Alcohol and Drug Counsellor - Taupo
About the RoleWe have an exciting opportunity for a talented AOD Clinician in the Rural North (Hauraki) Mental Health and Addictions Service. This position could be based within the Whitianga clinic with the opportunity to travel to Paeroa, Thames and Coromandel to support team members based in those locations.The role requires creativity, reliability and exceptional organisational skills as well as the ability to embrace change.
You will be conducting comprehensive alcohol and other drug assessments and developing collaborative recovery plans utilizing your range of therapeutic models that support your work with tangata whaiora and have a passion for group work, along with providing essential relapse prevention and counselling skills.Key responsibilities of the role:Organise prioritise and manage a caseload including the documentation associated with this.Demonstrated skills in comprehensive mental health assessment and risk management, interventions, including formulation.The ability to be highly organised, self-motivated and able to work autonomously and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.Clear communication with MDT wider team and community partners.Practice with a tangata whaiora and whanau centred approach and be a strong advocate for best practice.Foster a culture of openness and quality improvement, with tāngata whaiora and whānau at the centre.Encourage and lead innovation and continuous improvement as part of the way we work.
Click here to view the position description. About the ServiceMental Health and Addictions Services at Waikato delivers a full range of specialty services across the district. We are committed to making a difference with tāngata whai ora and their whānau through working in partnership to create kotahitanga.We believe in delivering services with a strong recovery focus and a sensitivity to cultural aspects of mental health through applying the Treaty of Waitangi principles into practice. About ThamesLocated in the heart of The Coromandel, Thames is a charming town steeped in history and surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
The area offers a mix of colonial architecture, a vibrant arts scene, and a rich cultural heritage, including Māori history and the town's gold mining past. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to explore the Coromandel Ranges and Kauaeranga Valley with hiking and camping right on your doorstep.
Thames also marks the beginning of the Hauraki Rail Trail, perfect for cycling through the region’s scenic landscapes. With an abundance of cafés, boutique shops, and local attractions, Thames provides a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and community.
It's an ideal place to build your career while enjoying the serene beauty and lifestyle of the Coromandel.For more information on living and working in Waikato click here About youCompetency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth.Experience in upholding Te Tiriti principals and frameworks, and the application of Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches, particularly as they apply in healthcare settings.Competency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth.Experience in upholding Te Tiriti principals and frameworks, and the application of Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches, particularly as they apply in healthcare settings.Have a passion for making a difference to the lives of our tāngata whaiora and whanau.Registered member of Dapaanz with a current practising certificate.Have experience working within the alcohol and other drug sector.Ability to successfully engage and empathise with families/whanau in a positive manner.Full clean driver’s license.Legal right work in New Zealand.Ability to implement Te Tiriti O Waitangi in daily work.
Working at Health New ZealandHealth 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. How to ApplyTo apply please click “Apply online” or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal before 11:59 pm on 2 June 2025.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact Ursula Carstens at Ursula.Carstens@waikatodhb.health.nzWe will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.