Alcohol and Drug Counsellor

• Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldier’s Hospital, Ngā Harakeke Mai Rongokako | Child, Adolescent & Family Services (CAFS) Hawke’s Bay
• Permanent, Full-time 80 hours per fortnight (1 FTE)
• Enjoy a rewarding clinical role in a supportive team, set in the sunny, vibrant heart of Hawke’s Bay

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

As our Alcohol and Drug Clinician, you’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team primarily supporting rangatahi with substance use challenges. This is a dynamic and collaborative role, working alongside social workers, nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, and community partners to deliver holistic, age-appropriate care.

You’ll provide alcohol and drug, as well as mental health assessment and treatment, to rangatahi and their whānau whose lives are impacted by substance use. Using a client-centred and trauma-informed approach, you’ll help young people navigate recovery, enhance wellbeing, and access the support they need. The role offers variety, challenge, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of tamariki and whānau across Hawke’s Bay.

About the Team/Service/ Location

Our Child, Adolescent & Family Services (CAFS) team is based in Hastings and serves the wider Hawke’s Bay region, including Napier and Wairoa. We’re passionate about supporting tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau through culturally responsive, compassionate care. You’ll be part of a values-driven team that works collaboratively across disciplines to deliver integrated, whānau-centred services.

Hawke’s Bay offers excellent work-life balance, sun, beaches, exceptional outdoor adventures, great schools, mountains and skiing close by, wonderful food and stunning wineries, vibrant cities and plenty more to boast about, click HERE to take a closer look at what Hawke’s Bay has to offer.

About you

To thrive in this role, you will bring:

• A tertiary qualification in applied AOD studies, nursing, social work, counselling, or a related field.
• Relevant professional registration and a current Annual Practising Certificate.
• Clinical experience working with young people and whānau in mental health and addiction settings.
• Strong clinical assessment skills and experience using talking therapies.
• Knowledge of Māori models of health (e.g. Te Whare Tapa Whā, Te Wheke) and a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution skills.
• A positive, proactive attitude with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and a full NZ driver’s licence.
• Desired: Experience in child and adolescent mental health, clinical supervision, co-existing problems, and psycho-educational group work.

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 review the position profile, click HERE To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Dawn Tyler via email on dawn.tyler@hbdhb.govt.nz

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