Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) Counsellor
Team: Alcohol & Other Drugs
Employment: Full-time, Ongoing
Reports to: Clinical Lead - Alcohol & Other Drugs
Salary: $46.70 - $50.25 per hour / $92,286.48 - $99,294.52 per annum (FTE)
Change is possible.
At Ballarat Community Health, we support people experiencing challenges with alcohol and other drug use to build healthier, safer and more meaningful lives.
Recovery looks different for everyone. Sometimes it's helping someone take their first step towards change. Sometimes it's supporting them through setbacks, rebuilding relationships, or finding hope when things feel overwhelming.
We're looking for a counsellor who can build genuine connections, see strengths where others see barriers, and support people to create meaningful change in their lives.
Is this you?
You:
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believe people deserve to be treated with dignity, respect and without judgement.
- build trust easily and create a safe space for people to have honest conversations.
- understand that change is rarely linear and are comfortable supporting people through setbacks as well as successes.
- are curious, compassionate and genuinely interested in understanding each person's story.
- are confident working with alcohol and other drug concerns, as well as the broader challenges that can accompany them, including mental health, trauma, grief and loss, and family violence.
- enjoy working both independently and as part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team.
hold relevant qualifications in Social Work, Counselling or a related discipline.
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Your new role
You'll provide evidence-based counselling and support to individuals and families experiencing the impacts of alcohol and other drug use.
The role includes comprehensive assessment, treatment planning, individual counselling, family counselling, group work and care coordination. You'll work closely with clients to identify their goals, build on their strengths and support their recovery journey.
As part of the Grampians regional AOD consortium, you'll collaborate with a range of services and professionals to ensure clients receive the support they need.
You'll also have opportunities to contribute to community education, build partnerships across the region and support improved understanding of alcohol and other drug issues within the community.
What makes our team different?
We genuinely care about the people we work with, the people we support, and each other.
We're an innovative, flexible and responsive team that values collaboration, learning and sharing ideas. We know the work can be challenging, so we support each other through the tough days and celebrate the wins together.
We don't take ourselves too seriously, but we take what we do very seriously.
This is a team where you'll be supported, valued and encouraged to bring your ideas, strengths and personality to work.
Why Ballarat Community Health?
For more than 45 years, Ballarat Community Health has been supporting people to live healthier, more connected lives. We're a not-for-profit community health organisation with around 300 staff across Ballarat and the Western Region.
If you’d like to know more about us visit our website http://www.bchc.org.au/
Our staff benefits include:
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Salary packaging benefits of up to $18,500 per year
- Flexible working arrangements
- Professional development and learning opportunities
- A supportive and values-driven workplace
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference in your community
If you're looking for meaningful work, a supportive team and the opportunity to help people create lasting change, we'd love to hear from you.
Further information, applications, and accessibility
For a confidential discussion, please contact Claire Coutts, Clinical Lead - Alcohol and Other Drug Services on telephone 03 5338 4583
Applications close NO LATER THAN 11.59pm on Wednesday 22 July 2026.
Please note we are actively seeking candidates for this role and will review applications as they are received. Interviews may commence before the closing date, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. Ballarat Community Health reserves the right to close this advertisement early if a suitable candidate is identified.
BCH is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact the People and Culture team at [email protected] and let us know.
Safety and inclusion
BCH takes the safety, dignity and wellbeing of children, older people and vulnerable people seriously. We expect all staff to uphold these standards in their work.
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We value different life experiences and perspectives and provide care to all members of our community, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, cultural background, disability or sexual orientation.
Be more than part of your community - be someone making a difference for people in your community. Apply now!
