Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Counsellor (Mount Druitt)

About our Organisation Youth Off The Streets is a not‑for‑profit organisation that provides safety, support and opportunities for young people to build a positive future. Our services include alternative high school education, crisis accommodation and housing support, alcohol and other drugs counselling, youth justice programs, life skills and employment pathways, cultural support and community engagement. We focus on early intervention and community‑led support that empowers young people, strengthens families and builds safer, more connected communities. Our work is grounded in trauma‑informed practice and guided by The Sanctuary Model, ensuring safety, emotional wellbeing and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do. About the Role Everyone’s potential deserves to be realised especially young people navigating complexity, risk and transition. Recovery and change are possible when young people feel safe, heard and supported. As an Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Counsellor, you will provide therapeutic support to young people experiencing challenges related to alcohol and other drug use. You will deliver assessment, counselling and group programs that support young people to build insight, reduce harm and strengthen their wellbeing. This is a relational and therapeutic role where you will engage young people both within and beyond the counselling space, working at their pace to build trust and readiness for change. Your approach will be trauma‑informed, strengths‑based and developmentally appropriate, supporting young people and their families to achieve meaningful outcomes. This is a 12-month contract role ending 30 June 2027. What You’ll Do
- Deliver high‑quality AOD assessment, counselling and therapeutic interventions to young people
- Provide individual counselling, group work and intake assessments across internal and outreach settings
- Apply trauma‑informed, strengths‑based and harm minimisation approaches
- Build safe, trusting relationships that support engagement and behaviour change
- Assess risk and identify when referral to specialist services or external providers is appropriate
- Facilitate therapeutic workshops and group programs for young people and families
- Support young people to access services through advocacy, referral and coordinated care
- Monitor progress and outcomes, adapting interventions to meet changing needs
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while maintaining strict confidentiality
- Maintain accurate, timely documentation, reporting and case notes
- Promote a safe, inclusive and youth‑friendly setting aligned with organisational values
- Participate in case conferences, reflective practice, training and continuous improvement What You’ll Bring
- At least 2 years’ experience in AOD, counselling or working therapeutically with young people
- Tertiary qualifications in counselling, psychology, social work or a related discipline
- Demonstrated experience engaging young people with complex needs
- Strong understanding of trauma‑informed practice and harm minimisation approaches
- Ability to assess needs, risks and readiness for change
- Excellent communication, engagement and relationship‑building skills
- Experience delivering individual therapy and group programs
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage documentation and reporting requirements
- Sound knowledge of child protection, WHS and ethical practice requirements
- Confidence responding to crisis situations in a calm and appropriate manner
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice Why you’ll love working with us:
- Work environment – Trauma‑informed, safe and collaborative
- Compensation and benefits
- Practical supports that sustain you in demanding, relational work.
- Balance – Healthy boundaries, reflective practice and manageable workloads. What we offer: •Salary packaging: $15,900 tax‑free + $2,650 meal & entertainment •EAP for yourself and your family •Additional leave (purchased leave, gifted leave, self‑care leave) •Access to Fitness Passport •Supportive, values‑driven team To Apply Please include your resume with contact details and a cover letter addressing the essential criteria (maximum 2 pages). Youth Off The Streets embraces The Sanctuary Model as the foundation of our organisational culture. This trauma‑informed framework guides how we support young people and staff, prioritising safety, emotional wellbeing and resilience. It shapes our approach to conflict resolution, crisis intervention and healing from trauma creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. These values are part of who we are and how we work. We actively encourage, support and celebrate the diverse voices and strengths of our people. This diversity fuels innovation, deepens connection and strengthens the impact we have in the communities we serve. Youth Off The Streets is an EEO employer and a child‑safe organisation. This is a rare opportunity to join a passionate, high‑profile not‑for‑profit that values the young people of today and tomorrow and the people who support them. The successful candidate will be required to hold a NSW Working With Children Check, Police Check, a valid Australian Driver Licence, and unrestricted Australian working rights. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply. Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/3r3zmb