Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor

This exciting position works directly with the local Aboriginal community, providing compassionate, culturally safe therapeutic support around alcohol and other drug concerns. As an AOD Counsellor, you will empower people to build resilience, strengthen wellbeing, and achieve positive life outcomes through evidence-based interventions that are delivered in a holistic and person-centred approach.

Organisational Profile

GEGAC is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation based in Bairnsdale Victoria. Consisting of about 200 staff, GEGAC is a Not-for-Profit organisation that delivers holistic services in the areas of Primary Health, Social Services, Elders & Disability and Early Childhood Education.

GEGAC advocates for the self-determination of the Aboriginal community by prioritising services that enhance social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing, with culture at the heart of everything we do.

Position Purpose

The AOD counsellor provides culturally safe, trauma-informed intake, assessment, counselling, care coordination and therapeutic interventions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients experiencing alcohol and other drug (AOD) concerns.

The role works within a multidisciplinary Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) framework to support clients to improve wellbeing, strengthen cultural identity, reduce harm associated with substance use and achieve recovery goals. The role requires comprehensive assessment, treatment planning, therapeutic intervention, advocacy and collaboration with internal and external service providers.

Key Selection Criteria 

• Demonstrated experience working with people experiencing alcohol and/or other drug related issues.
• Experience providing therapeutic counselling and clinical interventions.
• Demonstrated understanding of harm minimisation and recovery-oriented practice.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice and complex client presentations.
• Understanding of Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing principles and culturally safe practice.
• Demonstrated skills in communicating, engaging and build rapport with Aboriginal individuals, families and community.
• Experience undertaking assessments, care planning and case management.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications and Registrations Requirement (Essential or Desirable).

• Certificate IV or Diploma of AOD or other relevant qualification in a related field ESSENTIAL
• Current professional membership of AHPRA, AASW, ACA/PACFA or equivalent DESIRABLE
• Valid Victorian driver’s licence ESSENTIAL
• A satisfactory Working with Children Check and Fit2Work Police Check ESSENTIAL
• A person of Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander background DESIRABLE
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccinated to align with GEGAC requirements ESSENTIAL

How to apply for this job

A copy of the position description can be obtained by copying and pasting this URL into your browser:  https://gegac.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-AOD-Counsellor-PD.pdf

A copy of the position description can also be obtained by emailing HR@gegac.org.au.

Applicants must address the key selection criteria for shortlisting.

Any applications that have not addressed the key selection criteria will not be considered during the shortlisting process.

Applications can also be emailed to HR@gegac.org.au

Applications close 5pm Sunday, 25 October 2026

A valid Working with Children Check and Police check is mandatory to work in this organisation.

“this advertisement is pursuant to the ‘special measures’ provision at section 8 of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth)”.