Addiction sector pathways
This section looks at some key person-to-person, system-based, and leadership roles within the addiction sector and entry level pathways that can lead into them.
Some roles such as peer support workers and consumer advisors are primarily mātau ā-wheako CPSLE roles, meaning lived experience is a primary, central part of their mahi. People with lived experience do not necessarily need to work in mātau ā-wheako CPSLE roles, or disclose their experiences in the workplace. This webpage recognises that addiction kaimahi may have lived or living experience of their own or whānau and can work in a range of different roles.
Note: this section provides general role descriptions and examples of common entry level pathways into them. It is intended to provide some guidance for people to look further into options that are available to them. Scopes of practice and role responsibilities may vary across settings, and people’s career journeys may look different to common pathways. It is a good idea to check role scopes and descriptions for more detailed information on what your day-to-day mahi may look like.
Person-to-person roles
People working in these roles provide direct support for tāngata whai ora and whānau affected by their loved ones’ addiction. This includes regulated and unregulated roles working in a range of settings, including community, inpatient, and residential treatment services; and organisation types including local community and peer groups, non-government organisations (NGOs), Te Whatu Ora services, and private services.
Other person-to-person roles include:
- cultural (support) workers
- health improvement practitioners (registered with Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act, dapaanz, SWRB, or NZAC and completed Te Whatu Ora accreditation to work in the health sector)
- case managers (often practitioners or other professionals who do case management mahi)
- other registered professional roles such as pharmacists, psychologists (who typically require postgraduate qualifications) and psychiatrists (who require medical practitioner registration).
System-based roles
People in system-based roles support the strategic building, planning, and improvement of services, policies, systems, and evidence. This includes being part of continuous quality improvement initiatives that aim to make addiction services more responsive and effective for people accessing them and their whānau (Te Pou, 2023). System-based roles often work in a range of settings and organisations whose work impacts the addiction sector including:
- addiction treatment and support services
- broader health services, including mental health and primary care
- community organisations, including Kaupapa Māori services
- regional and national organisations, including Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora and Ara Poutama.
Other system-based roles include administrators, policy advisors, and analysts.
Leadership roles
People in leadership roles work alongside teams and services to fulfil a range of goals. These include providing guidance and support, enhancing practice, supporting others’ learning and development, and informing organisational and system policies. Leaders at all levels play a key role in incorporating the goals and needs of people and whānau who access services into practice, service planning and delivery, evaluation, policy formation and implementation, and other service and sector improvement initiatives. Often people in person-to-person and system-based roles do leadership mahi as part of their roles.
Resources
Te Pou has a wide range of evidence-based resources and tools to help the addiction and mental health workforce.
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Te Pou works alongside addiction and mental health services to understand their priorities and workforce challenges.
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