About Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative

Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring new perspectives and are willing to take risks. Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative Ltd (GAC) emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community and a desire for actions to speak louder than words. Established in 1979 we’re an organisation driven by progressive ideas, bold actions and a strong foundation of support.

Cultural Safety & Wellbeing Team

The Culture and Wellbeing Department is committed to strengthening the social, emotional, cultural, and overall wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across all stages of life. Through culturally safe community-led programs, the department supports individuals, families, and the wider community by promoting healing, resilience, connection to culture, and positive life outcomes.

The department delivers a range of integrated programs designed to address health, justice, wellbeing, and early intervention needs, while recognising the importance of self-determination, cultural identity, and holistic care.

Role Summary

The Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Clinician plays a vital role in providing support and intervention for individuals struggling with substance use issues. Based in Warrnambool, Victoria, this full-time contract position provides culturally appropriate support, education, early intervention, and referral pathways for individuals and families affected by alcohol and other drug use. The program focuses on harm reduction, recovery, and improving health and wellbeing outcomes.

The AOD Clinician works in partnership with clients throughout their individual treatment journey, providing flexible, person-centred, and strengths-based support that respects each client’s right to self-determination. The role empowers clients to identify their goals, build on their strengths, enhance their social and emotional wellbeing, and improve health outcomes while maintaining connection to culture, family, and community.

The AOD Clinician will work with adults (aged 16 years and over) to provide assessment, therapeutic counselling, case management and care-coordination. This role includes work with voluntary and mandated (forensic) clients. Some clients may engage in individual therapeutic counselling, whilst others may require a combination of counselling and case management/care coordination.

Duties and Responsibilities

The primary components of the role include:

• Drug and Alcohol Assessment Services
• Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services
• Administrative and Service Development
• Community Engagement and Health Promotion
• Program Development and Quality Improvement
• Professional Practice

Qualifications, Skills, Experience and Knowledge

• Minimum Diploma of Community Services (or equivalent) with the required Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Skill Set, or a qualification recognised under the Victorian AOD workforce minimum qualification requirements.
• Experience working with Aboriginal individuals, families and communities affected by Alcohol and Other Drug use.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver culturally safe, person-centred and strengths-based Alcohol and Other Drug services, including assessment, case management, counselling (within scope of practice), care coordination and advocacy.
• Sound knowledge of harm minimisation principles, trauma-informed practice and the social and emotional wellbeing framework.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and establish effective relationships with internal programs, external services and community stakeholders.
• Well-developed written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, maintain accurate client records and communicate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated organisational, time management and administrative skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accurate documentation.
• Understanding of Aboriginal cultural protocols, kinship systems and gender considerations, and the ability to apply this knowledge in service delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement, maintain confidentiality and respond appropriately to clients with complex needs.
• Experience using electronic client management systems and contributing to program reporting and quality improvement activities.

Further information regarding the position can be found in the full Position Description located on our website www.gunditjmara.org.au

GAC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity in the workplace.

Applicants must hold a valid Working with Children Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check, Police check and a VIC Driver’s License or the ability to obtain the same.

Applications will be reviewed and considered as they are received. As such, we highly recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible. Applications Close at Midnight on 4th October 2026.

Please contact Trudy Thorp – People and Recruitment on Mb: 0461 398 207 for further information regarding the position.

To apply online, simply click on the Apply now button. 

Alternatively, you can forward your application via email to: recruitment@gunditjmara.org.au using the subject line: AOD Clinician

To be considered for this role, please submit:

•    A cover letter that directly addresses the Duties and Responsibilities, and your Skills, Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge.

•    Answer the Employer Questions listed on Seek

•    A current resume outlining your relevant experience.