Harm Reduction AOD Practitioner
Harm Reduction AOD Practitioner
About the role
The Harm Reduction AOD Practitioner is responsible for providing specialist, harm reduction-focused alcohol and other drug (AOD) support as part of the Health and Connection team, with a focus on reducing substance-related harm and improving safety, wellbeing and stability.
The role contributes to reducing health and social inequities by supporting equitable access to services, advocating for whānau experiencing barriers to care, and ensuring engagement is culturally safe, whānau-centred, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of Māori.
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.
Te Tāpui Atawhai Auckland City Mission is committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi. As a Tangata Tiriti organisation, we are working to ensure Te Ao Māori is woven throughout our organisation and that our practice is culturally safe, pro-equity and anti-racist.
Upholding Te Tiriti is a responsibility shared by all kaimahi. We welcome applicants who bring knowledge and experience in this area, and we expect everyone who joins Te Tāpui Atawhai to be willing to grow their understanding and actively contribute to giving effect to our Te Tiriti commitments through their role.
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.
What you will be doing
- Provides safe, responsive, and culturally appropriate harm reduction-focused AOD support to clients across agreed service areas.
- Deliver practical, client-centred interventions that reduce substance-related harm and support safer use, stability and wellbeing.
- Delivers harm reduction training, including overdose response and Naloxone education, in line with agreed training plans.
- Contributes specialist expertise to the development of harm reduction policies, procedures, and resources.
- Works collaboratively across Health and Connection and other Mission services to promote consistent harm reduction practice and messaging.
What we are looking for
- Current DAPAANZ registration, or a relevant Level 7 qualification with experience supporting people affected by substance use, co-existing mental health needs, trauma, and homelessness.
- 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.
- Experience facilitating or coordinating group-based interventions, including SMART Recovery or similar programmes.
- Ability to remain calm, empathetic and responsive in complex or high-pressure situations.
- 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.
About the Organisation
Te Tāpui Atawhai Auckland City Mission 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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