Drug and Alcohol Counsellor

Northern Sydney Local Health District; Hornsby; On-site; AUD 69,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Sydney Local Health District is seeking a Health Clinician to deliver stepped care for individuals affected by alcohol and other drugs, providing brief interventions, assessment, and treatment planning within a supportive, high-performing team.

The role involves initiating and coordinating care, with referrals to allied services as needed, while upholding NSW Health policies and ensuring patient-centred outcomes across the district.

Qualifications

• Recognised qualifications suitable for a mental health professional, such as Psychologist or Counsellor.
• Registration or eligibility for membership with the relevant professional board/association.
• Current NSW Driver’s Licence.

Responsibilities

• This role involves a stepped care approach with brief interventions and comprehensive assessment.
• Initiating and managing planned treatment options, with consultation and referral to other agencies.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support care across the service.

Skills

Clinical knowledge

Mental health assessment

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Mental health professional qualifications

Job description

Join a passionate, supportive, and high-performing team and make a meaningful difference in the lives of people and communities affected by alcohol and other drug use across Northern Sydney Employment Type: Permanent Full Time Position Classification: Health Clinician Level 1/2 Remuneration: Based on Qualification Hours Per Week: 38 Requisition ID: REQ704316

Allied Health Professional Level 1/2: $1,522.06 - $2,171.41 per week Psychologist: $1,603.53 - $2,347.04 per week

Who we are:

We are a health service that touches thousands of lives across the Northern Sydney Local Health District, together as a team of like-minded people. We are passionate, driven and have the skills and knowledge to care for our patients whilst creating the best services possible. Our teams have meaningful, interesting and rewarding work everyday. We challenge and nurture each other, sharing our knowledge and experience so that we can deliver better care for everyone There’s a real sense of belonging here because we value and respect our patients, employees, and teams’ voices. You’ll feel a real privilege being a trusted caregiver in our patients, their families, their carers, and our communities’ lives. Innovation is at our core, with opportunities for research driven evidence based practice, ensuring our work remains engaging and fulfilling. Clear pathways for career progression, supported by training secondments, recognition and mentorship, empower employee and leaders alike to reach their professional goals. Join us on a journey to a place where every achievement is celebrated and every opportunity is embraced. NSLHD is proud of our diverse and inclusive workplaces, a place where health care professionals can thrive and feel they belong. We are committed to ensure that all our people feel respected and participate safely within a work environment without aggression, sexual harassment, discrimination and racism.

Where you'll be working

RNS Community Health Centre

What you'll be doing

This role will involve a stepped care approach with brief interventions, comprehensive assessment, initiating and managing planned treatment options, consultation and referral to other agencies.

Candidates will need to meet the following criteria:

• Recognised qualifications suitable for a mental health professional, such as Psychologist or Counsellor, with current registration through the relevant Professional Board of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, or eligibility for Membership for Social Workers with the AASW. Hold a current NSW Driver’s Licence.
• Demonstrated current clinical knowledge and experience to effectively manage clinical issues in the assessment and treatment of people with drug and alcohol problems.
• Previous experience in the assessment and/or management of people with co-morbid substance use disorders and mental health problems.

People of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background are encouraged to apply.

For role related queries or questions contact Andrew Oehlers on [e-mail]

This is a NSW Health Category A position which requires immunisation and screening for certain diseases. The full list of requirements are outlined in the NSW Health OASV Policy (Page 11). You will be required to complete the OASV Undertaking/ Declaration Form and TB Assessment Tool during the recruitment process. Please upload this with your application along with any other vaccination evidence that you may have. NSW Health is committed to implementing the Child Safe Standards. The team enriching health in millions of ways every day.

Applications Close: 13 November 2026

Tentative Interview Date: 23 November 2026