Mental Health and Addiction Roles
Experience something different here by working with whānau (family) to support individuals and alongside lived experience peer support workers.
Kia ora (Hello)!
Now is a great time to Make a Difference Somewhere Different
One of the best things about living and working in Aotearoa, New Zealand are the opportunities to experience nature, outdoor adventure and vibrant cities so close to where you live and work.
Expand your international experience and grow your career in one of the most beautiful places in the world!
With mental health and addiction roles in demand, you can choose where you want to work.
Our Most In Demand Roles
The publicly funded mental health and addiction workforce is spread across New Zealand through primary healthcare organisations, general practices, over 200 non-government organisations, and in Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora specialist healthcare settings.
We’re looking for talented people to fill vacancies in a variety of mental health and addiction roles. Check out some of our most in-demand roles below or reach out to our team to find out how we can match your skills to the right role.
Psychiatrists
Your skills are highly sought after in Aotearoa, New Zealand. With diverse case loads and flexible opportunities, you’ll wish you got here sooner.
Mental Health Nurses
Be part of a supportive Mental Health Nursing community. Bring learning disability skills if you have them and passion for helping people and whānau (family).
Psychologists
Your experience and knowledge as a Clinical Psychologist or specialisation in other areas in this field will be welcomed. Join us today!
Addiction Practitioners
Our addiction workforce is varied and driven by a passion to support people and their whānau (family) get help. Be part of making a difference.
Social Workers
Bring your empathy and passion to provide person-centred support for people and whānau (family). Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand!
Occupational Therapists
Your skills and drive to help people identify activities and occupations meaningful to their life are in demand here. Join us and make a difference!
And Many More Roles!
Our mental health community and support workers are a crucial and fast-growing workforce here.
Bring your skills and passion to care for our most vulnerable in a wide range of roles, including Community Support Workers, Cultural Workers, Counsellors, Peer Support Workers and Diversional Therapists.
Making the move to New Zealand
Ready to find out more about the next steps?
There are requirements for joining us in paradise in a mental health and addictions role. These include Immigration New Zealand's Visa requirements to work legally in the country, and professional Registration Bodies' requirements to be able to practice here.
Learn more by clicking the pop-ups below
Visa Pathways
Many mental health and addiction roles are on Tier 1 of New Zealand’s Green List and are eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa.
Visa Pathways
Roles on Tier 1 of New Zealand’s Green List are eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa.
For other roles, you can come here for five years on an Accredited Employer Work Visa with a job offer from an accredited employer.
Types of Visas to Work in New Zealand:
Straight to Residence Visa
With a Straight to Residence Visa you can apply for New Zealand residency before you arrive, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer.
Your partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger can be included in your visa application. These are just some of the benefits that come with this visa class.
For all roles, you need to:
- Meet health, character, and English language requirements
- Gain registration or membership with professional bodies (see the registration section)
- Ensure your pay is at least the median wage or above
Find your profession on New Zealand’s Green List. Most of our in-demand mental health roles are included there.
Accredited Employer Work Visa
If you’re offered a job that’s not on New Zealand’s Green List, an accredited employer may ask you to apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
It allows you to work temporarily in Aotearoa New Zealand for five years with options for pathways to residence if eligible. You need to meet the criteria, including being paid at least the median wage.
Please register your interest with us to be told about available opportunities or see the job vacancies on Kiwi Health Jobs.
Registration Requirements
Many mental health and addiction roles require you to be registered or belong to a membership body.
Registration Requirements
Most mental health and addiction roles require you to be registered or belong to a membership body.
Specific requirements for roles on Immigration New Zealand's Tier 1 of New Zealand’s Green List can be found on their website.
Registration Bodies:
The information below is about our most in-demand roles.
Psychiatrists - ANZSCO 253411
You'll need to gain registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand
Registered nurses (Mental Health) - ANZSCO 254422
You'll need to gain registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand
Psychologists - ANZSCO 272399
You'll need to gain registration with the Psychologists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand
Addiction practitioners - ANZSCO 272112
You'll need to gain registration with the Dapaanz – Addiction Practitioner’s Association Aotearoa New Zealand.
Social Workers – ANZSCO 272511
You’ll need to gain registration with the Social Workers Registration Board.
Occupational Therapists – ANZSCO 252411
You’ll need to gain registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand.
You can also talk to us or a prospective employer about registration requirements.
Mental Health and Addiction Settings
You could be working within Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora (our national health system), with non-government organisations (NGO) or community providers, all funded by the government.
Health New Zealand Setting
Health New Zealand roles are in community mental health and addiction teams including child and young people, older persons, or a range of inpatient services, or you’ll be providing specialist consultation and liaison services to a range of health services.
Roles range from registered practitioners to support workers with lived experience.
Non-Government & Community Settings
Our NGO and community providers are integral to a highly developed sector and crucial in our health system. They include peer/lived experience led, Māori, Pacific and other providers and will get you working closely in diverse cultural settings.
NGOs provide community health and well-being support, primary-level mental health and addiction services or specialist-level services including child and young people, community crisis respite and residential.
Our Workforce Statistics
- 37% employed by NGO and community providers
- 47% are registered health professionals
- 33% are Support Workers
Improving outcomes for all
We know how important mental health is for our wellbeing, our whānau (family) and our communities. Watch how we make a difference in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
We'd love to help. Reach out to us!
Moving to Aotearoa New Zealand is a fantastic opportunity and a big step, we're here for you! Our dedicated team is here to provide guidance and support throughout your journey, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.