Counsellor Alcohol and Other Drug Hub

Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council (GLALC)’s main objective, for each of our Members, is to improve and protect their social and emotional wellbeing by creating a meaningful connection between us based on mutual respect and understanding. We provide a range of services, regular open communication, public meetings, information sharing and a culturally safe place for our Members to come together to yarn, connect and feel they belong.  

About Gandangara Health Service (GHS)  

Gandangara Health Services Ltd (GHS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service Organisation (ACCHO) serving the South-Western Sydney community for over eleven years. Operating under GLALC, GHS provides a variety of cultural, clinical, and allied primary health services that are grounded in cultural protocols and co-created with the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people we serve.   

The Opportunity  

Joining the Gandangara AOD Hub as a Counsellor presents a unique and rewarding opportunity to contribute to the well-being and recovery of First Peoples dealing with AOD challenges in South West Sydney. The Counsellor is integral in providing culturally sensitive, holistic, and trauma-informed counselling services to First Peoples with drug and alcohol-related health conditions in South West Sydney (SWS). This role entails collaborative engagement with individuals, their families/carers, community members, and stakeholders, to support participants on their unique paths to recovery, while also fostering community awareness and promoting evidence-based practices in counselling and substance use recovery.  

The Counsellor will be part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing integrated and holistic care, which will directly contribute to the enhancement of culturally safe and personalised recovery services.  The role will be pivotal in creating a nurturing and secure environment that encourages participants to explore their experiences, develop coping strategies, and enhance resilience, all while maintaining a deep respect for their cultural heritage and community connections. The role will involve one-on-one counselling, group therapy sessions, and the development of personalised recovery plans, utilising diverse counselling methodologies that respect and integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural perspectives. The Counsellor will employ a range of therapeutic counselling interventions (including Trauma-Informed Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Group Therapy, Family Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) tailored to meet the specific needs and stages of recovery of each participant, ensuring all support provided is of the highest standard of culturally sensitive care.   

About You  

You are a compassionate and skilled Counsellor with a deep commitment to supporting individuals affected by health related AOD conditions within First Peoples communities. Your expertise extends beyond traditional counselling techniques, embracing culturally sensitive, holistic, and trauma-informed approaches that respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural values. You possess a unique blend of empathy, patience, and resilience, enabling you to build trust and rapport with participants, guiding them through their recovery journeys with dignity and understanding.  

Your professional practice is underpinned by a strong ethical framework, ensuring the highest standards of care and confidentiality.  You are driven by a genuine desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those you support, motivated by the transformative power of empathetic and culturally attuned counselling.  

Key Responsibilities  

• Provide culturally sensitive, holistic, and trauma-informed counselling services tailored to the needs of First Peoples dealing with drug and alcohol-related health conditions in SWS. 
• Conduct assessments and develop individualised recovery plans, ensuring a deep understanding of each participant's needs and cultural background. 
• Facilitate both individual and group therapy sessions, employing a range of therapeutic approaches that honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural values and practices. 
• Maintain the highest standards of ethical practice and culturally sensitive care in all counselling interventions. 
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team, including health professionals and community liaison officers, to provide comprehensive and integrated support for recovery. 
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including mental health professionals and community organisations, to ensure a holistic approach to participant care and recovery. 
• Foster a positive and supportive work culture, emphasising cultural competence, inclusivity, and respect within the team and the broader community. 
• Ensure compliance with relevant professional standards, legislation, and ethical guidelines, maintaining a safe and respectful practice environment. 

Essential Criteria 

• Accreditation as a Counsellor with relevant professional bodies such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). 
• A degree in Counselling, Psychology, or a related field, with specialised training or significant experience in substance use, addiction counselling, or a related area. 
• Demonstrated experience in providing culturally informed counselling services within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, using evidence-based and culturally appropriate approaches. 
• Proficiency in a range of counselling modalities, with a strong emphasis on trauma-informed care and recovery-oriented practices. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging effectively with a diverse range of individuals and groups. 
• Current NSW Drivers Licence and willingness to engage with local communities as needed. 
• Compliance with necessary background checks, including a National Police Check and a NSW employee Working with Children Check clearance. 
• While not mandatory, lived experience is recognised as a valuable asset, offering unique insights and empathy that can enrich the counselling support provided to individuals on their AOD recovery journey. 

Attributes Required  

• Genuine dedication and passion for supporting individuals with Alcohol and/or Other Drug misuse issues on their recovery journey, demonstrating empathy, understanding, and a commitment to fostering positive change. 
• Deep understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, with the ability to integrate culturally appropriate approaches and therapeutic interventions that honour these traditions in the AOD recovery process. 
• Exceptional communication skills, both interpersonal and oral, that facilitate building trust and rapport with participants, enabling effective support and guidance through their recovery journey. 
• The capacity to work seamlessly within a multidisciplinary team, contributing to a cohesive and supportive environment focused on integrated care and holistic recovery approaches for First Peoples. 
• Strong skills in addressing complex issues related to AOD use, finding practical solutions, and promoting sustainable recovery outcomes for individuals and communities. 

Benefits  

• Commitment to Life. Work. Harmony 
• Non for Profit and Charity Tax Exemption equivalent to a Tax FREE threshold of $18,549 - Salary packaging options with EZIWAY 
• Opportunities to develop and progress your career 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Continued Professional Development internal & external training 
• Supportive & friendly working culture 

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Angela Spithill on (02) 9601 0700.