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- Tasks: Lead mental health and addiction services, influencing national practice and policy.
- Company: Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, a values-led organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, meaningful work improving public safety and reducing re-offending.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mental health and addiction practices for diverse communities.
- Qualifications: Minimum eight years' clinical experience and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape services in a complex, high-impact environment.
The predicted salary is between 124578 - 175875 £ per year.
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
- Influence mental health and addiction practice at a national, system‐wide level
- Use your clinical expertise to drive real impact for people with complex needs
- Lead with purpose in a role grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity
Mō te tūnga | About the role
As Principal Adviser – Mental Health & Addictions, you will provide expert clinical leadership and strategic advice to support the delivery of safe, effective and culturally responsive mental health and addiction services across Corrections. Working at a national level, you will act as a subject matter expert, influencing practice, policy and service design to improve outcomes for people in our care. You will contribute to evidence‐based practice development, quality assurance and service improvement initiatives, while supporting complex and high‐risk case management. The role partners closely with internal leaders and external agencies across the health and justice sectors, ensuring services align with legislation, professional standards, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. You will also contribute to workforce development and provide specialist advice to senior leaders, panels and governance forums. This is a key leadership role offering the opportunity to shape mental health and addiction practice within a complex, high‐impact environment.
Mōu | About you
You are a highly experienced registered health professional with strong clinical credibility and a strategic mindset. You bring confidence operating at senior and executive levels and are comfortable providing advice on complex and sensitive issues. You understand the importance of culturally responsive practice and can work effectively within a Māori cultural context, applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in practical, meaningful ways. You are relationship‐focused, able to build trust across diverse stakeholders, and recognised for your sound judgement, clear communication and collaborative approach. You enjoy influencing system‐level change and thrive in environments that require both clinical depth and strategic thinking.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
- Minimum eight years' relevant clinical experience in mental health and/or addictions
- Recognised subject matter expertise, including providing clinical guidance and consultation
- Experience in senior leadership or advisory roles
- Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with the ability to work effectively in a Māori cultural setting
- Experience in service development, quality improvement, assurance processes and risk management
- Proven ability to build and maintain relationships across health and justice sectors
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels
- Strong strategic thinking capability and adaptability across complex environments
- High level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications
- Registered health professional under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003, with a current Annual Practising Certificate
- Relevant master's qualification (or actively working towards one) is desirable
Ngā painga | The benefits
The full salary range is $124,578 - $175,875. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role. Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and addressing the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our strategy. We value diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.
Tono ināianei | Apply now
Applications Close 11pm Sunday, 19 April 2026. To apply and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency; applications received via email will not be considered. When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work. If you want to find out more about a career with us visit our careers site or email our team at careers@corrections.govt.nz.
Principal Adviser Mental Health and Addictions - National Office in Canterbury employer: New Zealand Government
Contact Detail:
New Zealand Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Adviser Mental Health and Addictions - National Office in Canterbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health and addictions field. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to key players. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's values and recent initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for their culture too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your clinical expertise and strategic mindset clearly. The more comfortable you are discussing your experience, the more confident you’ll feel during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the role. Let’s get you noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Adviser Mental Health and Addictions - National Office in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your relevant experience in mental health and addictions, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can influence practice and policy!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your motivation for joining us and how your values align with our mission. Be sure to mention your understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it informs your work.
Showcase Your Clinical Expertise: We’re looking for someone with strong clinical credibility. Use your application to demonstrate your experience and how you've driven real impact in previous roles. Specific examples will make your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers site! This ensures transparency and helps us keep track of all applications. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just click the apply link!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Zealand Government
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical expertise in mental health and addictions. Be ready to discuss specific cases where you've made a significant impact, especially in complex situations. This will show that you can apply your knowledge effectively in real-world scenarios.
✨Embrace Cultural Competence
Familiarise yourself with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it applies to mental health and addiction services. Be prepared to share examples of how you've worked within a Māori cultural context and how you can ensure culturally responsive practices in your role.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your experience in building trust and relationships across diverse stakeholders. Think of specific instances where your collaborative approach led to successful outcomes, especially in high-pressure environments. This will demonstrate your ability to influence and lead effectively.
✨Show Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your strategic mindset and how you've contributed to service development and quality improvement initiatives. Bring examples of how you've navigated complex environments and influenced system-level change, as this is crucial for the role.