Counsellor (YDAS)

Centacare New England North West; Tamworth Regional Council; On-site; AUD 41,000 - 62,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $18,500 per yr

Flexible & supportive culture

Career development opportunities

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

WOW Awards

Job summary

Centacare New England North West in Tamworth, NSW, is seeking a part-time Youth Counsellor (30 hours per week) to deliver recovery-oriented case management, psychosocial counselling and mentoring to young people aged 10–19. You will work with families, carers and local services to develop recovery goals and connect youths with supports.

Responsibilities include intake assessments, developing Individual Recovery Plans, coordinating care and providing education on harm minimisation and overdose

Qualifications

• Diploma in Community Services, Alcohol & Other Drugs, Counselling or equivalent is required.
• Experience supporting young people aged 10–19 with alcohol and other drug issues and mental health concerns.
• Experience providing counselling, case management, psychosocial support or developing individual recovery/treatment plans.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills; ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group AOD counselling and psychosocial support to young people aged 10–19.
• Conduct intake and assessment using harm-minimisation and strengths-based recovery approaches.
• Develop and review Individual Recovery Plans in collaboration with young people and stakeholders.
• Coordinate care and establish referral paths with local health, education and community services.
• Provide early intervention and treatment to support mental health and wellbeing.
• Deliver psycho-education on harm minimisation and overdose prevention.
• Engage young people using respectful, creative approaches to promote help-seeking.
• Collaborate with families, carers and services to address support needs.
• Provide referrals, follow-up and aftercare to maintain engagement.

Skills

AOD counselling

Case management

Psychosocial support

Counselling experience

Interpersonal skills

Education

Diploma in Community Services, Alcohol & Other Drugs, Counselling or equivalent

Job description

Centacare New England North West – Tamworth NSW

6d ago , from Centacare New England North West

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-timeYouth 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.

• 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 Benefits

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.

Applications close at 4 pm on 28th October 2026.

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.