Alcohol & Drug Practitioner

This is an exciting time to join Pathways as an AOD practitioner and be part of a newly created Health and Wellbeing team in Whanganui. Make a difference with person-centred, evidence-based care.

Pathways | Mō mātou As a leading mental health and addiction service in Aotearoa, we empower individuals to live full lives in their communities. Prioritising mental health while aiming for overall well-being, we foster strong whānau connections. Our commitment to personalised support is reflected in our 'whatever it takes' wairua and spirit.

The Benefits | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

• Increased Employer KiwiSaver contribution

• Fifth week of Annual leave (after 12 months employment)

• 2 x Paid Wellbeing days each year

• Health Now Payment Card - $250 per year to support Health and Wellbeing for you and your whānau

• Holiday programme assistance

• Perk + Perk plus discount app

The Role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi Join our Health and Wellbeing team as an Alcohol and Drug Practitioner in Whanganui, where we offer specialised assessment and treatment for individuals.

We're an Adult Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) service supporting people with moderate to severe substance use. We're looking for someone passionate and adaptable who's comfortable working in challenging spaces, and who keeps tāngata whai ora and their whānau at the heart of everything they do.

As an AOD Practitioner, you will provide assessment and a range of therapeutic interventions for tāngata whai ora or taiohi with alcohol or other drug challenges. This position is a member of a wider healthcare team within Pathways or Real services.

Do you have experience in mental health and addictions, share our values, and enjoy being part of a supportive, dynamic team? This could be the role for you.

Key responsibilities of the role may include:

• Provide therapeutic intervention & services to improve the ability for tāngata whai ora or taiohi to succeed in their personal lives.

• Provide high quality, professional services in all interactions.

• Provide recovery-focussed & strengths-based intervention, support and recommendations.

• Collaborate with and refer to internal and external services.

• Support the design, development and facilitation of group-based approaches.

Hours include: Monday – Friday 8.30am to 5pm

About You | Mōu

You will:

• Have AOD experience working in mental health and addictions settings or similar
• Hold a current annual practicing certificate.
• Have a full registration with DAPAANZ.
• Meet the requirements of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (2003).
• Current full, clean New Zealand driver’s licence.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail, particularly with regard to written documents.
• Excellent time management, organisation and file maintenance.

Our preference would be for someone based in the Wairarapa or open to relocating here. If you are ready for a change and a new challenge, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date | Rā Katinga: 23 October 2026. Please note, this advert may close sooner if a suitable candidate is found before the closing date. Position Description: Please copy and paste link into your browser: https://www.wisegroup.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PW-AOD-Practitioner.pdf

Contact | Korero: Rachael Kenny, Team on rachael.kenny@pathways.co.nz for any queries.