Social Worker - Community Alcohol and Drugs Service (CADS)

Location:  Level 1, 113 Adelaide Road, Mt Cook, Wellington

Contract:  Permanent, Full Time

Salary:     MECA Dependent

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the role

We are looking for a Social Worker to join our Community Alcohol and Drug Service (CADS) as a Case Manager. 

The role of CADS is to provide case management support to adults who experience moderate – severe addiction issues, alongside moderate – severe mental health difficulties or associated physical health issues.

Our CADS Case Managers work within our multi-disciplinary team to get the best outcomes for our people and their whānau. Our CADS Case Managers apply evidence-based practices, such as Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, in an individualised manner while also working with other services and organisations to address obstacles to recovery.

We have stable staffing levels and good workflow management, and this means that our caseloads are very low in relation to national averages. Our CADS Case Managers typically have between 10 to 15 people that they work directly with. These low caseloads mean that staff are able to be very intentional when working with clients’, can take on other roles of interest within the service, and work on their professional development.

About the Team/Service/ Location

CCDHB Tūhonohono Addiction Services is a multidisciplinary team comprising of nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, medical, and administration staff. We are a collective of skilled professionals that value working in a client and whānau centred manner, including cultural and community connections, to deliver high quality services. The team offers specialist services for adults experiencing addiction and mental health problems with a focus on providing evidenced-based interventions. We strive to create a climate of safety for ourselves and colleagues and have been found to be one of the most safe and supportive workplaces in CCDHB.

We are dedicated to staff development and run specialist in-service training, cultural supervision, and comprehensive orientation packages. Our staff are encouraged and supported to complete further education and have completed Post-Grad. Certificates in areas such as Nursing, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.

About you

An understanding of Te Ao Māori, including Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Tikanga, and Te Reo would be an advantage. Previous experience of working in the Mental Health and Addiction sector, and evidence of competency in this specialist area is also an advantage. However, our roles do not become available very often so we are keen to find a good fit and would welcome a less experienced candidate who was able to develop rapidly.

Duties 

• Support client’s mental health and addiction needs.
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Engage clients in their recovery journey.
• Work effectively with addiction and mental health difficulties.
• Undertake comprehensive assessments and planning.
• Work closely with other services and NGO’s.

Skills and experience 

The successful applicant will have the following skills and attributes:

• Degree level Social Work qualification
• Registration with the SWRB 
• Excellent communication skills.
• Team Player
• Ability to relate well to a wide variety of people.

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. 

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.”  All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by 9th April. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Marianne.Lovgren@tewhatuora.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.