Functional Family Therapist

E ngā reo, e ngā mana, huri noa I te motu, tēnā koutou katoa.

He tūranga tēnei e wātea ana ki roto o Kia Puāwai

Functional Family Therapist (FFT) – Fixed Term (12 Months) Parental Leave Cover

• Make a positive difference in the lives of rangatahi and whānau
• Unique opportunity to be trained in an evidence-based family therapy model
• Supportive and values-based team environment
• Paid birthday leave

We are looking for an energetic and creative individual to join our team to provide Functional Family Therapy (FFT) to rangatahi and their whānau, to enable them to thrive in their communities. This role will provide fixed term parental leave cover for a period of 12 months, until March While this is a remote role, you'll collaborate closely with a team that values regular interaction.

FFT is an internationally renowned evidence-based family therapy programme that has been running successfully in New Zealand for over 13 years. FFT is for young people aged 10-18, and their whānau, to help them strengthen their relationships, improve the way they communicate and reduce conflict in the home. Our therapists provide support to families in their home with a focus on reducing conflict and improving relationship as they navigate emotional or behavioural difficulties and complex needs.  Through our model, we support rangatahi to remain living in a supported whānau environment, maintain their engagement in education or training, and improve interpersonal skills.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a degree in social work, psychology, or psychotherapy
• Is a registered health professional under the HCPA Act, DAPAANZ or Social Work registration
• Has the ability to build strong relationships
• Is culturally aware and willing to be a part of an immersive bi-cultural journey
• Has a full New Zealand driver's licence
• Is willing to undergo a Ministry of Social Development (MSD) check and police vetting
• We support rangatahi across the Hawkes Bay region
• Role requires travel and some evening work so flexibility is a must
• Is keen to work flexible hours including some early evening work to align with whānau schedules

What we offer:

• Enjoy the benefits of a 4-Day Work week, which sees our kaimahi retain 100 percent of their pay, while working 80 percent (or close to) of the time and still delivering 100 percent on the great mahi we do.
• An allocated vehicle for work and commute purposes
• Career progression and professional development opportunities in both Western and indigenous knowledge bases
• Outstanding comprehensive model training and supervision including cultural support and development
• A comprehensive induction and training programme including Noho Marae
• Raise Employee Assistance Programme

This role is covered by social worker pay equity. Remuneration will be decided after consultation with you regarding your experience.

About Kia Puāwai

We are a tangata Tiriti NGO which specialises in providing therapeutic services for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau who have complex behavioural and/or mental health needs.

Our innovative approach combines Western evidence-based models with mātauranga Māori and Pasifika knowledge. We work in a trauma informed way that acknowledges the impacts of colonisation for tangata whenua and indigenous peoples of Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, including how and why members of these communities may require our services.

Our organisational tikanga: aroha, manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and wairuatanga help us to define what best practice is for working with tangata whenua in Aotearoa.

As a tangata Tiriti organisation, we are committed to meeting our obligations to He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We strive to deliver equitable outcomes through the designing and delivery of effective and appropriate services for tangata whenua and Pasifika.

We have over 150 staff and caregivers supporting tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau across Te Tai Tokerau, greater Tāmaki, Waikato, Te Moana a Toi, Te Matau a Māui, and the lower areas of Te Ika o Māui and Te Wai Pounamu. To find out more about Kia Puāwai, visit

Closing date |18 December 2025.

Please note that we review applications as we receive them and we may remove the advert before the closing date if we find a suitable candidate. Please note the official title of the role is FFT Therapist.

Position Description:please request a position description from 

For more information about the role, please contact Leah Hocken, Practice Leader for Functional Family Therapy at

Mēnā e ngākaunui ana koe ki tēnei mahi, whakapāmai mo ngētehi atu kōrero ki raro nei.

We welcome and encourage diversity and inclusion in our workforce and adhere to best practice equal employment opportunity principles in all aspects of our recruitment and our ways of working. Kia Puāwai is Rainbow Tick accredited.