Registered Health Clinician Alcohol and Drug Screening at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough, Nelson Hospital

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• 2x Fixed term full time 1.0FTE (80 hours a fortnight) at Nelson Hospital until 31 June 2027
• This exciting opportunity is part of a nationally funded pilot programme supporting the Government's Action Plan to Address Methamphetamine Harm.
• Ideal for a Registered Nurse, Social Worker, Occupational Therapist, Alcohol and Drug Practitioner, or other registered health professional with experience working in addictions and a passion for improving outcomes for people experiencing alcohol and other drug-related harm.

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

Based primarily within the Emergency Department (ED) at Nelson Hospital, you will play a key role in establishing and delivering alcohol and other drug screening, brief intervention, and referral pathways for patients presenting to the Emergency Department.

Key responsibilities include:

• Establish and implement Alcohol and Drug and related screening, brief interventions, referral to treatments (SBIRT) in the ED and support provision and consistency with Accident and Medical Services across the region.
• Provide screening, brief and early intervention and referral to treatment for patients with alcohol and other drug problems who present to the ED.
• Collecting and maintaining accurate screening and intervention data to support programme evaluation and reporting requirements.
• Supporting consistency of alcohol and drug screening practices across emergency and acute medical services.
• Providing consultation, education, and support to ED staff regarding substance use, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and brief intervention approaches.

During the establishment and implementation phase of the SBIRT project, the role will require flexibility to work Monday to Sunday, including rotating shifts and weekend work, to support service development and integration within the ED. Working arrangements will be reviewed as the project becomes established.

About the Team/Service/ Location

The Nelson Marlborough Alcohol and Other Drug Service provide specialist assessment, treatment, consultation, education, and support for people experiencing alcohol and other drug issues across the region.

You will join a supportive multidisciplinary team committed to delivering evidence-based, person-centred, and recovery-focused care. The service works collaboratively with hospital services, primary care, community agencies, and whānau to improve health outcomes and reduce the impact of substance-related harm.

You will work autonomously while maintaining strong collaborative relationships with ED staff, hospital teams, and community services to ensure patients receive timely access to appropriate support and treatment.

To uncover a better work-life balance in Nelson CLICK HERE or HERE 

About you

Are you passionate about supporting people experiencing alcohol and other drug-related harm on their recovery journey and making a positive difference? If so, we invite you to join our dedicated team in beautiful Nelson and take your career to the next level.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Current registration with an appropriate professional body and a current Annual Practising Certificate
• Knowledge of relevant legislation including Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act, Substance Addiction (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act, Privacy Act, and Health Information Privacy Code
• Demonstrated experience working with people affected by alcohol and other drug issues.
• Proven skills in screening and brief intervention using the FRAMES model.
• Experience delivering brief psychological and talking therapies for substance misuse, including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approaches for substance use
• Excellent assessment, communication, and relationship-building skills.

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 10 July 2026. Application via email is not considered. 

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Clare Breeze - Service Manager Addictions Services on Clare.Breeze@nmdhb.govt.nz

For any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Lee Packer lee.Packer@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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