Drug and alcohol counsellor job description

Drug and alcohol counsellors provide support and guidance to people who are recovering from drug and alcohol abuse. They attentively listen to their clients’ stories of substance abuse and help them develop plans and strategies to help the client recover from their dependency on alcohol or illicit drugs.

Tasks and responsibilities for a drug and alcohol counsellor

A drug and alcohol counsellor’s daily responsibilities can depend on your work setting and the specific clients you work with.

Substance abuse counselling can be performed one-on-one, in drop-in centres, within community services, or via telehealth appointments.

An AOD counsellor’s tasks can be:

Teaching clients how to modify their behaviours so they can make a full recovery from drug abuse or alcohol dependency
Evaluating clients' health and substance abuse problems to identify issues and create a treatment plan
Teaching coping mechanisms and skills for clients to practice in life
Establishing aftercare plans and for clients to continue their work
Leading group counselling sessions and providing referrals for support group sessions for further help
Supporting clients to get back into work or career or education

How to become a drug and alcohol counsellor

With direct and indirect pathways to becoming a drug and alcohol counsellor available, what steps can you take to ensure you are in the best spot to get into the job?

Study

To be qualified as a drugs and alcohol counsellor, you need formal training to at least a certificate level in counselling, mental health services, social work or another relevant field.

Studying a diploma level course broadens your skill set and allows you to fine-tune your counselling abilities so you can work in various work environments. A Diploma in Counselling (CHC51015) or a Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs (CHC53215) are both great options to gain an entry-level role in this field.

With different courses available to you, course length can be one year and up, depending on your study pace. There are also various delivery modes for coursework. With greater flexibility in the study offered to students these days, there are more opportunities to tailor the learning experience to your individual needs.
Volunteer

On-the-ground work experience is an excellent way to get valuable insights into a drug and alcohol counsellor role and show prospective employers that you have the initiative to immerse yourself in the work environment to elevate your skills.

Community outreach organisations often need volunteers to operate. Volunteer positions are commonly listed on, and you often have a variety of positions to choose from. Enquire with a volunteer program you’re passionate about to see if you can take part.

Pathway options

A role in drug and alcohol counselling is not only rewarding — it can start you on varied and exciting career pathways. You could open doors to more senior positions in an organisation, branch into specialised areas or take on further study to upskill and enhance your job prospects even more.

Some career paths could be:

Junior

Support worker

Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315)
Drug and alcohol counsellor

Most common qualification: Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs (CHC53215)
Youth case worker

Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Youth Work (CHC40413)
Social worker

Most common qualification: Diploma of Community Services (CHC52015)
Youth counsellor

Most common qualification: Diploma of Youth Work (CHC50413)
School counsellor

Most common qualification: Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015) + Supervision

Mid

Counsellor

Most common qualification: Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015) + Supervision
Child counsellor

Most common qualification: Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015) + Supervision
Family counsellor

Most common qualification: Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015) + Supervision

Senior

Psychotherapist

Most common qualification: Graduate Diploma of Trauma-Informed Processwork Psychotherapy (10779NAT)
Family dispute resolution practitioner

Most common qualification: Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution (CHC81115)
Rehab counsellor

Most common qualification: Master of Rehabilitation Counselling

Diploma of Alcohol Other Drugs

Study method In-class Online

A Diploma in Alcohol and Other Drugs prepares a learner for a role that works under broad supervision and guidance and provides services to clients with alcohol and other drugs issues.

This accreditation can lead to jobs including drugs and alcohol counsellors, service coordinators, alcohol and other drugs case managers and support workers.

The average duration of this course is 18 months full-time, but part-time and self-paced learning is available. This course can be completed online or in a classroom setting, and some course providers support rolling enrolment. Payment plans are available from most RTOs.

Insight Training Group Australia Pty Ltd

Diploma of Counselling

Study method Online

This course provides the skills to become a counsellor and work with clients on personal and psychological issues using established counselling practices. You can work as a counsellor at this level, but only within strict guidelines and under senior supervision.

Job outcomes for this course can include roles in counselling, case management, support and liaison roles in the community, education, and community health.

The average course duration is one year full time but can be undertaken part-time in a self-paced method. The course can be completed online if required, and payment plans are available for course fees from most RTOs.

Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)

Related subjects

The health industry, community services and direct client care sectors need proactive, empathetic and motivated newcomers. Roles that support help and guide can come in many forms.

Some other subjects to explore:

If a job as a drugs and alcohol counsellor sounds like it’s right for you, delve into a vast catalogue of resources and short course information to help you on your way to your new career.