• Part Time (30.4 hrs per week), Fixed Term (until 30 June 2027)
• Key role within the Therapeutic Services program.
• SCHADS Level 5 role + salary packaging + above award rates

Thorne Harbour Health, Victoria’s largest LGBTQI+ community-controlled health organisation, is seeking a skilled and compassionate Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counsellor to join our Therapeutic Services team. Based at the Victorian Pride Centre in St Kilda, this role delivers evidence-based counselling to support positive behaviour change in clients navigating substance use.

About the role

As an AOD Counsellor, you will:

• Provide high-quality therapeutic counselling to individuals, families, and groups.
• Deliver evidence-based interventions including CBT, motivational interviewing and brief interventions.
• Support client-directed treatment planning and care coordination.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams across our LGBTQI+ and HIV-focused services.
• Maintain accurate case notes and meet program targets.
• Help foster a culturally safe and affirming environment for our diverse communities.

What’s on offer

In addition to your salary of SCHADS Level 5 (pro-rata) +leave loading +superannuation, Thorne Harbour also pays above award. You’ll also be able to increase your take-home pay by accessing up to $15,900 in salary packaging benefits as well as accessing professional and career development. Hybrid working arrangements are also available, subject to operational requirements.

About You

Our ideal candidate will have:

• A tertiary qualification in counselling, psychology, social work or a related field.
• A graduate qualification or Certificate IV in AOD (or willingness to obtain within 12 months).
• Experience in delivering AOD counselling and psychosocial interventions.
• Knowledge of and commitment to harm minimisation and recovery-oriented approaches.
• The ability to work respectfully and effectively with LGBTQIA+ communities, people living with or affected by HIV or Hepatitis C.
• Strong communication, empathy, and collaboration skills.

About us

At Thorne Harbour Health, we combine community, care, and advocacy to improve the health and wellbeing of LGBTQI+ people and people living with or affected by HIV.

We are a proudly community-led organisation built on over 40 years of activism and care — where your lived experience and identity are valued and celebrated.

For a detailed position description, including selection criteria, visit our website: https://thorneharbour.org/about/work/ 

Inclusion Matters

We strongly encourage applications from people who are:

• Part of the LGBTQI+ community
• Living with HIV
• From culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• First Nations people
• People with disability

For further enquiries, please contact Tracy Kristianson, AOD Program Manager via email – [email protected] using the subject line: AOD Counsellor enquiry via EthicalJobs.

How to Apply

Written applications addressing the selection criteria and including a resume and the names and contact details of three professional referees should be submitted via the "Apply Now" button.

Important:it is essential that applicants specifically address the selection criteria. Where selection criteria have not been addressed, applications will not be considered.

Thorne Harbour Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to child safety. We have zero tolerance of child abuse. Our robust human resources, recruitment and vetting practices are strictly adhered to during the application and interviewing process. Applicants should be aware that we carry out working with children, police records and reference checks for all roles.