Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Clinician - Springhill Prison

About this role

Kotahi ano te Kaupapa: Ko te oranga o te iwi- There is only one purpose to our work: The wellness and wellbeing of people.

 

Nau mai, Haere mai, we welcome you to join our whānau.

 

Hikitia describes a collection of mental health and addictions services in the Waikato region across our three prisons: Waikeria Prison, Tongariro Prison and Springhill Corrections Facility. Hikitia has been designed to address the over-representation of prisoners with mental health and addictions issues by providing holistic multi-disciplinary services within the prison environment. The service will also be connected to Te Wai o Pure at Waikeria Prison, a first of its kind facility in Aotearoa, that will serve as the base for a range of mental health and addictions services for Waikeria Prison and the Waikato region.

 

Mō te tūnga | About the role

We are looking for an Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Clinician to join our team in the Waikato Region, based at Springhill Prison. You will play a vital role in providing comprehensive assessments, interventions, education, and support for people experiencing alcohol and other drug challenges.

As a key member of the Hikitia team, your responsibilities will include assessing co-existing needs from a holistic perspective, contributing mental health and addiction knowledge (CEP), and supporting recovery pathways for individuals on remand and those who are sentenced. Your role will involve delivering brief AOD screening, motivational conversations, post-withdrawal support, and consult-liaison services to ensure appropriate treatment planning and referrals.

This opportunity is well-suited to individuals who can demonstrate behaviours in alignment with Mana Whenua, tikanga, kawa, and Te Ao Māori, seeking guidance to ensure these values are upheld in practice. You will be instrumental in fostering therapeutic relationships, supporting oranga, and contributing to the development of shared best practice in responding to AOD and CEP needs.

Collectively, the team of AOD Clinicians within Hikitia are dedicated to delivering recovery-oriented, culturally grounded care that acknowledges the interconnected challenges of trauma, mental health, substance use, unhealthy relationships, and other socio-economic factors that contribute to offending. Your professionalism, collaboration with colleagues and partners, and commitment to safe and effective practice will ensure the best possible outcomes for those in our care.

If you want to learn more about the Hikitia team, click here:

https://careers.corrections.govt.nz/work/health/hikitia

 

Mōu | About you

We are looking for dedicated and passionate individuals for this rewarding opportunity to support and develop meaningful relationships that will help men to feel accepted, understood and empowered to contribute to their own Oranga journey.  To be successful you will bring the following:

• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to delivering the Hikitia Māori Model of Care, with practical experience applying its principles preferred. Proficiency in Te Reo Māori me ōna Tikanga, Te Ao Māori and Mātauranga Māori, or a demonstrated commitment to cultural development and active engagement in learning.
• Experience working with people presenting with acute and complex addiction and withdrawal issues and/or acute mental health needs.
• Applied knowledge of DSM-V formulation, risk assessment, and talk therapy skills, with experience in delivering these in a clinical setting.
• An in-depth understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it relates to health, wellbeing, and equity.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• Full registration with Drug and Alcohol Practitioners Association Aotearoa-DAPAANZ, AOD Practitioner level.
• A current practicing certificate with DAPAANZ
• Minimum 2 years post registration experience in Addiction Services
• NZQA level 7 or higher AOD specific qualification from an approved learning institute.

 

Ngā painga | The benefits

The salary range is $70,956 - $91,307 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

 

Mō mātou | About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

 

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency – applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.

Applications close on: 11.00 pm, 19 March 2026

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact mahiwaikeria@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.