AOD Counsellor

About us:ACHL works in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services to deliver housing across tenancy management, property management and community development. ACHL aims to establish community development and economic development approaches to assist communities to determine and achieve their own aspirations.About the role:Possessing a sound level of clinical knowledge and experience, you will offer a diverse range of support to consumers including: counselling; assistance with system navigation; case management; education; and information provision. Key responsibilities include:Conduct comprehensive AOD forensic assessments of clients over the phone, in person, or via Telehealth, to develop treatment formulations and recommendations for further AOD-related treatment, such as counselling, care coordination, and/or residential services.Provide bridging support, to engage and support a client via a harm reduction approach, while the client is waiting for formal treatment services to begin either within the NSW AOD team, or externally.Brief intervention may be utilised in instances where further formal treatment options are not necessary, with appropriate services suggested to facilitate further care and support as needed. The AOD clinician is responsible for providing evidence-based therapeutic counselling to clients to elicit behaviour change and AOD harm reduction with the aims of better overall health and wellbeing.About you:What will success look like? You will have:2+ years’ prior experience in the AOD, mental health or forensic sectors, working with complex clients, including the delivery of AOD treatment interventions and therapeutic approaches.A contemporary understanding of the biopsychosocial model of addiction and a sound knowledge of substances and their effects on human physiology, psychology, and offending behaviours.Demonstrated skills in administering a comprehensive alcohol and drug assessment, and formulating findings utilising strong report writing skills.Demonstrated experience in providing evidenced-based counselling (e.g., Motivational Enhancement Therapy and Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, etc.) to clients tailored through assessment and formulation of client centred treatment planning.A contemporary understanding and approach in working with individuals who have co-occurring mental health and alcohol and other drug issues (i.e., dual diagnosis) or other co-occurring complexities (e.g., ABI and other disabilities).Well-developed communication skills including conflict management and the ability to liaise with clients over the phone and in person and liaise with a range of health and other professionals, and the ability to work with a First Nations people.Demonstrated organisational, time management skills to deliver a quality service to clients, as well as demonstrated ability to handle complex situations.Sound understanding of client risk management and risk assessment practices.A working knowledge of the relevant and current legislation relating to the client group including the Mental Health Act and Privacy Act.An ability to adhere to policy and procedure such as privacy, confidentiality and workplace health and safety.Desirable but not essential:Holds registration with a regulatory health practitioner body such as AHPRA.Experience working with clients in contact with or at risk of contact with the criminal justice system.ACHL actively promotes safe working with children. A satisfactory police check is required for all staff, and those with customer-related responsibilities are required to provide an Employment Working with Children Check.As an equal opportunity employer, ACHL works closely with people from a diverse range of backgrounds.ACHL acknowledges the traditional Aboriginal custodians of country throughout Australia and pays respect to them, their culture and their Elders past, present and emerging.Click for job description AUD Kempsey 2440