Youth/Adult AOD Practitioner

Christchurch City Mission; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing allowance

Birthday day off

Job summary

Christchurch City Mission (Te Whare Mīhana Ki Ōtautahi) seeks two AOD Practitioners to assess, counsel, educate and connect clients to support services, guiding them toward recovery and stability.

Role 1 is 40 hours per week; Role 2 is 20 hours per week with negotiable hours. Candidates should have a nursing, social work or AOD-related degree and experience with complex needs.

Qualifications

• Degree in nursing, social work or AOD studies (or equivalent experience).
• Experience supporting people with complex needs, including mental health, substance use and trauma.
• De-escalation skills and group facilitation experience.
• Commitment to te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Responsibilities

• Complete AOD assessments and provide counselling, education and referrals.
• Run relapse prevention sessions, including group work.
• Advocate for clients and link them with Mission and community services.
• Work alongside a multidisciplinary, cross-agency team and keep accurate records.

Skills

Communication skills

De-escalation skills

Group facilitation

Empathy

Complex needs experience

Education

Nursing degree

Social work degree

AOD studies degree

Job description

About Us – Christchurch City Mission

The Christchurch City Mission (Te Whare Mīhana Ki Ōtautahi) helps anyone in need, no matter their situation. We work alongside people going through tough times—whether it’s due to job loss, housing issues, addiction, family difficulties, or financial stress.

We respond to both immediate crises and long‑term challenges. Our services aim to build confidence, dignity, and skills so people can live independently and feel proud of themselves. We've seen lives change with our support and firmly believe everyone deserves compassion, support, and a second chance.

Be the person who helps someone take their first step towards recovery.

Christchurch City Mission | Te Whare Mīhana Ki Ōtautahi is looking for two AOD Practitioners to join our supportive team. You'll assess, counsel, educate and connect people to the right support, helping them move towards recovery and stability.

The roles

• Role 1: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, between 8.00am and 5.00pm
• Role 2: 20 hours per week, Monday to Friday, hours negotiable

What you'll do

• Complete AOD assessments and provide counselling, education and referrals
• Run relapse prevention sessions, including group work
• Advocate for clients and link them with Mission and community services
• Work alongside a multidisciplinary, cross-agency team and keep accurate records

What you'll bring

• A degree in nursing, social work or AOD studies (or equivalent experience)
• Experience supporting people with complex needs, including mental health, substance use and trauma
• A warm, empathetic approach and strong communication skills
• De-escalation skills and group facilitation experience
• A commitment to te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Knowledge of Canterbury's health and community services
• A current full NZ driver licence and some flexibility with hours

In return we can offer you a rewarding role within a fun and supportive team environment, where no two days will be the same! We also offer a wellbeing allowance and a day off for your birthday, not to mention the personal satisfaction gained from working for an organisation that does such amazing work.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are committed to creating a workplace where people feel welcomed, respected, and supported to be themselves. We encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds and are happy to discuss any access requirements throughout the recruitment process.

Note: Applicants must have NZ/AU citizenship, residency, or a valid work visa.