Practice Lead -Lifeline

Presbyterian Support Northern; Māngere-Ōtāhuhu; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organisation in Auckland is seeking a compassionate Practice Lead to enhance Lifeline's services. Responsibilities include leading best practice, managing mental health risks, and providing support to teams. Ideal candidates will have a recognized clinical qualification, experience in crisis intervention, and strong leadership skills. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Benefits

Employee Assistance programmes

Wellbeing support for family

Discounts through BOOST programme

Formal recognition for service

KiwiSaver contribution

Additional annual leave purchase options

Qualifications

• Proven experience in crisis intervention or suicide prevention.
• Ability to manage complex risk situations confidently.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-quality practice across Lifeline.
• Ensure clinical policies and standards are applied.
• Drive continuous quality improvement.

Skills

Clinical qualification in counselling

Experience in mental health

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Education

Recognised clinical qualification

Job description

Ko mātou tēnei | I This is Us

We believe that everyone should be able to actively contribute to their community and thrive. Our team of 900 stretches from Taupo to Whangarei, and provides access to critical health and social services. We are renowned for our core services Enliven, Family Works, Lifeline and Shine.

Everything we do is informed by our purpose to enable our clients to have a better life; and our values of Hope, Trust & Integrity, Compassion, Partnership, Tangata Whenua.

For more than half a century, Lifeline Aotearoa has been supporting New Zealanders in crisis or distress. Through our nationwide helpline and text-line, we provide essential counselling services that strengthen the emotional and mental wellbeing of individuals and communities.

Te Kowhiringa | I The Opportunity

We’re looking for a skilled and compassionate Practice Lead to strengthen the quality, safety, and impact of Lifeline’s services. This is a fixed term contract until 30 June 2026.

In this role, you’ll:

• Lead evidence-informed, high-quality practice across Lifeline, with a strong focus on managing mental health and suicide risk.
• Ensure clinical policies, procedures, and standards are current, communicated, and consistently applied.
• Lead, train, and enable high standards of delivery through the safe practice of staff and volunteers.
• Drive continuous quality improvement and uphold professional practice standards.
• Provide supervision and guidance to the Senior Shift Supervisor, Warmline team, and Volunteer team.
• Support case management and complex risk presentations, including frequent callers.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of service enhancements.

Ngā pūkenga kei a koe | I Your Skills and Experience

We’d love to hear from you if you have:

• A recognised clinical qualification in counselling (with relevant registration).
• Proven experience in mental health, crisis intervention, or suicide prevention.
• Strong leadership and supervision skills, with the ability to empower and support teams.
• A commitment to continuous learning, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence managing complex risk situations.

Ngā āhuatanga hirahira o te mahi nei | I Highlights of Working with Us

We are committed to creating a diverse work place where you can look forward to feeling included and valued for your contribution. Examples of our commitment include that we are a dementia friendly organisation, a DVFREE Tick Accredited employer, a member of Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion; and a member of the Pride Pledge.

Our people are critical to our success. Part of working as part of our team means that you will have access to:

• Counselling and support through our Employee Assistance programmes
• Wellbeing support and resources for you and your family
• Discounts for a range of services and products, through our BOOST programme
• A reward each time you successfully refer a friend or family to work for PSN
• Formal recognition for your service from 5 years of service
• Kiwi saver contribution in addition to your base salary
• Apply to purchase up to 10 additional days of annual leave each year

Contact [e-mail] if you have any questions or would like a copy of the Role Profile.

To check out our Careers page, please copy and paste https://careers.psn.org.nz/ into your browser to learn more about us and working here, including other exciting opportunities with us.

E hika ma, Tono a mai! (What are you waiting for)… join our team and be part of the solution!