Our Organisation – Who We Are

Since 2001, Centacare, a Social Services Agency of the Catholic Diocese of Armidale, has been a vital part of the local community. We provide a wide range of social welfare services to support individuals, families, and the broader community.

As a Catholic agency, we welcome everyone—regardless of religion, circumstance, ethnicity, economic situation, age, gender, or ability.

Our work is guided by our core values:

Dignity | Community | Cooperation | Support

These principles shape how we deliver programs and support those who need us most.

Role Overview

Our Youth Drug & Alcohol Services (YDaS) program provides early intervention and support to young people aged 10–19 experiencing alcohol and other drug concerns, emerging mental health issues and other social or wellbeing challenges.

We are seeking a dedicated part-time Youth Counsellor to join our team in Tamworth, 30 hours per week. In this role, you will provide recovery-oriented case management, psychosocial counselling, care coordination, therapeutic interventions, psycho-education and mentoring to young people.

You will work collaboratively with young people, their families and carers, and local service providers to identify individual needs, develop recovery goals and connect young people with the services and supports they need to achieve positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide individual and group-based AOD counselling, therapeutic interventions and psychosocial support to young people aged 10–19.
- Undertake comprehensive intake and assessment using a harm-minimisation and strengths-based recovery approach.
- Provide recovery-oriented case management and develop Individual Recovery Plans in collaboration with young people and relevant stakeholders.
- Coordinate care and establish strong referral and communication pathways with local health, education and community services.
- Provide early intervention and treatment to support improved mental health, wellbeing and outcomes for young people experiencing alcohol and other drug concerns.




- Provide psycho-education relating to harm minimisation, alcohol and other drug use and overdose prevention.
- Engage young people using creative, respectful and assertive approaches that promote positive help-seeking.
- Work collaboratively with young people, families, carers and other services to identify and address individual support needs.
- Provide appropriate referrals, follow-up and aftercare to support continuity of care and ongoing engagement.

Maintain accurate client records and documentation in accordance with organisational and program requirements.

Skills & Experience We’re Looking For

Essential Criteria:

- Diploma in Community Services, Alcohol & Other Drugs, Counselling or equivalent, and/or relevant professional experience.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience supporting young people experiencing alcohol and other drug issues, mental health concerns, and related challenges.
- Experience providing counselling, case management, psychosocial support and/or developing individual recovery, treatment or support plans.
- Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build positive, respectful relationships and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.
- Strengths-based, recovery-oriented and person-centred approach, with a current Australian Driver’s Licence and ability to travel as required.

Your Employee Perks

We are committed to the organisation's growth and our team members' well-being. Here’s what you can look forward to:

- Increase Your Take-Home Pay – Access generous salary packaging benefits of up to $18,500 per year for everyday living and entertainment expenses.




- Be Part of Positive Change – Make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and contribute to positive outcomes across the community.
- Flexible & Supportive Culture – Work in a collaborative, inclusive and values-driven environment where your contribution is valued.
- Career Development Opportunities – Expand your skills and advance your career through continuous learning and development opportunities.
- Wellbeing Matters – Enjoy access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing free and confidential counselling and wellbeing support.
- Recognition & Celebration – Be acknowledged for your contributions through our WOW Awards program, celebrating outstanding achievements and impact.

What Happens Next To be considered, please submit:

- A covering letter/statement addressing the Essential Criteria
- Your resume

For more information or role-related queries, contact our P&C; Team at **@centacarenenw.com.au.

Applications close at 4 pm on 28th October 2026.

This is a rolling recruitment process — interviews will be scheduled as suitable applications are received, so don’t wait to apply.

The Diocese of Armidale is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and to preventing those in our care from experiencing abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harm. Centacare is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and adopts a zero-tolerance approach to the abuse of children and vulnerable people.

All individuals working in the name of the Diocese are required to comply with the Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct and to actively contribute to a safe and respectful environment for children and vulnerable persons.

Employment screening requirements apply to this position and include a National Police Check, a valid NSW Working With Children Check, and an NDIS Worker Screening Check where required. These clearances must be maintained throughout employment.

📌 Counsellor (YDAS) (Tamworth)
🏢 Centacare New England North West
📍 Tamworth