Counsellor (Occupational Therapy or Social Work) - Drug Alcohol and Addiction
Dandenong, VIC, AU, 3175
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About the Role
Join our SECADA team as a Counsellor in our drug and alcohol services based at Thomas Street, Dandenong, on a full time permanent basis.
In this role, you’ll support a case load of consumers, working closely with the Team Leader and/or Community Service Manager of the Service. You’ll also collaborate with a range of stakeholders to meet the needs of the young people and/or adults providing comprehensive standard or complex drug and alcohol counselling to both self-referred and forensic consumers. The Service also provides Intake & Assessment; Care and Recovery Coordination; and referrals to Residential (detox) Withdrawal and Rehabilitation Services.
About Us
The Monash Health Drug & Alcohol Service (MHDAS) aims to reduce drug use and its associated harms, improve physical and mental health, and strengthen connections to family and community. Operating through the Mental Health Program, MHDAS serves the Cities of Greater Dandenong, Casey, and the Shire of Cardinia, with sites in Dandenong, Pakenham, Cranbourne, and Berwick.
Services offered include:
- Community Residential Withdrawal
- Primary Health Clinic
- Needle Syringe Program
- Mobile Overdose Response & Drug Safety
- Proactive Overdose Response & Naloxone Subsidy
- Aboriginal Metropolitan ‘Ice’ Partnership
- Youth Supported Accommodation and Outreach
- Peer Led Network Trials
- Assessment, Counselling, and Non-residential Withdrawal
The SECADA-funded Drug and Alcohol Counsellor Worker role provides evidence-based therapeutic interventions for individuals addressing substance use, including court-mandated referrals. Clinicians support harm reduction, motivation for change, and address biopsychosocial factors contributing to substance use. SECADA offers a single point of contact for a network of specialist services, including Windana, Taskforce, and Monash Health.
About You
To ensure your success in this role you will bring the following demonstrated skills, experience and knowledge:
- High level of interpersonal and communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to work independently or collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
- Demonstrate emotional self-control and adaptability in complex or challenging situations
- Proven ability to engage stakeholders effectively
- Ability to maintain and foster relationships with appropriate internal and external stakeholders
Education & licence requirements (as outlined in the supportive document below) include:
- Current qualification of Social Work Grade 2 / Occupational Therapist Grade 2
- Minimum of 2 years’ clinical experience in a relevant clinical area
- Sound knowledge of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 and other Acts/legislation relevant to working with children, young people and adults in a mental health and/or AOD setting (as relevant to service)
- Proven experience and knowledge of contemporary goals and priorities in mental health service delivery
- Sound knowledge of the National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce 2013
In Return
Monash Health Mental Health Services is an integral part of the Monash Health Mental Health Program. Within Monash Health, there are numerous career development and growth opportunities, where employees are encouraged and supported to continuously expand their skills and knowledge.
Join Victoria's largest healthcare network and unlock a world of opportunities, including:
- Monthly ADO’s for full-time fixed term position
- Clinical and Operational Supervision Structures
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Supportive of further education and provide opportunities to attend training and conferences
For a confidential discussion and to explore the opportunity further, please call Hariklia Gritzalis, Community Services Manager, on 0409 748 153.
Supportive Documentation can be found here.
We recognise the value of equal employment opportunity. We are committed to patient safety, promoting fairness, equity and diversity in the workplace and to Child Safe Standards. At Monash Health we are relentless in our pursuit of excellence and work to our six guiding principles and our five ICare values.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted via the Monash Health online EHub system. For information including how to apply and probity check requirements, please click here for the ‘Application Guide’. Applications will be screened upon receipt and selection activity may commence prior to the closing date.
Applications close: 1 February 2026