Kaiwhakamārie/Counsellor

KAIWHAKAMĀRIE/COUNSELLOR

E ngā mana, e ngā reo, rau rangatira mā, tēna koutou, tēnā koutou, tēna koutou katoa

Mō mātou – About us

Our Tangata come first

We are guided by Tika, Pono and Aroha

We respect the Mauri, Mana and Tapu of everyone

Our Tohu o Āwhina symbolizes the harakeke, representing the strength and interconnectedness of whānau. Te Pā Harakeke o Āwhina embodies the importance of strong roots and a stable base for nurturing future generations, supporting resilience, connection, and the preservation of cultural identity.

We are seeking expressions of interest for a Kaiwhakamārie/Counsellor to join our supportive team.  We have flexible opportunities available and are open to discussing options that suit both you and our organisation.  This may include a full-time or part-time (0.8 FTE) position.

If you're a qualified, registered or a provisionally registered professional who aligns with our Kaupapa and is passionate about supporting tāngata whai ora and whānau, we would love to hear from you.

Mō te tūnga – About the Role

The Kaiwhakamārie (Counsellor) works directly with tāngata whai ora/clients and their whānau, delivering services that support and uplift the self-determination of our whānau, hapū and iwi.  This role provides counselling and therapeutic support to tāngata whai ora and their whānau, assisting with a range of challenges including anxiety, depression, coping strategies, self-esteem, domestic, family harm, sexual harm and other personal difficulties.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu - What You'll BringTo be successful in this role, you will be a qualified professional, ideally with an understanding of trauma-informed practice and a commitment to te ao Māori values.

We're seeking someone who:

• Aligns with Āwhina's Kaupapa and values
• Works collaboratively in a positive, culturally grounded team environment
• Applies Kaupapa Māori approaches and tools in their counselling practice

Key skills and experience:

• A qualified and registered (or provisionally registered) Counsellor, Psychotherapist,Psychologist or similar
• Relevant recent or previous experience in a therapeutic or counselling role
• Experience developing safety plans
• Skilled in writing reports and case-notes
• Training or experience in Trauma Informed Response
• Understanding of Mātauranga Māori practices, processes and Kaupapa Māori frameworks
• Strong empathy and a genuine commitment to empowering tāngata whai ora and their whānau
• Effective time and caseload management skills
• Full NZ driver's license
• To be considered for this position, applicants must be residing in New Zealand and hold either New Zealand citizenship, residency or a valid New Zealand work visa.

You'll also bring excellent communication and relationship-building skills, enthusiasm and the ability to engage effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.  Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi is essential, with a willingness to strengthen your understanding of tikanga and te reo Māori within a bicultural environment.

This role may suit someone who is:

• A qualified, registered counsellor/professional who is keen to engage in workforce development opportunities to build capacity for this role
• A newly graduated, provisionally registered practitioner
• Considering relocating for a rewarding opportunity and lifestyle in beautiful Hawke's Bay

We welcome a kōrero to explore options that support both your career aspirations alongside meeting the needs of our community.

Nōu te rourou – What's in it for you

We offer a supportive, values-driven environment, encouraging professional growth and cultural enrichment. Our attractive employee package includes:

• Competitive salary
• Birthday leave
• Flexible working options
• Comprehensive insurance coverage (critical illness, life, terminal illness)
• Access to digital will and financial footprint services
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Clinical and Cultural supervision
• Ongoing workforce development and training opportunities

Join a kaupapa focused organisation where your skills and aroha for whānau, hapū and iwi can truly make a difference, contributing to strong roots and nurturing future generations.  We encourage you to apply and we'll work together to explore what might be possible.

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to apply

A copy of the Job Description can be found under the careers link on our website

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV and at least two work related referees to by 5pm Monday 15th September 2025.

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