Practitioner

• Full Time
• Application Closes 10 Mar 2026
• Auckland - South Auckland
• Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor

Are you passionate about supporting whānau on their journey to recovery and wellbeing? Do you want to work in a service grounded in bicultural practice and partnership under Te Tiriti o Waitangi?

We are seeking a full-time, permanent Practitioner to join our Alcohol and Drug Treatment team delivering a 6–12-month therapeutic community programme within Auckland South Corrections Facility, in partnership with Serco.

This is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful change for up to 60 tāne, supporting their healing, growth, and reconnection with pro-social values, whānau, and community.

About the Role

In this role, you will:

• Work within a therapeutic community model grounded in bicultural practice
• Assess tāngata whai ora and develop holistic treatment plans
• Deliver 1:1 and group interventions that honour cultural identity and lived experience
• Prepare reports for the NZ Parole Board
• Contribute to a safe, respectful, and mana-enhancing environment

We are committed to delivering services that uphold mana, strengthen identity, and promote long-term wellbeing.

We Are Looking for Someone Who:

• Is committed to working in a bicultural environment and upholding Te Tiriti principles
• Has knowledge of, or a genuine willingness to grow in, tikanga Māori and Pacific cultural frameworks
• Brings experience (up to 1 year or more) in social services, health, mental health, or addictions
• Holds a relevant Level 7 qualification (Health Science, Social Work, Counselling, Psychology, AOD, Mental Health or similar)
• Is registered with, or willing to work toward registration with, a professional body such as DAPAANZ (with our support)
• Can build strong, respectful relationships with tāngata whai ora and colleagues
• Has confidence facilitating both individual and group therapy
• Communicates clearly and writes concise, high-quality reports
• Is comfortable using Microsoft Office applications
• Understands (or is willing to learn about) working within a corrections environment
• Holds a full, clean NZ driver’s licence

What We Offer

• Salary between $69,000 – $79,000 (based on experience and registration)
• $2,000 annual location allowance (corrections-based role)
• 22 days annual leave + 5 days paid study leave per year
• Ongoing professional development and study opportunities
• Support toward professional registration
• A dynamic, supportive team who are deeply committed to making a difference

If you are motivated by kaupapa, community, and creating pathways for lasting change, we would love to hear from you.

More about us:

Odyssey has supported thousands of New Zealanders whose lives are affected by alcohol, drug or other addiction challenges. We wholeheartedly believe that everyone living in New Zealand should have the opportunity to live life to the fullest, to feel hopeful about their future and to have meaningful relationships with friends and whānau.

To apply, please send us your CV and a cover letter, and complete the additional information questionnaire online. For all enquiries, please contact Michelle in the People and Capabilities team on 021 578262.

Closing date: Tuesday, 10 March 2026

Please note that Police, Corrections and Oranga Tamariki clearance checks are required for this role. 

Odyssey is an equal opportunity employer and a smoke free organisation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We particularly encourage applications from Māori and Pacific peoples.