Clinician

Barnardos; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Flexible work arrangements

Discounted childcare

Supportive team environment

Make a difference in youth care

Job summary

BARNARDOS AOTEAroa is seeking an experienced Clinician to join a supportive, strengths-based team delivering high-quality therapy to male rangatahi (12-17) at risk of harmful behaviour. You will build therapeutic rapport in a residential setting, prioritising emotional and behavioural regulation and restorative practice.

The role involves collaboration with the clinical team, whānau engagement, and liaison with support networks.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification or relevant experience in a recognised social service, education or health profession.
• Experience and knowledge of a range of theoretical therapeutic models related to working with young people and families.
• Strong bi-cultural practice and a connection to Te Ao Māori practice frameworks.
• Understanding of the dynamics of sexual abuse, trauma, attachment issues and the impact on young people and their families.
• Experience delivering individual, group and family therapy to young people and their whānau.
• An understanding of therapeutic community models of residential treatment and the role of residential staff within the environment.
• Strong facilitation, verbal and written communication skills.
• A current full NZ driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Engage in effective treatment and case planning reflecting programme models and involving key staff.
• Provide individual, group and family/whānau therapy using various modalities.
• Complete quality assessments for youth.
• Provide quality clinical supervision to Residential Youth Workers when required.
• Deliver training to residential staff relevant to clinician’s expertise.
• Develop effective relationships with external agencies and community stakeholders for coordinated services.
• Plan practices with Clinical Team Leader and deliver within time frames.
• Ensure practices align with CYF Act 1989, Barnardos policies and other legislation.

Skills

Tertiary qualification

Therapy models

Bi-cultural practice

Trauma & attachment

Individual/Group/Family therapy

Therapeutic community

Facilitation & communication

Driver's license

Education

Tertiary qualification in social service/education/health

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

We are looking for an experienced Clinician to join a strengths based and highly supportive team working in a community of change to deliver sector leading practice!

About the role

The Clinician works within our residential treatment facility for male rangatahi (aged 12-17) who are at risk of engaging in further harmful sexual behaviour.
The main role of the Clinician involves building strong therapeutic rapport with young people within atherapeutic community; providing high-quality specialist individual therapy as part of theassessment and treatment plan in order to achieve the main outcomes of their treatment (safety; wellness and relational health).

With a maximum of 8 rangatahi in care at any one time the Clinician is able to prioritise quality and depth of clinical work with a strong focus on emotional and behavioural regulation and restorative practice.

The role also involves collaborative work with other members of the clinical team, engagement with whānau and liaison with wider support networks involved with the young person.

This permanent full-time role is 40 hours per week, based at our residential facility on the outskirts of Christchurch.

Some travel is involved with this role.

Responsibilities

• Engage in effective treatment and case planning which reflects the application of programme treatment models, and which involves key staff
• Provide individual, group and family/whānau therapy using a range of therapeutic modalities
• Complete quality assessments for youth
• Provide quality clinical supervision to Residential Youth Workers when required
• Deliver training to residential staff relevant to clinician’s expertise where requested
• Develop effective working relationships with relevant external agencies (public and private sector) and community and stakeholder groups (in particular Oranga Tamariki), community-based treatment providers to ensure youth and families/whānau receive coordinated services
• Ensure that practice is planned in consultation with the Clinical Team Leader and delivered within appropriate time frames
• Ensure that practices are consistent with the Children, Young Person’s and their Families Act 1989, Barnardos policies and procedures and other relevant legislation

Skills and Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification or relevant experience in a recognised social service, education or health profession
• Experience and knowledge of a range of theoretical therapeutic models related to working with young people and families
• Strong bi-cultural practice and a connection to Te Ao Māori practice frameworks
• Understanding of the dynamics of sexual abuse, trauma, attachment issues and the impact on young people and their families
• Experience delivering individual, group and family therapy to young people and their whānau
• An understanding of therapeutic community models of residential treatment and the role of residential staff within the environment
• Strong facilitation, verbal and written communication skills
• A current full NZ driver's license

Culture

This work can sometimes be challenging. You will need resilience and a passion for working with youth, be flexible, have a positive attitude, and exhibit the ability to build strong professional relationships with young people, whānau/families, staff, and service providers. A comprehensive induction programme is undertaken with ongoing education, training, and support offered to all staff.

Embody Our Values

• Kotahitanga (unity): Cultivate a sense of belonging through meaningful relationships with tamariki, rangatahi, colleagues, and the wider community
• Mahi tōtika (excellence): Demonstrate unwavering integrity and purpose in all aspects of your work, striving for the highest standards of care
• Kaikōkiritanga (innovation): Drive positive change with creativity, constantly seeking new and effective ways to support tamariki and rangatahi
• Āta whakarongo (active listening): Let tamariki and rangatahi voices shape your approach, ensuring their perspectives are central to decision-making
• Māiatanga (empowerment): Nurture growth and unlock potential in tamariki, rangatahi, and colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development

Why Choose Barnardos?

• Be at the forefront of trauma-responsive youth care in New Zealand, contributing to groundbreaking programs
• Join a respected NGO with over 55 years of impact in child welfare and advocacy
• Access ongoing professional development opportunities, including specialised training in trauma-informed practices and the latest youth care methodologies
• Enjoy family-friendly policies, including flexible work arrangements where possible
• Benefit from discounted childcare at Barnardos Early Learning centres
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Supportive team environment with regular supervision and peer support
• Opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable young people

About Barnardos Aotearoa

Barnardos Aotearoa is a children’scharityworkingwithtamarikiand whānau to ensure every child in Aotearoahas the opportunity tothrive, no matter their circumstances. Our unique combination of social services, early learning, careservicesand counselling helplineprovidesthe broadest range of childandwhānau-centred services inAotearoa.

Each year, we work with more than 30,000tamariki,rangatahiand whānau across the country.