Drug and alcohol counsellor job description
Where we source our data
Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That’s why we anonymously surveyed drug and alcohol counsellors about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Where we source our data
Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That’s why we anonymously surveyed drug and alcohol counsellors about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Cooperative
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Persuading
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Organising
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
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
Reasons to choose this job
Based on our career survey data, these are the factors that workers said were most important to them when choosing this job.
Makes a difference
Counsellors provide support to clients with addiction problems in many ways. It could be as simple as being a safe sounding board or helping someone remain positive on their path to recovery. But counselling can also be instrumental in massive changes and decisions that can improve clients’ situations. It can even save lives.
Learning opportunities
You’ll work with people from all walks of life in this role. You’ll have many opportunities to learn and develop your skills, and once you have a strong foundation in helping people, doors will open to new career opportunities. There are endless paths to grow and learn in this field.
Job security
Counselling as a broad field provides a wealth of secure and stable work. Professionals who enter the niche of drug and alcohol counselling find the same job security, along with an abundance of working environments to choose from — prisons and juvenile detention facilities, halfway houses, and parole agencies are just a few. In this role, you can work with any demographic you’re passionate about helping, and give people a chance to turn their lives around.
Job satisfaction
Overall job satisfaction
This overall score combines the critical factors in job satisfaction. It includes fulfilment, stress levels, and opportunities for advancement, based on our career survey data.
Stress level
How stressful workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Fulfilment
How personally rewarding workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Skill level
The skill level required to do this job is based on both our career survey data and official data from the Labour Market Information Portal.
Job market trends for a drug and alcohol counsellor
Counselling jobs of any kind won’t be going anywhere anytime soon, and prospects for drug and alcohol counselling roles are very strong.
As the largest employing industry in Australia, the health care and social assistance industry has grown enormously in the last few years, which reports say will increase to more than 1.9 million workers by 2024. Part of this vast industry is client services, including welfare support workers and counsellors.
Median salary
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Projected job growth
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Pathway options
Job pathways are drawn from the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways site.
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
Skills you might already have
Based on our career survey data, the soft skills that workers said were most needed to do their job well.
Working to support those in bad relationships with alcohol and drugs requires you to possess a host of strong interpersonal skills. We tend to develop these skills naturally through life. Often, they’re the difference between engaging and building relationships with your clients and being seen as “too much” of a counsellor.
Empathy
Empathy and compassion for others are essential so that your client feels heard and understood and then, in turn, respect the guidance you give them.
Communication
Along with good verbal communication skills, active listening is crucial. Clients may find it hard to articulate their feelings or thoughts, but your listening and communication skills help them open up.
Knowing when to offer guidance and opinions
There is great skill in knowing when your input is required and when you need to let someone come to conclusions independently. This skill is further developed as you become more experienced in counselling.
Openness
You must have an open and non-judgemental frame of mind as a counsellor. Your clients need to feel safe enough to divulge important information to you to help them most effectively.
Life experience
Any experience you can bring to a drug and alcohol counselling job is a huge advantage to you and your clients.
Veteran counsellor Jo Woods gives some sage advice:
“Work in an area that you understand deeply, and keep deepening your understanding of the area that you’re working in,” she says, “if you’ve had life experience with someone who’s alcohol affected, has a disability, or any particular part of life you have a lot of experience in, I really encourage you to consider specialising.”
Hard skills
The job-specific skills that workers said were most important, supplemented with data from JobOutlook and online job advertisements.
As well as the vital soft skills needed to be a good drugs and alcohol counsellor, you need accredited training in counselling skills and procedures to work with capability and confidence.
So, what are some of the technical skills an AOD counsellor needs?
Creating and reviewing treatment plans for clients
Understanding addiction disorders and the physical, mental and emotional ramifications on the individual and their family
Communication and motivational skills
Communicating complex technical information to clients
Identifying, diagnosing, and treating substance addiction or abuse
Providing Interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues
Proficiency in first aid and emergency procedures
Identifying and working with different types of trauma
Collaborating with others in professional practice, including other service providers
Work in an area that you understand deeply, and keep deepening your understanding of the area that you're working in," she says, "if you've had life experience with someone who's alcohol affected, has a disability, or any particular part of life you have a lot of experience in, I really encourage you to consider specialising.
Jo Woods, Relationship Counsellor and Coach
How to become a drug and alcohol counsellor
-
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.
Explore related qualifications
Diploma of Alcohol Other Drugs
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.
13 providers offer this course
Diploma of Counselling
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.
3 providers offer this course
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:
Reviews
How we collect reviews
Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.
Is this your job title?
Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.
How we collect reviews
Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.
Is this your job title?
Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.
- All
- Positive
- Negative
David
Sep 12 2021Making an impact on people's lives.
