•  Identified position

Drug & Alcohol Counsellor – Innisfail, Queensland.

Employment Type:  Permanent – Full-Time.

Practice Information:
This Community Controlled Aboriginal Health Organisation provides culturally safe and comprehensive healthcare to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Far North Queensland. They're committed to improving the health and wellbeing of their communities—every person, every family, every generation.

Position Description: 
This organisation is seeking a passionate and dedicated Drug & Alcohol Counsellor to deliver holistic, culturally appropriate support to individuals, families, and young people affected by substance use. This community-based role focuses on harm reduction, education, advocacy, and increasing access to drug and alcohol services across the MHSL region. This is an Identified Position, open only to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants under sections 25, 104, and 105 of the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act (1991). 

Key Responsibilities:
Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) Services:

• Deliver client-centred, culturally respectful AOD counselling and intervention services 

• Conduct intake assessments and create care plans tailored to individual needs 

• Provide case management, referrals, and progress monitoring 

• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external agencies 

• Support clients through rehabilitation, court matters, or hospital stays 

• Facilitate access to culturally appropriate AOD resources Improve community awareness and education around drug and alcohol issues 

Community & Support Services 

• Advocate for clients in accessing legal, health, employment, or housing services 

• Assist with building individual and family capacity Support and co-facilitate community-based initiatives such as Men's Groups 

Administration & Reporting 

• Maintain accurate case notes and client files using PIRS (Communicare) 

• Contribute to program reporting, evaluation, and continuous improvement 

• Collect and analyse data to support funding and program development 

What You’ll Bring: 

• Certificate III in Community Services and/or Diploma in Counselling 

• Strong knowledge of AOD issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 

• Excellent communication, empathy, and cultural sensitivity 

• Current QLD Driver’s Licence 

• First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain) 

• Blue Card (Working with Children Check) or ability to obtain 

• Ability to travel within the MHSL service region as needed

After Hours Requirements:  No

Salary Information:
Negotiable, based on level of experience & qualifications.

About Innisfail: 
Innisfail district is approximately 1 hour south of Cairns.  Situated well to access many wonderful tourist destinations, such as the Barrier Reef, Paronella Park and Josephine falls.  Innisfail is surrounded by two World Heritage areas - Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Wet Tropics Rainforest and surrounded by many beaches.

For more information on this position, please contact our team via hws@healthworkforce.com.au.

Please apply via the 'Apply Now' button on this page.

Following successful placement, eligible candidates may be entitled to receive support and financial assistance through Health Workforce Queensland's comprehensive workforce attraction and retention incentives. This position may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary for ongoing professional development.

JOB – 10003823