Drug and Alcohol Worker overview
Drug and Alcohol Workers support people impacted by substance use. They provide counselling, education, referrals, and case management to reduce harm and support recovery. The role is practical, compassionate, and often delivered as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Career guide for working as a Drug and Alcohol Worker
A Drug and Alcohol Worker is also called...
Depending on their workplace and client base, Drug and Alcohol Workers may also be known as:
- Drug and Alcohol Case Manager
- Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Worker
- Recovery Support Worker
- Detox or Rehab Support Worker
- Outreach Worker
- Dual Diagnosis Clinician
What are Drug and Alcohol Workers trained to do?
Drug and Alcohol Workers are trained to assess substance use and its impacts, support behaviour change, and help clients set and achieve recovery goals. They provide information on harm minimisation, deliver counselling, and connect clients to detox, rehabilitation, and allied health services.
Who do Drug and Alcohol Workers help?
They support people of all ages and backgrounds who are affected by substance use, including individuals with co-occurring mental health needs or housing instability. Workers often also assist families and carers.
Where do Drug and Alcohol Workers work?
- Community health centres
- Residential rehabilitation facilities
- Detox and withdrawal units
- Hospitals and mental health services
- Prisons and courts
- Youth or Aboriginal health organisations
Skills needed to be a Drug and Alcohol Worker
Workers need strong communication, empathy, and resilience, along with practical skills in motivational interviewing, harm minimisation, and case coordination. They must also be culturally competent and confident in managing complex or challenging situations.
Qualifications needed to be a Drug and Alcohol Worker
To become a Drug and Alcohol Worker, you’ll typically need a diploma or bachelor's degree in community services, human services, alcohol and other drugs, or any related field. Ongoing professional development and clinical supervision are encouraged.
Bachelor of Community Mental Health, Alcohol And Other Drugs
Bachelor of Human Services & Bachelor of Public Health – Double degree
Access online resources
Explore a range of guides, factsheets, tools, and research to help you understand case management and grow your career in community work.