Alcohol and Other Drug Clinician - Puawai - Midland Regional Forensic Psychiatric Service

Alcohol and Other Drug Clinician - Puawai - Midland Regional Forensic Psychiatric Service

Join a dynamic team, make a real impact and enjoy working in a collaborative environment supporting our tangata whaiora.

Our service works within the principles of abstinence and harm reduction, in a holistic manner, recognising the multi-faceted problems that co-exist with AOD addiction. You will be using your clinical skills and experience to assess AOD usage and create support plans in partnership with tangata whaiora to support them along their journey to overcoming drug and alcohol addictions.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Conduct comprehensive clinical AOD assessments.
• Develop collaborative individual treatment plans with people affected by substance use.
• Provide therapeutic interventions which may include motivational interviewing, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and relapse prevention.
• Co-facilitate therapeutic AOD and dual diagnosis groups.

This role will work across our two acute forensic medium secure wards.

As an AOD clinician, you will:

• have experience in upholding Te Tiriti principles and frameworks, and the application of Maatauranga Maaori and Kaupapa Maaori approaches, particularly as they apply in healthcare settings.
• be an experienced professional with a qualification in applied AOD studies, nursing, social work, counselling, psychology, occupational therapy or related fields.
• be registered with DAPAANZ or equivalent professional body.
• be seeking an opportunity to work in a cohesive, well-supported team and further develop your AOD expertise.
• have a sense of social justice and enjoy working with people in all their complexity.
• have a non-judgemental attitude, excellent engagement and communication skills, and an ability to work autonomously within a team.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59pm on 31 July 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Amanda Lewis-Wilson.

Job Reference: - WAI30357

Location: - North Island - Waikato - Hamilton

Job type: - Permanent Full time

Expertise: - Clinical - Mental Health - Alcohol and Drug Counsellor

Closes: - 31-Jul-2026