Harm Reduction AOD Practitioner
Harm Reduction AOD Practitioner
About the role
The Harm Reduction AOD Practitioner provides specialist, harm reduction–focused alcohol and other drug (AOD) support to clients within Te Tāpui Atawhai services, with a focus on reducing drug-related harm and improving safety, wellbeing, and stability.
The role also provides structured secondary consultation, targeted workforce development, and harm reduction advice to staff and services. The practitioner contributes specialist input into harm reduction practice, resources, and service improvement initiatives, working within an agreed scope and in collaboration with service leaders. This role operates within a defined scope of practice and prioritised workplan agreed with the Manager, with requests for support managed to ensure workload remains sustainable and aligned with service priorities.
We value learning and growth. You will be supported on your unique journey through mentoring and on the job development as part of the wider Mission community committed to meaningful, values-led work.
What you will be doing
- Provide harm reduction–focused AOD support to clients within agreed service areas, prioritised in consultation with the Manager.
- Deliver practical, client-centred interventions that reduce substance-related harm and support safer use, stability, and wellbeing.
- Support the development of staff knowledge and confidence in harm reduction principles and practice.
- Contribute specialist input into harm reduction policies, procedures, and resources in collaboration with relevant leaders.
- Work collaboratively with internal services to support consistent harm reduction messaging and practice.
What we are looking for
- Current DAPAANZ professional registration, or a relevant Level 7 qualification in health, psychology, or social services.
- Capacity to demonstrate through actions commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Mission’s values of Manaakitanga, Atawhai, Rangapū and Mana Tika, Mana Ōrite.
- Provide scheduled secondary consultation and harm reduction advice to staff supporting clients with substance-related needs.
- Demonstrated knowledge and application of harm reduction principles in practice.
- Full New Zealand driver’s licence.
We recognize that skills, experience and knowledge can be gained in a number of ways. This may include paid or voluntary work, experience undertaken through your church, marae, iwi or whānau responsibilities, or other community roles.
What we offer
- Opportunities to strengthen cultural connection through weekly Kapa Haka, waiata, and monthly romiromi.
- Access to EAP & external supervision.
- “Mission Leave” provides an opportunity to focus on wellbeing along with annual and sick leave.
- Tangihanga leave.
- Access to sick leave from your 1st day of employment.
- Ongoing training and development.
- Staff discounts at Auckland City Mission Op Shops and Pharmacy.
- Access to low cost, fresh produce through the Mission Grocer.
- Convenient access to public transport and discounted parking options.
- Opportunities for career progression within the Mission.
About the Organisation
Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai works alongside people in Tāmaki Makaurau facing poverty, homelessness, hunger, and isolation.
With over 100 years of service, we deliver integrated support across housing, food, health and recovery, supporting tens of thousands of Aucklanders every year. Our work is grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and guided by our values; Manaakitanga, Rangapū, Atawhai, and Manatika/Mana Ōrite.
We believe in people, collective responsibility, and hope - and invite those who share our values to join us.
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