Peer Support Specialist - CADS South at Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand Waitematā, Auckland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS) Auckland are looking for a dynamic Peer Support Specialist to join our CADS South Team at 7 Ronwood Ave, Manukau location.

About us

CADS are the largest Alcohol and other Drugs (AOD) service in New Zealand working with over 15000 people each year. CADS provide free community and inpatient AOD treatment from a number of locations across Auckland. CADS are committed to empowering the community to discover healthier use of substances (harm minimisation) and to promote recovery and wellbeing. 

About the team

You will be part of a team which includes counsellors, consumer liaison, clinical team leader, clinical supervisors and clinical leads. As well co-located with cultural teams Tupu and Te Atea Marino services.

Some of the things our Peer Support Specialists will do as they work with our clinicians is to provide individualised and collective support to our clients that include:

• Supporting clients tāngata whaiora, family and friends whānau engagement to identify and build their recovery capital through personal, social and community connections
• Facilitating and co-facilitating groups
• Engaging with community and social services, accessing resources within and externally to CADS

Of course you will also build strong relationships with clinicians who provide clinical support because together clinical and peer roles can achieve great things!

About you (personal qualities)

We are looking for someone with a person-centred and strengths-focused approach committed to CHIME: connectedness, hope, positive identity, meaning and empowerment. Each day will be different so you need to be flexible and adaptable. You also need:

• Personal lived experience of substance use and recovery (essential). Ideally you will have engaged with CADS though this is not essential
• Resilience having worked through life’s challenges and you continue to use the skills and supports you have gained in recovery
• Ability to be a positive role model to others with a good sense of humour and the ability to remain calm under pressure
• Work within an ethical framework and maintain strong boundaries
• An established personal support system
• Be open to change and ongoing learning
• Cultural competence with a commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi
• Good time management 
• Be able to legally drive in New Zealand without restriction

Professional skills

• Training and/or experience in Peer support or related work 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi disciplinary team (MDT)
• Clear verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills including computer skills (email and word processing in particular)

Benefits

• Working for a unique service serving the Auckland Metro region
• 10 days sick leave and 4 weeks annual leave (pro rata)
• Competitive salary and paid professional registration as per DHB collective agreement
• Regular supervision and training 

Our Values

At Waitematā DHB we are driven by our values “everyone matters,” “with compassion,” “connected” and “better, best, brilliant.” We are committed to living up to these values to give you the right balance of autonomy, support, development, encouragement and aroha. 

To view a copy of the job description, please click here.

Note: This role must be performed by a fully vaccinated worker. Proof of vaccination for COVID-19 is required prior to starting employment with CADS. Please note that police clearance checks are required for this role.

Closing date: 31 January 2023

Position Number: WDHB15786