Whangaparāoa College Auckland

Counsellor

Whangaparāoa College is located 35 minutes north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge on the beautiful Hibiscus Coast with a school roll of 1,803 learners from Y7 to Y13. The college has outstanding facilities, a committed and talented staff, and a focus on learner achievement.

As a counsellor in our Guidance Department, you will play a crucial role in supporting our diverse student body. You will provide professional counselling services to help students manage challenges, emotions, and behaviour. We value diversity and encourage applicants from all background to apply.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct face-to-face, individual counselling sessions.
• Mediation sessions with a restorative framework.
• Assist students in coping with life changes and making informed decisions.
• Research and implement effective strategies for specific student issues.
• Maintain accurate client records according to college processes.
• Facilitate workshops and groups related to mental health and wellbeing.
• Collaborate with whānau and staff to effectively support student needs.
• Maintain confidentiality and practice in accordance with the NZAC Code of Ethics.
• Work as part of a team in a diverse environment.
• Manage ethical issues within a diverse and complex environment.
• Assess and manage risk, make external referrals and network with external agencies.

Qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Counselling, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Social Work or Mental Health Nursing (minimum requirement). Graduate and/or post-graduate education is highly desirable.
• Membership with NZAC (provisional membership minimum requirement working towards full membership).
• Minimum 5 years' counselling experience.
• Knowledge of counselling theories, human behaviour, and social and cultural issues.
• Experience in providing effective support to those from diverse backgrounds.

Personal qualities:

• Mature, professional, empathetic.
• Excellent listening and communication skills.
• Respectful of privacy and confidentiality. 
• Patient, organised, prompt and persistent.

The school provides strong support for staff hauora. Our school is innovative and dynamic with outstanding learners, supportive staff and community.