Specialist AOD Counsellor

Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn; Canberra; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary Packaging

Free on-site parking

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Ongoing training and professional dev­

Family-friendly workplace

Meaningful work

Job summary

Marymead CatholicCare is seeking a compassionate counsellor to join our Alcohol & Other Drugs and Community Diversion Program in Canberra. You will deliver tailored counselling and intervention strategies for individuals over 13, applying motivational interviewing and CBT components.

The role emphasizes outreach and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team, with a focus on client-centred care, adherence to safeguarding policies, and ongoing professional development within a

Qualifications

• Accreditation or registration as a psychologist, social worker, or eligible for full membership of ACA or PACFA.
• AOD training equivalent to the four core competencies of Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drug Work.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with diverse client backgrounds.
• Current driver's licence and Working with Vulnerable People Card.
• Ability to work both in teams and independently.

Responsibilities

• Provide assertive outreach and counselling per contract requirements.
• Conduct thorough assessments of clients.
• Maintain accurate case notes and prepare client reports.
• Record client and service data in line with data set requirements.
• Attend team meetings, supervision and training.
• Adhere to policies and procedures in service delivery.

Skills

Counselling

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drug Work

Job description

At Marymead CatholicCare, our Alcohol & Other Drugs and Community Diversion Program plays a crucial role in providing support and guidance to individuals dealing with alcohol and other drug-related issues. We are seeking a compassionate, adaptable and motivated counsellor to join our multidisciplinary team to deliver effective counselling and intervention strategies tailored to individual needs.

About the Role

Specialist AOD Counsellors operate within a therapeutic framework, providing assertive outreach and counselling to individuals over 13 years of age to support reduction or cessation of alcohol and/or other drug use and associated harms. Through this framework, the service will provide individuals with necessary psychological and physical resources to change their drug and alcohol behaviours including components of motivational interviewing, CBT and relapse prevention.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide assertive outreach and counselling to individuals according to contract requirements (caseload of 25 clients).
• Conduction thorough assessments of clients.
• Maintain accurate case notes/files as per policy and procedure.
• Prepare client reports as required.
• Record client and occasion of service data in line with ATOD Treatment Services Miniumum Data Set requirements.
• Attend and actively participate in team meetings, supervision and training.
• Adhere to organisational and program policies and procedures in service delivery.

About You

You are a caring and resilient professional who is passionate about supporting people to achieve their goals. You thrive in a team environment while also being confident working independently.

The ideal person we are looking for has:

• Accreditation or registration as a psychologist, social worker, or be eligible for full membership of a counselling professional body (eg ACA or PACFA).
• Completion of AOD specific training equivalent to at least the four core competencies of Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drug Work (or working towards).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds and an understanding of the key issues facing people accessing AOD services.

You will also require

• A current driver's licence
• A Working with Vulnerable People Card

About Us

Marymead CatholicCare is the social services arm of the Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn. Our mission is to provide quality services by promoting healthy, inclusive communities through relationships, partnerships and collaboration while adhering to our values of Respect, Integrity, Excellence, Care & Compassion, and Inclusivity.

Why Join Us?

At Marymead CatholicCare, you will join a values-driven organisation that genuinely cares about the wellbeing of both clients and staff.

We Offer

• Access to Salary Packaging to boost your income
• Free on-site parking
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you wellbeing
• Ongoing training and professional development
• A family friendly workplace
• Meaningful work that makes a real difference in the community

Closing Date: 26 October 2026

Marymead CatholicCare has a commitment to child safeguarding and zero tolerance to child abuse. Marymead CatholicCare is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Applications are strongly encouraged from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people with a disability; people who identify as LGBTIQ; and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.