Build your career as a Drug and Alcohol Worker

health & community

Drug and Alcohol Worker

A career as a Drug and Alcohol Worker allows you to support individuals struggling with substance use, helping them on their path to recovery. In this role, you’ll provide counselling, education, and intervention services in community health centres, rehabilitation facilities, and outreach programs. With the increasing need for addiction support services, this career offers strong job security, personal fulfilment, and opportunities for growth in the healthcare and social services sectors.

Ready to make a difference? Start your career as a Drug and Alcohol Worker today and help change lives for the better.

Explore your career as an:

  • Outlook
  • Duties
  • Course Options
  • Blogs
EMPLOYED 2,500
PART-TIME SHARE 42%
AVERAGE FULL-TIME HOURS 39
MEDIAN WEEKLY EARNINGS $1,538

The demand for Drug and Alcohol Workers in Australia is growing due to increasing awareness of substance use issues and the need for specialised support services. Job opportunities are available in healthcare, rehabilitation centres, community outreach programs, and correctional facilities. With government and non-profit organisations expanding initiatives in addiction recovery, this field offers strong job stability, career progression, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.

Gender Split

Created with Highcharts 11.1.0MaleFemale

Employment by State

Created with Highcharts 11.1.022.2%​22.2%34.1%​34.1%16%​16%5.4%​5.4%14.1%​14.1%2.8%​2.8%3.1%​3.1%2.4%​2.4%

Highest Level of education (%)

Created with Highcharts 11.1.03%​3%1.4%​1.4%3.7%​3.7%14.3%​14.3%25.3%​25.3%29.5%​29.5%20.6%​20.6%Below Year 10Years 11 & 10Year 12Certificate III/IVAdvanced Diploma/DiplomaBachelor DegreePost Graduate/ Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate0%2%4%6%8%10%12%14%16%18%20%22%24%26%28%30%32%

Age Brackets

Created with Highcharts 11.1.015-1920-2425-3435-4445-5455-5960-6465 and over

What can you expect from working as a Drug and Alcohol Worker?

Drug and alcohol workers provide support, counselling, and education to individuals affected by substance abuse. Key duties typically include:

  • Client Assessment: Evaluating clients' substance use history, mental health status, and personal circumstances to determine appropriate support services.
  • Counselling & Support: Providing individual and group counselling sessions to help clients manage addiction and develop coping strategies.
  • Education & Awareness: Conducting educational programs on the effects of drug and alcohol use, harm reduction, and relapse prevention.
  • Treatment Planning: Developing personalised treatment and recovery plans tailored to clients’ needs and progress.
  • Referral Services: Connecting clients with healthcare professionals, rehabilitation programs, and social services for additional support.
  • Family & Community Support: Offering guidance and resources to families affected by substance abuse and promoting community awareness.
  • Crisis Intervention: Assisting clients in crisis situations by providing immediate support and coordinating emergency care if needed.
  • Case Management: Maintaining accurate records of client progress, treatment plans, and referrals to ensure continuity of care.
  • Advocacy & Outreach: Representing clients’ needs within healthcare, legal, and social service systems to facilitate access to appropriate support.
  • Workplace & Legal Liaison: Collaborating with employers, courts, and law enforcement to support clients’ reintegration and compliance with legal requirements.

How to become a Drug and Alcohol Worker?

To become a Drug and Alcohol Worker, you typically need a qualification in alcohol and other drugs (AOD) or community services. Online courses provide a flexible way to gain essential skills, helping you enter the field and support individuals on their recovery journey.

CHC43215

Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs

Gear up to be the support that vulnerable people need. You’ll become a skilled support worker who can assess a client’s specialised needs. Make a positive impact on your community today.
View Course
CHC43215/CHC43315

Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs and Certificate IV in Mental Health

Get ready to open up more job opportunities by equipping yourself with this dual qualification. Graduate with all the skills you need to make a real difference in people’s lives.
View Course
Top 5 Differences between a Certificate IV in Disability Support vs a Certificate III in Individual Support

Top 5 Differences between a Certificate IV in Disability Support vs a Certificate III in Individual Support

Open Colleges
July 25, 2024
How to become a youth worker in Australia

How to become a youth worker in Australia

February 21, 2024
Top qualities of a successful Healthcare Aide

Top qualities of a successful Healthcare Aide

August 19, 2023
Workers in Need: A Look at the Aging Care Crisis

Workers in Need: A Look at the Aging Care Crisis

Open Colleges
March 23rd, 2023
A Day in the Life of a Youth Worker

A Day in the Life of a Youth Worker

Open Colleges
September 15, 2022
Kick-start a career in Physical Therapy!

