• Rewarding role providing alcohol and other drugs counselling services to Aboriginal communities in an exciting outback location!
• Attractive remuneration circa $87,000 - $90,000 + super!
• Great benefits including salary sacrificing, relocation assistance and subsidised, fully furnished housing!

About the Organisation

Pormpur Paanth Aboriginal Corporation (PPAC) is a non-government community-controlled organisation originally established in 1991, to provide protection and support to women experiencing domestic/family violence. The organisation has expanded to include a suitable learning environment for children as well as family wellbeing and health support for those exposed to substance misuse, mental health domestic/family violence.

About the Opportunity

PPAC is now looking for a full-time Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor based in Pormpuraaw, Queensland.

Reporting to the Integrated Services Manager, this role is responsible for delivering culturally appropriate alcohol and other drug counselling services, case management, and intervention programs to individuals, families, and groups within the community.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Providing holistic alcohol and other drug counselling services, including screening, assessment, early intervention, and care planning
• Delivering individual, group, and family therapy sessions using best-practice counselling models and culturally responsive approaches
• Leading and facilitating the Oolong Program and other behavioural change initiatives
• Implementing community engagement strategies, including home visits and outreach services
• Coordinating planning meetings with health workers, external agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure integrated service delivery
• Supporting clients with crisis intervention, relapse prevention, and harm minimization strategies
• Developing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with key service providers, such as mental health, justice, and primary health organisations
• Contributing to the ongoing evaluation and development of service delivery models and program frameworks
• Collecting and analysing client data to assess program effectiveness and community needs
• Participating in operational planning, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Providing training, mentorship, and support to Family Support Workers and other staff
• Ensuring compliance with all reporting, funding, and risk management requirements

To find out more please review the position description.

About You

To qualify, you will need a minimum of a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) or Domestic Violence (DV) or a tertiary degree qualification (or equivalent) in Psychology, Social Work, or Occupational Therapy. A minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in alcohol and other drugs counselling will also be essential. Additional required qualifications include:

• Recognised training in Dual Diagnosis and co-morbidity
• Registration with APS, AASW, ACWA, or AHPRA
• A valid driver’s licence
• A Blue Card (Working with Vulnerable People) certification

Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:

• Experience in case management, crisis intervention, and relapse prevention
• Knowledge of best-practice counselling models, including individual assessment, family therapy, and group facilitation
• Understanding of the National Drug Strategy Framework and harm minimisation principles
• Strong ability to build partnerships with community stakeholders and external service providers
• High-level written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency in collecting, analysing, and reporting client data

As our ideal candidate, you will possess the cultural competency and sensitivity required to work effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. You will be highly independent and adaptable, with strong problem-solving skills and a collaborative approach.

This is a critical frontline role suited to a compassionate and dedicated professional who is committed to empowering individuals and families affected by alcohol and drug use. If you are passionate about community-based support and making a real difference in people’s lives, we want to hear from you!

Benefits

In this exciting and varied role, you will enjoy working with a supportive, close-knit team that takes a lot of pride in the work that they deliver. As a reward for your hard work, you will receive an attractive salary circa $87,000 - $90,000 per year + super, and ongoing professional development and training opportunities. 

You will have access to a range of additional benefits including:

• Generous salary sacrificing options with Access Pay;
• 2 weeks isolation leave;
• Relocation assistance; and
• Subsidised, fully furnished housing

About the Pormpuraaw region

Pormpuraaw is a remote Aboriginal community situated on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula, approximately halfway between Karumba and Weipa on the Edward River, located 650 kilometres from Cairns.

With its paved roads and lagoons full of bird life, Pormpuraaw is close to white, pristine beaches between the Chapman and Munkun Rivers and is one of Cape York’s best kept secrets for barramundi, bream and salmon fishing. Despite its small population of only 700-750 people, it hosts guest accommodation, camping areas, a supermarket, post office, school, clinic, police station and social services. The people of Pormpuraaw are proud of their community and its history.

This is a rare opportunity to live and work in a remote Aboriginal community and make some genuine improvements in the health and wellbeing of its residents. If you think you have what it takes, don't wait - Apply now!