Counsellor
Counsellor
The opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi
UCOL is seeking a skilled and compassionate Counsellor to join our team to cover maternity leave on a fixed-term basis until March 2027. This role plays a critical part in supporting learners as they navigate the academic, personal, and social challenges of tertiary education.
Working within a multidisciplinary student support environment, you will provide clinically sound, culturally responsive counselling that supports learner wellbeing, retention, and success. This mahi is grounded in relationship-based practice, cultural safety, and a strong understanding of the tertiary learner context.
About the role | Mō te tūranga
The Counsellor works closely with Learner Advisors, academic staff, and student support services to provide integrated, holistic care. You will support learners experiencing a wide range of concerns, including stress, anxiety, adjustment to study, identity and belonging, grief and loss, relationship challenges, and barriers impacting learning.
Key responsibilities | Ngā kawenga matua
- Provide short- to medium-term counselling to learners using evidence-based and culturally responsive approaches
- Deliver one-to-one clinical sessions, with scope for group-based or psychoeducational sessions where appropriate
- Undertake assessment, formulation, goal setting, and intervention planning
- Support learners to develop coping strategies, resilience, and self-awareness within a tertiary study context
- Work collaboratively with Learner Advisors and academic teams to support learner outcomes and safe escalation
- Provide referrals to internal and external support services as needed
- Maintain accurate clinical records and uphold ethical and professional standards
- Participate in clinical supervision, team hui, and service development activities
- Contribute to a culturally safe environment for Māori and Pacific learners
Cultural and clinical approach
UCOL’s counselling services are delivered through a holistic, Tiriti-honouring lens, recognising the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and academic wellbeing. The successful candidate will be able to work confidently with Māori and Pacific learners, whānau, and aiga, acknowledging the impacts of culture, identity, and systemic pressures on learner wellbeing.
About you | He kōrero mōu
You are a grounded, reflective practitioner with strong clinical capability and a learner-centred mindset.
You will bring:
- A recognised qualification in counselling, psychology, social work, or a related field
- Current professional registration and eligibility to practise in Aotearoa New Zealand
- Experience providing counselling in education, youth, health, or community settings
- Strong assessment, risk management, and clinical decision-making skills
- An understanding of Te Ao Māori, tikanga Māori, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- Awareness of Pacific values and learner contexts, or a willingness to grow in this space
- A trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally safe practice approach
- The ability to work autonomously while contributing positively to a team environment
What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou
- A fixed-term opportunity supporting learner mental wealth and wellbeing
- A supportive, values-driven team environment
- Access to clinical and cultural supervision
- Professional development opportunities
- A workplace that genuinely values wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion
Our commitment
UCOL is committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and fostering an inclusive, culturally responsive environment. We strongly encourage applicants to apply.
Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.
