Alcohol and Other Drug Clinician - Rural North

About the Company Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare to all New Zealanders, grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We believe in creating a health system that is inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of our communities. About the Role We are excited to offer a rewarding opportunity for a talented Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Clinician within the Rural North (Hauraki) Mental Health and Addictions Service. This position can be based at our Whitianga clinic, with the flexibility to travel to Paeroa, Thames, and Coromandel to support our dedicated team members in those areas. The role requires creativity, reliability, and exceptional organizational skills, along with the ability to adapt to change. You will conduct comprehensive assessments related to alcohol and other drugs and develop collaborative recovery plans using a variety of therapeutic models. A passion for group work and the provision of essential relapse prevention and counseling skills is crucial. Key Responsibilities In this role, you will: - Organize, prioritize, and manage a caseload, including all associated documentation. - Demonstrate skills in comprehensive mental health assessment, risk management, and intervention formulation. - Maintain a high level of organization and self-motivation while working autonomously as well as part of a multi-disciplinary team. - Communicate effectively with the wider multi-disciplinary team and community partners. - Practice with a focus on tangata whaiora and whanau, advocating for best practices. - Foster a culture of openness and quality improvement, with the needs of tangata whaiora and whanau at the center. - Encourage and lead innovation and continuous improvement in our work. About the Service Our Mental Health and Addictions Services at Waikato provide a full spectrum of specialty services throughout the district. We are committed to making a meaningful difference for tangata whaiora and their whanau by fostering partnerships that promote kotahitanga. Our services are designed with a strong recovery focus and are sensitive to the cultural aspects of mental health, integrating the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi into our practice. About Thames Thames, located in the heart of The Coromandel, is a charming town rich in history and surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes. It features a blend of colonial architecture, a vibrant arts scene, and a deep cultural heritage, including Maori history and remnants of its gold mining past. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the abundant opportunities for exploration in the Coromandel Ranges and Kauaeranga Valley, with hiking and camping readily accessible. Thames also serves as the starting point for the Hauraki Rail Trail, ideal for cycling through the region's scenic beauty. The town offers a variety of cafes, boutique shops, and local attractions, making it an excellent place to advance your career while enjoying the serene lifestyle of the Coromandel. For more information on living and working in Waikato, please visit our website. About You We are looking for someone who possesses: - Competency in te ao Maori, tikanga, and te reo Maori, or a commitment to embarking on this journey and taking ownership of your learning and development. - Experience in upholding the principles of Te Tiriti and applying Matauranga Maori and Kaupapa Maori approaches, especially within healthcare contexts. - A passion for improving the lives of our tangata whaiora and whanau. - Registration with Dapaanz and a current practicing certificate. - Experience in the alcohol and other drug sector. - The ability to engage positively and empathetically with families and whanau. - A full clean driver's license. - Legal right to work in New Zealand. Working at Health New Zealand At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, we are committed to delivering excellent healthcare services to the people of New Zealand. We value a diverse and inclusive workforce that enhances our ability to understand and serve our communities effectively. We welcome applications from Maori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. How to Apply If you are interested in this opportunity, please click ‘Apply online’ or visit our Waikato Careers website to submit your application. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by 11:59 PM on 27 July 2025. If you have any inquiries about the role, please contact Ursula Carstens at Ursula.Carstens@waikatodhb.health.nz. We will review applications as they are received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advertisement.