Counsellor SECADA - Drug Alcohol and Addiction

Monash Health is a great place to work

Monash Health is Victoria’s largest and most comprehensive health service. For more than 170 years, Monash Health and its predecessors have provided safe, high-quality healthcare and service for people at every life stage. 

To see first-hand what our colleagues think about working here, take a look at the following short videos: monashhealth.org/careers.

Embark on a rewarding career and be part of a team where your dedication makes a difference in people’s lives.

About the Role:

Join our SECADA team as a Counsellor in our drug and alcohol services based at Thomas Street, Dandenong. We have 2 opportunities - Part-time, ongoing (.4 EFT/2 days per week) or full-time fixed term until 30 June 2025. Please indicate in your application which role/s you wish to be considered for.

In these roles, 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
• Excellent time management skills  
• Exhibit professionalism and serve as a role model in clinical practice and behaviour
• 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
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and sound computer literacy skills

Mandatory requirements of the role: 

• Current qualification as a Registered Nurse/Registered Psychiatric Nurse Grade 3 / 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 Julie Walters on 0405 180 412.

Position Descriotion can be found here, here and 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: 13 March 2025