Counsellor (Alcohol and Drug Outpatients Service)

About the role

St Vincent's Hospital Sydney is recruiting a Counsellor (Level 1-2) for its Alcohol and Drug Outpatients Service (ADSOP) in Darlinghurst. This is a permanent, part-time position of 24 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with a pro-rated salary of $79,419 to $113,301 plus superannuation and salary packaging.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver evidence-based assessment, counselling and therapeutic interventions to people who use alcohol and other drugs, supporting their physical, psychological and social wellbeing.
• Conduct psychosocial and mental health assessments, intake consultations, brief interventions and ongoing therapeutic sessions tailored to client needs.
• Develop, implement and review multidisciplinary care plans, coordinate referrals and collaborate with internal and external services.
• Facilitate therapeutic groups, contribute to community development and educate service providers and community stakeholders about stimulant use.
• Take part in clinical reviews, outcome measurement, discharge planning and accurate electronic medical record documentation.
• Support service improvement through supervision, professional development, team meetings, policy development, quality improvement and clinical research.

Required profile

• Tertiary qualification in Psychology, Social Work, Counselling or a related behavioural science discipline, with eligibility for membership of the relevant professional association.
• Demonstrated experience supporting people with alcohol and other drug concerns, including complex needs, using evidence-based therapeutic modalities.
• Strong clinical assessment and intervention skills, including brief interventions for substance use and co-existing mental health issues.
• Sound understanding of health and social factors affecting people who use drugs and contemporary treatment models.
• Commitment to harm reduction and strengths-based, person-centred, recovery-oriented practice.
• Australian or New Zealand citizenship, or an Australia visa granting work rights; visa sponsorship is not available.

Required skills

• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Computer literacy and experience with Microsoft Office and electronic patient record systems.

What we offer

• Competitive pay and not-for-profit salary packaging.
• Study leave and Curran Foundation scholarships.
• Fitness Passport, discounted private health and cultural recognitions.
• Smooth transfer of qualifying service and leave entitlements for NSW Health staff.

Applications close on 12 November 2026; shortlisting starts immediately. Apply with a resume and a brief cover letter, and the role is not open to recruitment agencies.