Kick-start a career in Physical Therapy!

Open Colleges
July 26th, 2022
What is person centred care and why is it important?

What is person centred care and why is it important?

Open Colleges
December 22nd, 2021
How Counselling skills can boost your employability and help you excel

How Counselling skills can boost your employability and help you excel

Open Colleges
November 23rd, 2021
Healthcare service courses that add value to your career

Healthcare service courses that add value to your career

Open Colleges
September 24th, 2021
What’s the difference between a Counsellor and a Psychologist?

What’s the difference between a Counsellor and a Psychologist?

Open Colleges
August 27th, 2021
How to build rapport with new counselling clients

How to build rapport with new counselling clients

Open Colleges
August 25th, 2021
5 Golden Rules for Using Self-Disclosure in Counselling

5 Golden Rules for Using Self-Disclosure in Counselling

Open Colleges
August 25th, 2021
Why is it important to give back to the community?

Why is it important to give back to the community?

Open Colleges
July 30th, 2021
Top 5 skills of an effective Counsellor

Top 5 skills of an effective Counsellor

Open Colleges
July 28th, 2021
What are the latest emerging trends in physiotherapy?

What are the latest emerging trends in physiotherapy?

Open Colleges
July 22nd, 2021
Working in community services: make a difference in the lives of vulnerable people

Working in community services: make a difference in the lives of vulnerable people

Open Colleges
June 29th, 2021
What qualification do I need to become an Assistant in Nursing?

What qualification do I need to become an Assistant in Nursing?

Open Colleges
June 24th, 2021
What are the requirements to study a Diploma of Nursing?

What are the requirements to study a Diploma of Nursing?

Open Colleges
June 18th, 2021
How to become an Occupational Therapist

How to become an Occupational Therapist

Open Colleges
April 28th, 2021
How can I prepare for an interview in the aged care industry?

How can I prepare for an interview in the aged care industry?

Open Colleges
February 25th, 2021
How to become a Case Manager

How to become a Case Manager

Open Colleges
February 25th, 2021
Skills needed to be a Youth Worker

Skills needed to be a Youth Worker

Open Colleges
February 18th, 2021
Working As a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor

Working As a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor

Open Colleges
February 9th, 2021
What are the different types of jobs in aged care?

What are the different types of jobs in aged care?

Open Colleges
December 16th, 2020
Educational and Career Paths in Mental Health

Educational and Career Paths in Mental Health

Open Colleges
December 13th, 2020
How to become a Certified Nursing Assistant

How to become a Certified Nursing Assistant

Open Colleges
November 29th, 2020
The role of a Mental Health Worker and why it’s so important

The role of a Mental Health Worker and why it’s so important

Open Colleges
October 28th, 2020
High demand, growing industry: Why you should become a Home Care Worker

High demand, growing industry: Why you should become a Home Care Worker

Open Colleges
October 27th, 2020
How to get your foot in the door of the health industry

How to get your foot in the door of the health industry

Open Colleges
October 23rd, 2020
The importance of physical and mental health in at-risk communities

The importance of physical and mental health in at-risk communities

Open Colleges
October 16th, 2020
Displaying page 1 of 3

*The information on this page is sourced from the Jobs and Skills Australia website, based on their occupational data collected in May 2024. Where job titles may not be exact matches, related job areas have been used. This data is intended as a guide only.

Advance your career with Accredited Online Courses

Gain industry-recognised qualifications with our flexible online courses in Australia. Study at your own pace and achieve your career goals from the comfort of your home.

Start your journey today
    Start your journey today