At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals struggling with alcohol and drug use through personalised care and innovative interventions.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at Northern NSW Local Health District, dedicated to community health.
- Benefits: Enjoy salary packaging, fitness discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible work culture with opportunities for career growth and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualifications in psychology, counselling, or social work required.
The predicted salary is between 83670 - 122465 $ per year.
With a rewarding career in alcohol and other drugs, you can be part of the vibrant and professional team enriching health in millions of ways every day.
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Psychologist, Counsellor Lvl 1/2, Social Worker Lvl 1/2
Remuneration: $83,670 - $122,465 per annum, dependent on qualifications
Hours Per Week: 38
This position will be based in Ballina providing outreach to Maclean, Evans Head and Lismore as required.
Looking for a way to make a real impact on our community? Be at the forefront of a dynamic workforce utilising innovative, evidence-based skills and interventions to professionally support people requesting assistance with alcohol and drug use. The alcohol and other drugs team work for the greater good through an open, flexible and dynamic, strengths-based approach. We listen to understand, not label.
About the role
Working to minimise the harmful effects of substance use on people, by providing and maintaining a high standard of individualised client care through the development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Service for patients accessing the service. A counsellor position in the alcohol and other drugs sector offers a challenging and rewarding specialisation. It provides the opportunity to take pride in the field, with a strong focus on human rights and intellectually stimulating work.
Inclusive and committed team
We are an inclusive and committed team where staff are encouraged to bring their whole self to work and are proud that our team is as diverse as the vibrant communities we support. Your contribution as a healthcare professional will have a meaningful and positive impact, which is felt at a community level.
About Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD)
We are a healthcare community, caring for the people of the Northern Rivers. We understand that high quality healthcare and quality of life go hand in hand. Our hospitals, and our community health and multipurpose services are a well-balanced modern network truly connecting the communities we serve across the Tweed, Richmond, and Clarence Valleys. If you care about high quality healthcare and quality of life, we encourage you to join us.
You care. We care. Learn more about NNSWLHD here.
Join our team and you’ll enjoy:
- Salary packaging and novated leasing – increase your take-home pay
- Fitness discounts – focus on your health and wellbeing
- Growth – access to professional and personal development
- Team culture – work in a collaborative, flexible and supportive team environment
- Opportunities to start or build a career, or re-enter the workforce
Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day.
Applications Close: 21 October 2026
NNSWLHD embraces the diverse skills and perspectives that our people bring to the workplace. We foster inclusiveness and diversity to help us deliver quality care to our community. NNSWLHD is committed to reconciliation and strongly encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this position. All applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will be viewed most favourably.
For help with your application to this role visit Stepping Up, our online recruitment resource for Aboriginal people. To apply for this position, you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or be able to independently, legally live and work in Australia.
This is a Category A position. To be employed by NSW Health you are required to provide evidence of vaccination to comply with the NSW Health Occupational Assessment, Screening & Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases Policy (PD2024_015). You may be subject to a probationary period of six months from the date of appointment to this position. This recruitment may be used to create an Eligibility List for similar roles in the future.
Counsellor, Alcohol and Other Drugs Service employer: NSW Health
St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises compassion and community service. Located in the vibrant Darlinghurst area, employees benefit from competitive pay, not-for-profit salary packaging, and flexible working arrangements, including two days of remote work each week. With a strong focus on professional growth, staff have access to study leave, scholarships, and wellness programs, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in healthcare.
