially those most in need.
Our free and low cost community services primarily come under the name St John of God Social Outreach comprising of a range of services that provide community mental health, homelessness support and capacity strengthening services that empower individuals, families and communities across Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Timor-Leste to transform their lives.
Join the South West Community Alcohol and Drug Service (SWCADS) as an Alcohol and Drug Counsellor, with permanent full time and part-time opportunities available to professionals with qualifications in Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Psychology or Counselling.
About the role
As an Alcohol and Drug Counsellor, you will provide assessment, counselling and follow-up support to clients seeking assistance with substance use issues.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, your key responsibilities will include:
Conducting assessments and developing individualised treatment plans in collaboration with clients
Providing evidence-based counselling and therapeutic interventions to support clients experiencing substance use issues
Delivering brief interventions, planned treatment and ongoing follow-up support
Applying a harm minimisation approach to client care
Using contemporary therapeutic approaches including motivational interviewing, cognitive restructuring and social learning theories
Providing crisis intervention and responding appropriately to client risk and complex needs
Consulting with and referring clients to appropriate health,



community and human service providers
Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external service providers to support continuity of careMaintaining accurate client records, case notes and relevant documentation
Contributing to service development, quality improvement and positive client outcomes
About you
We are looking for an experienced AOD or mental health professional who can work confidently with clients experiencing substance use issues and complex needs.
You will have:
A relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Psychology or Counselling, with eligibility for membership of the relevant professional organisation
Demonstrated counselling experience within a drug and alcohol and/or mental health setting
A robust understanding of and commitment to harm minimisation
The ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and independently with limited direct supervision
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Experience liaising and building networks with a range of services, particularly Human Services and Health providers
A current First Aid and CPR certification
A willingness and capacity to embrace the Mission and Values of St John of God Health Care and Social Outreach
To be considered for this position, you will require:
Current C Class Driver's Licence




Current Working with Children Check
National Police Clearance or willingness to obtain
Ability to work across various locations as operationally required
We can offer you
Salary: $88,501to $124,464 plus 12% superannuation - Commensurate with your level.
Permanent full-time and part-time positions, working up to 38 hours a week.
Salary packaging up to $18,550 on a range of benefits such as mortgage, rent, meal entertainment, holiday accommodation or other everyday living expenses as well as options to salary package benefits above the FBT cap on items such as:
Novated leasing
work related expenses
self-education and
additional superannuation
A healthy work-life balance through flexible work options, additional purchased leave & well-being programs
Employee discount on St John of God Hospital & Medical Services and Private Health Insurance
Join St John of God Social Outreach and contribute to a service that supports people to make positive changes, strengthen their wellbeing and move towards a healthier future.
For enquiries contact Karen Barrett-Lennard Manager Social Outreach
on **************
If suitable applicants are identified advertisement may close prior to listed date
At St John of God Social Outreach, we celebrate diversity and warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Our commitment is to create a safe and nurturing environment for all children and vulnerable individuals in our care and proactively take steps to protect them from abuse, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Our inclusive culture fosters an environment that is respectful and secure, welcoming and accessible, and unified through our diverse community.

📌 Alcohol & Drug Counsellor (Bunbury)
🏢 St John of God Health Care
📍 Bunbury