Peer Support Worker - AOD Services

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga; Hastings; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

N/A

Job summary

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga is seeking an empathetic Peer Support Worker to provide hope and recovery strategies for Tane at Hawke's Bay Regional Prison. You will deliver culturally responsive AOD assessment and treatment, drawing on lived experience to support Tane and their whānau.

Working with addictions practitioners, you will help run group sessions, develop recovery and aftercare plans, and assist Tane to reintegrate into the community, Monday to Friday 8.00am–4.30pm, within a supportive

Qualifications

• NZQA Level 4 Certificate in Peer Support, Health and Wellbeing (or relevant equivalent), or working towards.
• Full, clean Driver’s Licence.
• Lived experience related to drug and alcohol recovery and/or mental health recovery.
• Ability to mentor and coach Tane and whānau toward independence and wellbeing.
• Understanding of Tikanga Māori and Te Reo Māori and ability to apply in work settings.
• Excellent conflict resolution, de-escalation, and intervention skills.
• Strong self-awareness and insight into behaviours of those around you.
• Good computer literacy and written/verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, culturally responsive AOD assessment and treatment services for Tane.
• Work alongside addictions practitioners in group sessions and contribute to recovery plans.
• Develop and review aftercare plans to support reintegration into the community.
• Support Tane to navigate recovery using lived experience and empathy.
• Participate in a team environment with a regional prison setting.

Skills

Mentoring & coaching

Tikanga Māori & Te Reo Māori

Conflict resolution

De-escalation

Self-awareness

Health & wellbeing monitoring

Communication

Computer literacy

Education

NZQA Level 4 Certificate in Peer Support, Health and Wellbeing

Job description

Ever wondered what it is like behind the wire?
This is your chance to experience this unique environment and provide hope and recovery strategies for Tane.

We are seeking dedicated and empathetic Peer Support Workers to join our Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) team based at Hawkes Bay Regional Prison.
This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of Tane engaged in our AOD recovery programme within the unique prison setting.

The Role

As a Peer Support Worker, you will play a vital role in delivering a high-quality, culturally responsive AOD assessment and treatment service.
You will work directly with Tane, supporting them to navigate their recovery while drawing on your lived experience of Addiction and understanding of the challenges they face.
Ideally for this Peer Support role, you will be a Tane, who can relate to Tane and their experiences - Tane to Tane.

You will work alongside our Addictions Practitioners in the delivery of our group sessions and contribute to the development of recovery plans.
You will also help develop and review Aftercare plans, supporting the Tane to reintegrate successfully into the community.

We are a large team working in our own location inside the Prison. We have modern offices facilities with a great coffee machine and a supportive team environment.
This role is Monday to Friday 8.00am to 4.30pm [40 hours].

What we are looking for:

• NZQA Level 4 Certificate in Peer Support, Health and Wellbeing (or relevant equivalent), or working towards.
• Full, clean Driver’s Licence.
• Lived experience [your own or someone close to you] in relation to drug and alcohol recovery, and/or mental health recovery.
• Ability to mentor and coach Tane and whānau towards independence and wellbeing.
• Understanding of Tikanga Māori and Te Reo Māori, with the ability to apply these principles in a work setting.
• Excellent conflict resolution, de-escalation, and intervention skills.
• Great self-awareness and insight into the behaviours of those around you
• Ability to monitor and support clients' health and wellbeing proactively.
• Good computer literacy and communication skills (written and verbal).

Why Join Us?

• Work within an innovative, culturally informed service model that integrates Kaupapa Māori values.
• Be part of a passionate and supportive team committed to making a positive impact on the lives of Tane in recovery.
• Opportunity to develop professionally within the field of addiction recovery services.
• Work in a unique environment, behind the wire in a Regional Prison.

Applications Close: Monday 21 September 2026