Drug and Alcohol Counsellor

Overview

Provides support and treatment for people with drug and alcohol dependency problems, develops strategies which assist them to set goals and affect and maintain change, and provides community education. May work in a call centre.

Skills

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks

• working with clients on career, study and employment options by obtaining and examining information relevant to their abilities and needs
• providing information and resources to assist clients with job-seeking skills
• assessing client needs in relation to treatment for drug and alcohol abuse
• conducting counselling interviews with individuals, couples and family groups
• assisting the understanding and adjustment of attitudes, expectations and behaviour to develop more effective interpersonal and marital relationships
• presenting alternative approaches and discussing potential for attitude and behaviour change
• consulting with clients to develop rehabilitation plans taking account of vocational and social needs
• contributing information, understanding and advice on the learning and behaviour of students, especially those with special needs, and assisting parents and teachers in dealing with these needs
• may work in a call centre

Related Occupations

• Careers Counsellor
• Counsellors Nec
• Family and Marriage Counsellor
• Rehabilitation Counsellor
• Student Counsellor