About Directions Health Services

Directions Health Services is a leading, innovative non-profit organisation with over 40 years of experience providing specialist alcohol and other drug (AOD) services across the ACT and NSW. Our mission is to reduce the harm experienced by individuals, families, and communities while improving overall health and well-being through a comprehensive range of AOD, mental health, and primary health services.

Our multidisciplinary team includes professionals from diverse backgrounds such as psychiatry, psychology, social work, nursing, counselling, peer support, and Aboriginal health. This diversity enables us to implement innovative, client-centred services tailored to the evolving needs of the communities we serve.

At Directions, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive, inclusive culture that prioritises the well-being of both clients and staff. Our excellent reputation within the AOD, mental health, and primary health sectors is reflected in our high staff retention rates.

About the Role

We are seeking an AOD Practitioner to join our dynamic Treatment and Support Services (TSS) team, based in Woden. TSS provides counselling and case management services both on-site in our Woden office and through outreach programs, meeting the holistic needs of people who use substances and their support networks.

In this role, you will collaborate with clients to improve outcomes and reduce harms associated with alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. This position offers flexibility and can be full-time or part-time to suit the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct intake and assessments for new and returning clients, collaborating to create tailored Individual Treatment Support Plans (ITSPs).
• Provide evidence-based and trauma-informed counselling, case management, and harm reduction support to clients and their families/friends.
• Deliver comprehensive information on treatment options and support services.
• Facilitate therapeutic and support groups, contributing to program development.
• Collaborate with Directions’ programs and external agencies to ensure continuity of care for clients.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including case notes, reports, and outcome measures.
• Prepare support letters and reports for legal, care, and protection matters as required.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and adhere to health and safety protocols.
• For CSE Level 5 Practitioners: Provide mentoring to other AOD practitioners and deliver specialised counselling for clients with complex needs and comorbidities.

What We Offer

• A flexible and supportive work environment.
• Competitive salary aligned with the Community Services Employee (CSE) Level 4-5 scale, plus superannuation, based on qualifications, skills, and experience.
• Generous salary packaging benefits.
• 17.5% leave loading.
• Extensive professional development and training opportunities.

What We’re Looking For

• A qualification in Counselling, Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, or a relevant field.
• Certificate IV in AOD or the AOD Skill Set, or a willingness to obtain.
• Experience in counselling or case management roles.
• Demonstrated understanding of substance use impacts, mental health problems, and comorbidities, along with effective harm minimisation strategies.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic client information systems.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural environments and both independently and as part of a team.

Other Requirements

• Current First Aid and CPR Certificate.
• Satisfactory AFP National Police Check and Working with Vulnerable People Registration.
• Australian Citizenship or suitable work rights.
• A current Driver’s Licence (preferred but not essential).

Submit your application through EthicalJobs, including your current CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the position. If you have temporary or restricted work rights in Australia, please include details in your application. 

For further information about the role please contact our HR Team at [email protected] using the subject line: AOD Practitioner enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Join Our Diverse Team

Directions Health Services values diversity and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and cultures. Research shows women and other marginalised individuals often hesitate to apply for roles unless they meet 100% of the requirements. If you believe you could be a good fit for this position but don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to reach out—we’d love to have a chat!

A position description is attached.