Addiction Counsellor

About Ruah

Ruah is a leading values-driven employer in Western Australias community services sector. Our staff go boldly not just supporting people in need but working to end homelessness end domestic violence and create opportunities for people struggling with poverty and mental health challenges.

Our professional team of operational and corporate services staff is backed by one of WAs biggest Peer support workforces. Our staff reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion where difference is valued celebrated and embraced.

By choosing to work with us you are helping transform the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our community.

About the Role

The Counselling service is a service provided to existing Ruah clients who are receiving support form one of Ruahs main service streams -Mental Health and Wellness programs Housing and Homelessness or Family Services.

The Addiction Counsellor will support people experiencing addiction issues that are currently impacting them and working to determine strategies to manage and move through the concerns as well as to identify coping strategies.

These would include but are not limited to the intersecting issues of addiction grief and loss trauma crisis resolution coping mechanisms and associated issues relating to violence substance abuse suicidal behaviors family and health issues including mental health. The role will improve the short- medium- and long-term safety and wellbeing of Ruah clients and promote healing

The Addiction Counsellor will work in collaboration with Ruahs Support Coordinators and Support Workers and will provide counselling at Ruah sites and on outreach basis.

This is a full time position working 76 hours per fortnight between Monday to Friday.

What were looking for

The successful applicants will be required to meet the following criteria:

• Tertiary qualified Counsellor Psychologist or Family Therapist (Social Worker) with demonstrated knowledge and expertise within addiction trauma family violence mental health and homelessness.
• Relevant registration with a nationally recognised professional body.
• Demonstrated skills and sound knowledge (three years minimum) gained through experience working with individuals experiencing intersecting and complex trauma.
• Demonstrated experience in therapeutic group work and/or educative programs.
• Demonstrated understanding of complex issues facing people who experience chaotic life circumstances such as homelessness AOD use family/domestic violence and mental health issues.
• Willingness and ability to work within and contribute to the vision mission core values and the guiding principles of the organization.
• Willingness and ability to travel to multiple locations as required.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to complete comprehensive case notes and records.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a recovery-oriented model utilising a person-centred approach.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrated understanding of issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and culturally and linguistically diverse communities

What do we offer

• A salary aligned with Level 5 of the Ruah Enterprise Agreement (and the SCHADS Award) starting at $101099 pro rata.
• 5 weeks annual leave 17.5% annual leave loading pro rata.
• 16 weeks paid parental leave with flexibility to take at 32 weeks half-pay (uniquely new staff can access 4 weeks paid parental leave after just 6 months service).
• Free independent and confidential access for you and your direct family to our Employee Assistance Program.
• Free Ruah-paid Journey Cover (insurance for when youre getting to and from work).
• Incredibly valuable Salary Packaging (to extend your take home pay) with:
• up to $15900 core packaging
• an additional $2650 in meal entertainment packaging
• benefits for salary packaging travel accommodation parking fees education expenses and more!
• Opportunities to be active in the Ruah Community such as participating in a wide range of working groups joining us at Pride events being a part of a range of cultural events to promote and support reconciliation and much much more!

Required compliance documents:

• Current drivers license
• National Police Clearance Certificate
• WA Working with Children Check and
• First Aid Certificate

How to apply

Wed love to hear from you!

Please click apply create your LiveHire profile and submit your current CV along with a cover letter of no more than two pages helping us understand your fit for this role.

Closing date for applications: Friday 20th February 2026.

Please note shortlisting may commence prior to the closing date.

For further information please contact Lynley Hill Service Lead - Integrated Services at or.

We are building a workplace where difference is embraced and encouraged - and to do this weneed people on our team who are representative of the clients we work with who are passionate about change and courageous enough to stand up for what is right. Everyone is welcome. Everyone belongs.

We are committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All applicants will undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.