Drug & Alcohol Worker

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Drug and Alcohol Counsellor provides support and treatment for people with drug and alcohol dependency problems and develops strategies that assist them to set goals and affect and maintain change. They also provide community education.

Drug and alcohol counsellors provide support and treatment for individuals and families that are experiencing drug and alcohol dependency problems. They provide confidential counselling and assist people living with drug and alcohol problems to set goals, develop rehabilitation plans and help individuals to create a positive change in their life. They may also educate the wider community about alcohol and drug abuse and promote healthy living.

Drug and alcohol counsellors may provide counselling face to face with individuals or groups, or over the phone via a telephone support line.

ANZSCO ID: 272112
  
Alternative names: AOD Counsellor, Substance Abuse Counsellor or Behavioural Disorder Counsellor
  
Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Knowledge of drugs and alcohol and their effects on the human body

• High ethical standards

• Non-judgmental

• Adhere to confidentiality

• Able to assess intoxication, overdose and suicide situations

(Source: Your Career)

Duties and Tasks

• Assess client needs in relation to treatment for drug and alcohol abuse

• Conducts counselling interviews with individuals, couples and family groups.

• Assists people in the understanding and adjustment of attitudes, expectations and behaviour.

• Presents alternative approaches and discusses potential for attitude and behavioural change.

• Consults with clients to develop rehabilitation plans taking account of vocational and social needs.

• May work in a call centre.

• Writes up useful and accurate case notes

Working conditions

Drug and alcohol counsellors may work for rehabilitation clinics, counselling services or community health clinics.

They may work from an office to provide individual or group counselling, or may be required to travel to visit clients. They may work within the community, in outreach vans or drop in centres where they deliver services and provide education. They may be required to work at night or on weekends.

Tools and technologies

Drug and alcohol counsellors may regularly use computers and office equipment to document and maintain records of their interactions with clients. They may also use a range of tests to assess their clients and determine their needs and progress. They may require a driver’s licence to travel to clients and groups within the community.

Education and training/entrance requirements

It is possible to work as a drug and alcohol counsellor without any formal qualifications and get training on the job. However, entry into this occupation may be improved by obtaining a qualification in counselling, community work, mental health, psychology, social work or a related area.

You can also complete a degree in counselling, psychology or a related area.

To work as a drug and alcohol counsellor in Australia, you may need to hold a current Working with Children Check

Drug & alcohol workers advise people who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, or other behavioural problems. They provide treatment and support to help the client recover from addiction or modify problem behaviours.

Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) support workers are specialist professionals who assist patients in their recovery journey from alcohol and substance abuse. Responsibilities include providing assessment, education and counselling for patients in their transition to a better life.

ANZSCO ID:

Alternative names: Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) Support Worker,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• empathy and caring
• good communication and listening skills
• maturity
• logic and reasoning skills to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative treatment solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• a service orientation, actively looking for ways to help people.

(Source: Seek)

Duties and Tasks

As a drug & alcohol worker, you would:

• complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information
• counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes
• interview clients, review records, and confer with other professionals to evaluate individuals' mental and physical condition and to determine their suitability for participation in a specific program
• develop client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories
• review and evaluate clients' progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans
• intervene as an advocate for clients or patients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
• visit clients in their homes to assist them with day-to-day care
• help clients to access education and training
• provide a safe space for them to talk

Working conditions

Most drug & alcohol workers work full time. Hours for AOD Support Workers can be varied because of the nature of the job and dependent on the primary role.

For example, AOD support workers who visit clients in their homes need to travel both locally and further afield and may need to be accessible at any time during the day. They may also need to be on call.

Being located within a drop in centre or a justice system, your hours will be dictated by your employer and may well be more aligned with standard part time, full time or casual hours.

If you choose to do some voluntary or casual work, the hours will be based on an employer needs and your availability.

Drug & alcohol workers work in a wide variety of settings, such as mental health centres, community health centres, prisons, and private practice. Alcohol and Other Drugs Workers can also be located primarily within a drop-in centre, where you’ll provide a range of services and information to help clients on their road to recovery.

They may require a driver’s licence to travel to clients and groups within the community.

Tools and technologies
  
Drug & alcohol workers are required to work with computers and office equipment to document and maintain records of their interactions with clients.

(Source: Train Smart Australia)

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a drug & alcohol worker you usually have to complete a VET qualification in community services (alcohol and other drugs).

The Certificate III in Community Services, Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, Certificate IV in Mental Health, the Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs, Diploma of Counselling, Diploma of Mental Health and Diploma of Community Services are offered at TAFE colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Australia.

Studying a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs will give you the skills to intervene in the lives of everyday people who are suffering from alcohol or drug addiction. You’ll learn to guide addicts on the way to recovery by assessing their needs and developing and implementing treatment plans.

If you want to further broaden your skills and opportunities within this sector you can study a dual qualification of Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs and Certificate IV in Mental Health. This will provide you with the skills and understanding required to help people with mental health and addiction issues. This program will also provide you with the opportunity to put your skills into practice within the community during a 160-hour work placement.

You can also become a drug & alcohol worker through a traineeship in Community Services (Alcohol, Other Drugs and Mental Health). Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require junior secondary school certificate or equivalent.

Qualified drug & alcohol workers are eligible to members of the Australian Community Workers Association. You need to have a recognised qualification in community services and have a minimum of three years' experience.

Additional Information

Studying these courses will train and qualify you for a wide range of support roles inclusive of:

Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Support Worker
AOD Counsellor
AOD Clinical Coordinator
AOD Outreach Worker
Mental Health Worker
Recovery Worker
Residential Support Worker
Rehabilitation Worker
Outreach Worker

Employment Opportunities

Employment of drug & alcohol workers is predicted to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.

Growth is expected in addiction and mental health counselling services, as the potential positive effects of such programs are increasingly recognised, and as more of these programs are covered by health insurance policies.

Demand for drug & alcohol workers may increase as programs for counselling services for drug offenders are mandated, rather than jail time. Jail sentences also often require drug offenders to attend treatment and counselling programs.

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