What are the best parts of the job?
Seeing clients getting well and changing their lives.
What's the most challenging part?
Clients that are stubborn and in denial can be difficult to help.
Monica
Sep 12 2021Great team role.
What are the best parts of the job?
Being able to work in a team is one of the best parts of the job.
What's the most challenging part?
Time management can be a challenge at times.
Lauren
Sep 12 2021Rewarding to help improve other's lives.
What are the best parts of the job?
I get to see people change their lives for the better.
What's the most challenging part?
There is a high turnover of clients, which can be a challenge to keep up with.
Related articles
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.
5 Types of Counselling Jobs | The Essential Guide
Read More
How to Become a Counsellor in Australia
Read More
The Best Counselling Fields to Specialise in to Get a Job
Read More
Which Counselling Course is Right for You?
Read More
5 Counselling Skills You Might Already Have
Read More
Should I Become a Counsellor or a Psychologist?
Read More
Is the Future Secure for Counselling and Mental Health Careers?
Read More
Becoming a Counsellor in Australia: Your One-Stop Guide
Read More
7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Counsellor
Read More
"It Can Be Heartbreaking": Raw Insights Into Becoming a Counsellor
Read MoreAustralia's Top 6 Highest Paid Fields in Counselling
Read More
What to Expect When You Start Working as a Counsellor: 6 Lessons
Read More
How to Become a Life Coach
Read More
Could a Counselling Course Be Made For You?
Read More
Jobs Where You Can Help People Who Are in Dangerous Situations
Read More
The Federal Budget and the Opportunities for Young Learners in Australia
Read More
Make a Difference Day: 8 of the most meaningful careers that will help you make a difference!
Read More
The Great Healthcare Resignation: What It Means for Healthcare & Social Assistance Workers
Read More
Career Quiz Results: The Carer
Read More
51 Best Remote Jobs: How You Can Earn a Living Entirely Online
Read More
What Qualification Should You Take On? (New Guide)
Read More
Career Change Later in Life: 3 Success Stories That Will Inspire You
Read More
"Your Interests Are Your Toolkit": How You Can Succeed as a Youth Worker
Read More
The Truth About Being a Youth Worker: "This Is Not Just a Job, It's Somebody's Life"
Read More
24 Most Fulfilling Jobs That Work With Kids: Which Is Your Calling?
Read More
Career Quiz: What Job Should I Do? (Backed by Real Data)
Read More
Enrolled Nurse vs. Registered Nurse: Who's Who?
Read More
4 Healthcare Careers Where You Can Help People Live Fulfilling Lives
Read More
Community Development: 5 Reasons this Fulfilling Career is Perfect for You
Read More
Who do Social Workers Help: Australian Career Guide
Read More
Top 5 Medical & Healthcare Industry Trends for 2020
Read More
7 Rewarding Pathways into a Community Services Career
Read More
Best First Aid Training in Melbourne: Specialised Programs to Get Certified
Read More
Why Upskilling Is The Best Way To Stay Successful In A Modern Workplace
Read More
7 Jobs That Allow You to Work Outdoors
Read More
Choosing a Nursing Specialty According to an Expert
Read More
Job cluster: The Carer
What are job clusters?
The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.
The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.
This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.
Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?
What are job clusters?
The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.
The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.
This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.
Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?
Drug and alcohol problems are complex and sensitive. A role supporting people through these issues requires professionals with enormous amounts of empathy. That’s why a job as an AOD counsellor is suited to the career personality of The Carer.
The Carer can connect with people on a level that allows trust and safety. These strong interpersonal skills result in better work relationships and more positive work outcomes.
Take the Career Quiz to discover what jobs are a great fit for you.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a drugs and alcohol counsellor earn?
A drugs and alcohol counsellor can earn between 49k and 74k per year in Australia, depending on qualifications and experience.
What makes a good drugs and alcohol counsellor?
Strong interpersonal and social skills, open-mindedness and empathy are the traits that make a great drugs and alcohol counsellor. You also need vocational training to equip you with the practical skills for the job.
What skills do you need to be a drugs and alcohol counsellor?
To be a drugs and alcohol counsellor, you need compassion, patience and excellent communication skills. Skills in counselling therapies, crisis management and experience with substance abuse are also crucial and learned through an accredited training course.
How long does it take to become a drug and alcohol counsellor?
To gain an entry-level position as a drugs and alcohol counsellor, you must have completed formal training. Course lengths can vary but take at least one year. Part-time or self-paced qualifications take longer.
Is being a drugs and alcohol counsellor a good career?
If you enjoy working with people from diverse walks of life and want to support them in achieving their goals for a better life, a job as a drugs and alcohol counsellor can be incredibly rewarding.