Drug and Alcohol Counsellors

Drug and Alcohol Counsellors provide support and treatment for people with drug and alcohol dependency problems, develop strategies which assist them to set goals and affect and maintain change, and provide community education. They may work in call centres.

  • The Job
  • The Facts
  • Related Courses

What the job involves

  • Assesses 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

Key values of workers in Drug and Alcohol Counsellors

  • Achievement

    Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

  • Recognition

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

  • Independence

    Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

  • Working Conditions

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

  • Support

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Top skills required for workers in Drug and Alcohol Counsellors

  • Speaking

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Critical Thinking

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Social Perceptiveness

    Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

  • Reading Comprehension

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Writing

    Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.