Duty Counsellor

Canterbury; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 52,000 - 80,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave & holidays

Parental leave

Superannuation

Flexible working

PD opportunities

Staff discounts

Onsite childcare

Job summary

The University of Canterbury is seeking a Duty Counsellor to join the UC Health Centre on campus in Ōtautahi Christchurch. This is a 15-hour-per-week permanent role delivering brief, solution-focused mental health support to students in a welcoming, collaborative environment.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team, providing 20–30 minute appointments, typically spanning one to three sessions, and referring for ongoing care when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and current registration with a professional body.
• Five years' experience in counselling or mental health.
• Ability to work independently within a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to culturally responsive practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide brief mental health assessments and counselling interventions.
• Respond to distress or heightened risk.
• Develop practical strategies to support student wellbeing.
• Refer students to specialist services when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and adhere to professional standards.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Assessment skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Cultural competence

Education

Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) in Psychology/Clinical Psychology/Social Work/Counselling

Job description

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• 15 hours per week, permanent role
• Based at UC Health Centre
• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• Generous superannuation provisions (up to 6.75% employer contribution)

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

At the University of Canterbury (UC), we know that early intervention can make a significant difference. As our Duty Counsellor, you'll be at the forefront of supporting students experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns, providing brief, solution-focused interventions in a welcoming and collaborative environment.

Working from Te Whare Hauora | UC Health Centre, you will join a dedicated multidisciplinary team committed to delivering compassionate, student-centred care that helps our diverse student community thrive.

This is a rewarding role where no two days are the same. You'll provide accessible, short-term mental health support through 20-30 minute appointments, with most students being seen on the day they seek help. Typically, you'll work with students for one to three sessions, assessing their needs, providing evidence-based interventions, and connecting them with ongoing supports where appropriate.

Working closely with GPs, nurses, wellbeing specialists and other health professionals, you'll contribute to a truly integrated approach to student wellbeing. Your work will include:

• Providing brief mental health assessments and counselling interventions.
• Responding to students experiencing distress or heightened risk.
• Developing practical strategies to support student wellbeing and resilience.
• Referring students to specialist services when appropriate.
• Maintaining accurate clinical records and working within professional and ethical standards.

Mōu | Who You Are

You're an experienced mental health professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment where your clinical judgement, empathy and ability to build rapport quickly are highly valued. You will hold a Bachelor's degree (preferably a Master's degree) in a relevant discipline such as Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Social Work or Counselling. A current professional registration with an appropriate professional body and a current practising certificate is also required.

You will also be able to demonstrate:

• At least five years' experience in a comparable counselling or mental health role.
• Experience working independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Confidence supporting people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Excellent interpersonal, assessment and communication skills.
• A commitment to culturally responsive practice, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and supporting an inclusive environment for all students.
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

The Health Centre is a clinic devoted to providing excellent Medical, Counselling and Related Services to the Students and wider community of the University of Canterbury, enhancing the identity and wellbeing of that Community and comprises doctors, nurses, counsellors, health coach services.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi | staff’s career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued.

UC’s Benefits approach

is shaped by Ngā Uara | Our Values Whanaungatanga, Tiakitanga, and Manaakitanga. They are designed to be relevant, support and inspire our people, they include:

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• UC Parental Leave (up to 9 weeks paid) + 26 weeks Government paid parental leave and onsite childcare facility
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• flexible working arrangements
• professional development and study opportunities
• supportive working environment
• a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
• living in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
• a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as UC RecCentre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

The closing date for this position is: 16 November 2026 (midnight, NZ time)
Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency to be considered for this role.

Please note, this is an onsite position.