Alcohol and Drug Clinician or Community Mental Health Nurse - CADS - Rural South

• Tokoroa
• Permanent – 64 hours per fortnight
• If you are an innovative thinker with a can do attitude this is a great opportunity to join an amazing team.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

This is a diverse and exciting role for an experienced AOD clinician or Registered Nurse, working with Tangata whai ora who live in this beautiful rural part of the Waikato. In this role you will provide assessment and treatment for tangata whai ora with moderate to severe addiction that impacts on all parts of their life. Reporting to the Charge Nurse Manager and Associate Charge Nurse Manager, you will hold a case load of 20-25 people as part of the MDT which includes Consultant Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Social Workers, Kaitakawaenga, Support Workers and Nurses. You will be conducting CADS comprehensive assessments, risk assessments, and developing collaborative recovery plans utilizing your skills and knowledge to support your work with whai ora.

The role is primarily based in Tokoroa but may require travel to Te Awamutu, Te Kuiti or Taumaruniu bases to provide cover or support when needed.

Key responsibilities:

• Organise prioritise and manage a caseload including the documentation associated with this.
• 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.

Click here to view the position description for Alcohol and Drug Clinician or click here for Registered Nurse.

About the Team

The rural south is a large close-knit team made up of dedicated clinicians including 4 CADS clinican’s in the team, who are passionate about providing the best CADS service possible. Our foundation is a family come first culture.

Mental 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 Tokoroa

Tokoroa is ideally located as a gateway to the Central North Island’s natural beauty, offering a unique blend of outdoor recreation and rich Māori heritage. The town is surrounded by lush bush walks, serene lakes, and scenic reserves, perfect for hiking, fishing, and boating. Visitors and locals can explore historic sites like Pokaiwhenua and Hatupatu rock, where ancient Māori legends come to life. Tokoroa is nestled among dairy farmlands and plantation forests, boasting a vibrant community of over 25 nationalities. Whether you prefer water sports or peaceful walks around Lake Moananui and Matarawa Stream, Tokoroa offers a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal location for both professional growth and personal enjoyment. 

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

• 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.
• Passionate about working with tangata whai ora and whanau, and have CADS experience
• Knowledge and understanding of Te Tiriti O Waitangi.
• A current full driver’s licence.
• At least 2 years’ experience working in an acute or community mental health setting.

Working at Health New Zealand

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.

How to Apply

To 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 19 April 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Whitney Senior-Partridge at whitney.senior-partridge@waikatodhb.health.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.