AOD Practitioner (Clinical)

About us

Purapura Whetū Trust empowers people to reach their full potential through personal growth, positive mental health and wellbeing. As a kaupapa Māori provider, we combine clinical, cultural and community support to deliver services that embrace a Māori view of wellbeing.

Our team works alongside tamariki, taiohi, pakeke and whānau to support people to get well, stay well, live well and reach for the stars and beyond.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced AOD Practitioner (Clinical) to provide alcohol and other drug assessment, treatment and recovery support to tangata whaiora within Te Aka Tika.

Te Aka Tika is a Tū Manawa Ora partnership service delivered by Purapura Whetū Trust and Odyssey House Christchurch in collaboration with Ara Poutama Aotearoa – Department of Corrections.

Working within a kaupapa Māori and therapeutic community framework, you will support tangata whaiora in prison, remand and community settings. You will work alongside whānau, Corrections staff and community agencies to promote recovery, wellbeing and successful reintegration.

Key responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive AOD assessments, treatment planning and recovery support.
• Facilitate individual and group-based interventions, including relapse-prevention and reintegration education.
• Develop treatment and support plans in partnership with tangata whaiora, whānau and relevant agencies.
• Maintain accurate assessments, reports and clinical documentation.
• Identify, manage and escalate clinical and non-clinical risks appropriately.
• Work in a mana-enhancing, culturally sustaining and trauma-informed way.
• Build effective relationships with Ara Poutama Aotearoa, community providers and other stakeholders.
• Connect tangata whaiora and whānau with appropriate community services and support networks.
• Participate in team meetings, integrated treatment planning, supervision and professional development.
• Contribute to continuous service improvement and safe, ethical practice.
• Deliver services that honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and respect diversity.

About you

You will bring:

• A Level 7 qualification in a relevant social service or clinical field.
• Current DAPAANZ membership or registration with another relevant professional body, or a commitment to maintaining the required competencies.
• Knowledge of alcohol and other drug use, treatment and recovery.
• The ability to translate counselling knowledge and theory into effective practice.
• Experience working with diverse client groups.
• An understanding of Te Ao Māori and culturally responsive practice.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, organisational and time-management skills.
• Confidence using computer systems and maintaining accurate records.
• Reliability, resilience and strong attention to detail.
• The ability to empower and motivate others.
• A full, clean New Zealand driver licence.

If you are committed to supporting tangata whaiora through meaningful, culturally responsive and evidence-based practice, we would welcome your application.