Counsellor –

Mai Lighthouse is a community-focused, not-for-profit service based in Pukekohe. We are introducing a new salaried counselling role to strengthen support for children and young people and improve access to after-hours appointments.

We are looking for a NZ registered counsellor who enjoys working with tamariki and rangatahi and can hold a consistent weekly client load. This role includes coverage of one late-night clinic each week and running two weekly wellbeing drop-in sessions. Counselling will take place at either our Pukekohe or Tuakau offices.

Why take a salaried counselling role?

This position offers guaranteed income, paid time for admin and cancellations, job security, employer KiwiSaver contributions, annual/sick leave, and full organisational support. You won't need to manage your own caseload, invoicing, or room hire — you can simply focus on quality therapeutic work with children and young people. While the hourly equivalent is lower than contractor rates, the overall stability, benefits, and paid non-client time make this a sustainable, balanced, and rewarding role.

You will:

• Provide counselling for children and young people (and adults as needed).

• Hold a stable caseload and follow up on no-shows

• Plan and deliver two weekly wellbeing drop-in sessions (one for rangatahi, one for adults)

• Use non-session time for preparation, notes, service development and supervision

• Work as part of the wider Mai Lighthouse team providing support where needed.

You'll bring:

• A recognised counselling qualification and current professional membership

• Experience with children and young people

• Strong practice foundations and good communication with whānau

• Confidence facilitating simple group or activity-based sessions

This is a 12-month pilot as we look to create a hybrid model of salaried and contracted counselling staff.

If you'd like to support local whānau and help grow early wellbeing support for tamariki and rangatahi, we'd love to hear from you. Feel free to call to speak to the CEO, Robyn Driver if you have any questions about the role.