Counsellor

St Patrick's College (Kilbirnie); Wellington; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

St Patrick's College (Kilbirnie) Wellington is seeking a full-time, fixed-term Counsellor for 2027 to support student wellbeing across Years 7–15. The role involves collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to provide individual and group counselling, plan therapeutic programs, and liaise with families and external agencies.

The position supports the new Wellbeing Hub and requires NZAC/NZCCA registration (or eligibility), a relevant counselling qualification, and strong communication skills

Qualifications

• Professional registration with NZAC or NZCCA (or eligibility).
• A relevant counselling qualification (secondary school experience or teaching certification is advantageous).
• Strong relational and communication skills to connect with akōnga, whānau, and colleagues.
• A genuine commitment to upholding and contributing to the Catholic Marist Special Character of the College.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and small group counselling to students.
• Plan and facilitate therapeutic group work and guidance programmes.
• Liaise with whānau, staff, and external support agencies (e.g., CAMHS).
• Contribute to the ongoing evolution of our Wellbeing Hub and services.
• Respond to crisis and risk situations following school protocols.

Skills

NZAC/NZCCA registration

Counselling qualification

Communication skills

Relational skills

Education

Relevant counselling qualification

Secondary school experience advantageous

Job description

St Patrick's College (Kilbirnie) Wellington

Counsellor

Full time, Fixed term, Start Date: 27/01/2027, End Date: 10/12/2027 (Due to funding period restrictions)

Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura, Guidance counsellor
English

St Patrick’s College is seeking a second counsellor for the 2027 school year to join our growing pastoral care team. This full-time, fixed-term position comes in response to increasing demand for wellbeing support across our kura.

We are excited about the future of our guidance services as we prepare to move into a newly completed facility. Our vision for 2027 is to establish an accessible Wellbeing Hub—a dedicated Hauora space where whakawhanaungatanga is intentional and manaakitanga underpins everything we do to meet the physical, mental, and emotional needs of our tauira.

About the role

Working alongside our lead guidance counsellor and a collaborative multidisciplinary team, including senior leadership, house deans, learning support, careers, and external agencies, you will actively support student hauora.

Key responsibilities

• Provide individual and small group counselling to students.
• Plan and facilitate therapeutic group work and guidance programmes.
• Liaise with whānau, staff, and external support agencies (e.g., CAMHS).
• Contribute to the ongoing evolution of our Wellbeing Hub and services.
• Respond to crisis and risk situations following school protocols.

About you

We welcome applications from both experienced and beginning counsellors who bring:

• Professional registration with NZAC or NZCCA (or eligibility).
• A relevant counselling qualification (secondary school experience or teaching certification is advantageous).
• Strong relational and communication skills to connect with akōnga, whānau, and colleagues.
• A genuine commitment to upholding and contributing to the Catholic Marist Special Character of the College.