Job Role
Alcohol and Drugs Support Worker
Navigate this career
What is a Alcohol and Drugs Support Worker ?
What does Alcohol and Drugs Support Worker a do?
Common Tasks and Duties of a Alcohol and Drugs Support Worker
What skills do I need to become a Alcohol and Drugs Support Worker ?
What are the types of organisations a Alcohol and Drugs Support Worker can work in?
Helping people turn their life around.
Alcohol and Drugs Support Workers are an essential part of the community services industry, serving as an integral part of an individual’s recovery from addiction.
What does a Do?
Alcohol and Drugs Support Workers are qualified mental health professionals who specialise in helping people overcome alcohol, substance, drug, and behavioural addictions. Their duties include evaluating and treating patients’ mental and physical health, setting goals and supporting addicts and their caregivers to live a happier, healthier life.
Alcohol and Drug Support workers are typically the first or second responders for those struggling with addiction. They work in tandem to help their clients overcome cravings, deal with withdrawal symptoms, find appropriate treatment facilities that can accommodate all types of schedules
Most Alcohol and Drug Support Workers come with a background in social work, psychology or counselling. To be successful in this role, Alocohol and Drug Support Workers must have exceptional communication and problem-solving skills to understand their client’s unique challenges that come with addiction. They also need to be familiar with the range of community resources available and how to access them.
Alcohol and Drugs Support Workers can provide support to individuals and groups through face-to-face settings or via phone/telehealth.
Common Tasks and Duties of a :
- Evaluating a client’s individual circumstances and challenges.
- Evaluating client’s physical and mental behaviours.
- Identifying behaviours that interfere with treatment and recovery.
- Facilitating individual and group therapy sessions.
- Creating a recovery plan based on initial assessments.
- Providing support and counselling for individuals, couples and families.
- Educating individuals and advocating in the wider community.
- Refer clients to outside organisations to provide additional help where needed.
- Collaborating with psychiatrists, doctors, nurses, social workers, and departments of correction.
- Assisting primary caregivers to manage addiction-related behaviour.
What skills do I need to become a ?
- Previous experience with the treatment of substance abuse disorders.
- Experience with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs addictions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Interpersonal skills
- Compassionate nature
- Good active listening skills
- Understanding of ‘whole of life issues’
- Non-judgmental approach
- Pay respect and appreciation for different choices in life
- Social perceptiveness
What are the types of organisations a Works At?
- Residential treatment facilities
- Mental health services
- Community centres
- Private Alcohol and Other Drugs clinics
- Rehabilitation centres
- Call centre
How much do Earn?
$82,368
AVERAGE SALARY
$1,584
WEEKLY EARNINGS
Industry Snapshot
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How to become a ?
Generally, you require a nationally recognised qualification to have a successful career as a Drug and Alcohol Support Worker in Australia. Common qualifications include:
- Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
- Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
- University Pathways
What our trainer has to say
“Alcohol and Drug support workers are an important part of society. They help those who are struggling with addiction and provide a much-needed service. Without them, many people would not be able to get the help they need.
These workers are often underappreciated, but they make a huge difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction.”
