Addictions counsellor
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours
- Usually work in health clinics, hospitals, schools and prisons
- May do emotionally demanding work
- Need to be responsible, identify and solve problems and communicate well
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Help people overcome addiction
- Develop and modify treatment plans
- Give drug screening tests
- Work with other professionals to plan care
- Help clients in emergencies
- Maintain records
- Write reports
- Study counselling and social work
Outlook
Addiction support remains an important part of New Zealand’s health and social services system, with ongoing focus on improving access, reducing harm and supporting mental wellbeing. Services are increasingly shaped by trauma-informed practice, cultural responsiveness, peer support and integrated care with mental health services. Internationally, digital tools and telehealth are also influencing how support is delivered, while the need for skilled, compassionate practitioners remains strong.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Empathy, patience and non-judgemental communication
- Strong listening and relationship-building skills
- Cultural awareness, including understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- Ability to work safely with trauma, risk and complex needs
- Professional boundaries, ethics and confidentiality
- Teamwork with health, social service and community organisations
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Further study options
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.