About the role

The key function of the AOD Counsellor position is to provide counselling and support to people with alcohol and other drug problems on their pathway to recovery.

Aligning to the Victorian AOD service standards guidelines, the position will provide assessment, brief intervention, counselling, and referral within a family inclusive framework. You will be required to work collaboratively with other health and wellbeing service providers, both internally and externally, to enhance outcomes for clients and their families in line with their choices.

In the role you will:

• Provide high quality engagement, treatment and support services to individuals and their families, using best practice principles.
• Develop individual treatment plans and provide effective and high-quality counselling interventions.
• Using a harm reduction approach provide information and education to clients to help reduce the harms associated with substance use on themselves and those around them.
• Provide flexible Care and Recovery service coordination and support to clients and family members.
• Provide assertive referrals e.g. financial counselling/literacy, allied health and self-help groups to support client recovery where needed.
• Facilitate a range of support programs for clients, families and carers, in individual and group format
• Identify any risks to vulnerable children, working with families to develop safety plans and facilitate referrals where needed to promote child safety and wellbeing
• Work with clients and their families to develop realistic goals that align to their individual preferences, including consideration of supports that may be needed post discharge
• Provide secondary consultation to other health professionals including the provision of offsite assessments, where needed to facilitate clients’ access to AOD treatment.

About you:

• Diploma of AOD preferred, but minimum requirement is Certificate IV in AOD
• Minimum of three years’ experience in the provision of counselling services with AOD clients with complex needs, including clients within the criminal justice system.
• Demonstrated understanding of current Australian alcohol and drug treatment philosophy of “harm minimisation” essential.
• Demonstrated ability to formulate treatment plans and implement interventions with clients /families, addressing their range of alcohol and/or other drug use issues, including clients with complex psychosocial needs.
• Well-developed verbal and written communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Capacity to develop collaborative and productive working relationships with internal and external service providers and stakeholders.
• Capacity to maintain up to date file records and data collection processes as required.
• Current Victorian Driver’s Licence preferred.

For a copy of the Position Description, please see attached or visit our Careers page.

About Inspiro

Inspiro is a not-for-profit community health service based in the Yarra Ranges. We’ve been delivering responsive, affordable and accessible care to our community for more than 26 years.

We provide friendly and client-centred allied health, counselling, dental and health promotion services that enhance and improve the health and wellbeing of our locals in the outer east of Melbourne.

Why work with us?

• Wellbeing is our priority - we’re committed to a culture that values and supports staff wellbeing. All our leaders are trained in mental health first aid and our wellbeing initiatives are ever evolving and promoted across our organisation with a Health & Wellbeing Committee and of course our Employee Assistance Program.
• Attractive remuneration - receive a generous salary and benefits, including NFP salary packaging, meal and entertainment and novated lease.
• Great team culture - we promote a collaborative approach across Inspiro and understand that by embracing hybrid models of work where possible, our staff can benefit from a flexible, family-friendly, and outcome-focused culture and bring their whole selves to work.
• Ongoing professional development - we invest in workforce development and provide opportunities for our staff to grow and enhance the way we work and provide services.
• Everyone is welcome - Inspiro encourages a diverse and inclusive culture where individual differences and intersecting identities are respected and celebrated.
• Free onsite car parking & accessible public transport - we have free onsite car parking and are also close to Lilydale and Belgrave train stations.

To Apply

To submit your application please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date.

If you have any questions, please get in touch via email [email protected] using the subject line: AOD Counsellor / Clinician enquiry via EthicalJobs.

We’re keen to recruit for this role ASAP, so we’ll shortlist as applications are received. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No agencies please.

We welcome Everyone. Inspiro is committed to an inclusive workforce and celebrates the value of difference and diversity. We encourage applications from people of all abilities and ages, First Nations people and people of all cultures. We also encourage people to apply who have a lived experience of mental health challenges so that our workforce can better connect with our community and drive collaborative and innovative healthcare improvements.

To be the successful candidate you must:

• meet the position requirements,
• undertake a current Police Record Check,
• hold an Employee Working with Children Check, and
• meet the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Inspiro may request additional background checks subject to current legislation.