SENIOR ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS COUNSELLOR

Ongoing or Fixed Term Full Time or Part Time – 64 – 80 hours per fortnight

Available now

An exciting and rewarding opportunity is available for a suitably qualified Senior Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor to join the Chronic & Complex Care team at Portland District Health.

You are responsible for delivering high level safe and effective counselling and support, in accordance with the patient’s needs, goals and preferences to optimise their health and well-being.  You will provide services that are appropriate, holistic, family inclusive and culturally sensitive for younger people (16 years and older) and adults living with substance abuse problems.  You practice and deliver services across the outpatient and community based settings within Shire of Glenelg and provide support to the acute, subacute, and aged care settings at Portland District Health and Western District Health Services.

About you:

• Possession of a Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs or recognised equivalent qualification, and at least 3 years or more clinical experience.
• Membership of an appropriate professional association
• Demonstrated high level skills to engage with, and provide AOD counselling and other evidenced based approaches to people with problematic substance abuse issues, including Dual Diagnosis.
• Demonstrated ability to provide care coordination across a range of service networks and pathways which allow for the best outcome for clients and their families.
• Demonstrated good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Understanding of relevant accreditation and funding systems, and demonstrated ability to manage continuous improvement portfolio

Please click here to view position descripton

About us:

Portland District Health (PDH) provides an integrated health service for the community. The hospital was established in 1856 on the current site and now provides a comprehensive range of services that include:

• Hospital based Medical and Surgical services, Medical Imaging (Radiology), Pharmacy and Pathology
• A 24/7 Urgent Care Centre for emergency treatment
• Residential aged care for 30 residents at Harbourside Lodge
• An extensive range of primary and community services for the local community

PDH delivers services from a single campus, employs around 470 staff with an FTE of approximately 290, and has an active volunteer workforce. The People and Culture Unit sits within the Corporate Services Directorate, with other Units including Finance, Building Services, Food Services, Environmental Services, Executive Support, Administration and Health Information.

Additional Benefits:

• Salary Packaging
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• Social Club
• Free parking
• GMHBA health insurance corporate rate
• Flexible working conditions
• Employee Assistance program
• Wellbeing Initiatives

The Region – Glenelg Shire:

Appreciate the beautiful surroundings of the Glenelg Shire, trek the Great South West Walk, Bridgewater Bay’s rugged coastline, or explore Budj Bim (a World Heritage site) and Mount Richmond National Park.

Affordable coastal, rural and low density urban housing, a choice or private and public primary and secondary school makes Portland an ideal place to work, live and raise a family.

To find out more about Portland visit the Glenelg Shire and I Am Portland websites.

How to apply:

Applications are through the PDH website and must include:

• A letter which tells us who you are and why you should be our next team member. 
• A resume outlining your education, experience and work related achievements. We are looking to see if your employment and experience have set you up with skills needed to be successful in this role.  Details of at least two professional referees. We will be calling them and asking them a wide range of questions about how you performed as an employee in your past roles. They need to be able to provide feedback on your performance.

Applications from employment agencies may be submitted, however, PDH will not accept liability for the agency costs and fees.

The successful applicant will be required to be eligible for and undergo the following:

• Police Record Check
• Current Victorian Working with Children's' check
• Current Immunisation status. This role must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and meet the requirements of the Portland District Health Immunisation Policy.

Portland District Health recognises the value of equal employment opportunity and is committed to patient safety and promoting fairness, equity and diversity in the workplace. We are committed to providing positive employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and welcome employment applications from candidates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background.