Counsellor Educator

We are HOPE

HOPE Community Services has been supporting Western Australians for over 120 years, delivering services across alcohol and other drugs, mental health, justice, and family and domestic violence. Walking alongside individuals, families, and communities to restore hope and transform lives across Western Australia.

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Counsellor/Educator to join our Hope Springs Therapeutic Community in Geraldton on a permanent, full-time basis.

Reporting to the Therapeutic Service Manager, you will provide alcohol and other drug (AOD) assessment, counselling, case management, education, and therapeutic support to residents participating in our residential Therapeutic Community.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will support people experiencing alcohol and other drug dependence, co-occurring mental health concerns, and complex psychosocial needs by delivering evidence-informed, person-centred interventions that promote recovery, resilience, and lasting change. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while contributing to a safe, structured, and recovery-focused therapeutic environment.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Deliver high-quality alcohol and other drug assessments, individual counselling, group facilitation, case management, and recovery-oriented support using Therapeutic Community principles.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and review personalised recovery plans in partnership with residents to support their recovery goals.
• Facilitate therapeutic, educational, and life skills group programs that promote recovery, personal development, and community participation.
• Provide evidence-based interventions, advocacy, education, and referrals to support residents with complex alcohol and other drug, mental health, and psychosocial needs.
• Maintain accurate client records, case notes, risk assessments, and documentation in accordance with organisational and legislative requirements.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders to deliver coordinated, holistic support and positive recovery outcomes.
• Participate in supervision, reflective practice, quality improvement activities, and contribute to a safe, culturally secure, and recovery-focused therapeutic environment.

What's on Offer

• SCHADS Award Level 5 + Superannuation.
• Full-time, 38 hours per week.
• Salary packaging benefits to increase your take-home pay.
• Permanent, full-time role.
• Ongoing clinical supervision, professional development, and training opportunities.
• Supportive multidisciplinary team committed to recovery-oriented practice.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellbeing initiatives.
• Career development opportunities within a respected and growing community services organisation.

You'll Need

Essential Requirements

• Relevant qualification in Counselling, Psychology, Community Services, Social Work, Behavioural Sciences, or a related discipline (Diploma or above).
• Demonstrated experience providing counselling, case management, and recovery planning for people experiencing complex alcohol and other drug and/or mental health concerns.
• Experience facilitating individual and group therapeutic or educational programs.
• Commitment to person-centred, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented practice within a Therapeutic Community or similar setting.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Well-developed administrative and digital skills, including maintaining accurate client records and using client management systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to culturally secure practice, continuous professional development, and safe, ethical service delivery.

Desirable

• Experience working in the Alcohol and Other Drug and/or Mental Health sector.
• Knowledge of Therapeutic Community and Communities as Method approaches.
• Experience facilitating therapeutic groups, psychoeducation, or life skills programs.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and harm reduction principles.

Pre-employment Requirements

• Current C or A Class Driver's Licence.
• Current Working with Children Check.
• National Police Clearance (within three months).
• Current First Aid and CPR Certificate (or ability to obtain during probation).

Next Steps

Please apply now if you believe you would be a strong fit for this role. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an initial discussion and invited to interview.

At HOPE, we believe in creating workplaces where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to make a real impact. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.