Alcohol and other drugs career pathways

Discover how you can make a real difference in the lives of individuals and communities through a rewarding career in the AOD sector. Whether you’re passionate about counselling, healthcare, advocacy, or supporting others through lived experience, there’s a pathway that’s right for you.

On this page

1. Counsellors and case workers
2. Nurses and medical professionals
3. Social workers and community workers
4. Lived and living experience workers
5. Policy, research and advocacy roles
   

Counsellors and case workers

Support individuals by providing tailored counselling and care to help them achieve better health and wellbeing.

Recommended qualifications

• Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs – Entry-level qualification, suitable for support workers and case managers.
• Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs – For senior case management and leadership roles.
• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in:
• Social work
• Counselling
  
• Psychology

Professional accreditation

• Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) accreditation.
• Membership with Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
• Psychologists are accredited through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Where you’ll work

• Government health and social care organisations.
  
• Community-focused NGOs and outreach programs.
  
• Youth centres and family support programs.
  

Nurses and medical professionals

Provide life-changing clinical care to individuals facing AOD challenges, with opportunities to specialise in this vital field.

Recommended qualifications

• Bachelor of Nursing - With a focus on AOD care in practice.
• Medical degree – With a specialisation in addiction medicine.
• Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Other Drugs or Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies – For healthcare profressionals looking to specialise.
• Fellowship of Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine (FAChAM) – Addiction medicine specialisation for doctors.

Professional registration

Nurses and doctors must register with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Where you’ll work

• Primary health settings, local health districts (LHDs) and speciality health networks (SHNs) including justice health and forensic mental health services
• Hospitals and withdrawal management services.
• NGOs offering frontline care and support.
  

Social workers and community workers

Empower individuals and communities by helping people access social support and thrive in their recovery journey.

Recommended qualifications

• Diploma of Community Services – With a focus on alcohol and other drugs.
• Bachelor of Social Work – With alcohol and other drugs or mental health placement.
• Master’s in Social Work (Qualifying) or Postgraduate Certificate in Alcohol and Other Drugs – For advanced roles.

Professional registration

Membership with Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Where you’ll work

• Government health and social care organisations.
  
• Community-focused NGOs and outreach programs.
  
• Hospitals and withdrawal management services.
• Youth centres and family support programs.
  

Lived and living experience workers

Your personal journey can inspire and support others on their path to recovery.

Recommended qualifications

• Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
• Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work – For combined mental health and alcohol and other drugs peer roles.

Where you’ll work

• Peer-led organisations.
  
• Community-focused NGOs and outreach programs.
  
• Government health and social care organisations.
  
• Hospitals and withdrawal management services.
• Youth centres and family support programs.
  

Policy, research, and advocacy roles

Shape the future of AOD services by influencing policy, conducting cutting-edge research, and advocating for better outcomes.

Recommended qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in:
  • Public health
  • Health policy
  • Social science
• Master of Public Health (MPH) – Focus on addiction, AOD, or policy development.
• Graduate Certificate in Policy and Management – Specialised training for public sector professionals.

Where you’ll work

• NSW Ministry of Health.
  
• NGOs driving innovation and advocacy.
  
• Research centres and universities leading change.
  
• Policy think tanks and government agencies shaping the future.