School Counsellor

Kelston Intermediate; Auckland; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Te Kura Takawaenga o Kerehana is seeking a culturally responsive School Counsellor to empower ākonga through counselling and wellbeing support. Guided by Te Whare Tapa Whā, the role fosters mana, resilience, and growth within the Taumata framework.

The permanent position runs Monday–Friday with flexible start dates for term 4, 2026 or term 1, 2027. You will deliver individual/group counselling, crisis de-escalation, restorative practices, and connect whānau with services while supporting kaiako

Qualifications

• Relevant counselling experience with adolescents.
• Evidence-based modalities for early adolescents.
• Strong communication and case-management skills.
• Able to build trusting relationships with ākonga and whānau.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and bicultural practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counselling and crisis de-escalation for ākonga.
• Facilitate targeted interventions and structured support programmes.
• Embed restorative practices and connect whānau with community services; collaborate with kaiako.

Skills

Counselling

Wellbeing support

Crisis de-escalation

Communication

Case management

Relational skills

Adolescent developmental knowledge

Education

Counselling or Social Work qualification

Job description

Are you a relational practitioner passionate about empowering emerging adolescents (Years 7–8)? Te Kura Takawaenga o Kerehana is seeking a culturally responsive School Counsellor to promote the holistic wellbeing of our ākonga. Guided by Te Whare Tapa Whā , you will uphold mana, foster resilience, and help students thrive across our Taumata framework.

We are hoping to employ a successful candidate to this permanant role, Monday to Friday and ideally for the start of term 4 2026, but can be flexible about your start date. We would even be willing to wait for the best candidate to start with us in term 1, 2027.

• Counselling and wellbeing: Provide individual/group counselling and crisis de-escalation for ākonga navigating social, emotional, or behavioural challenges.
• Targeted interventions: Facilitate structured support programmes (e.g., Seasons for Growth , expressive therapies, self-esteem building).
• Restorative and collaborative practice: Embed restorative approaches to resolve conflict and preserve mana. Connect whānau with community services and collaborate with kaiako to support student growth.

Te Haumata Tino Tika | Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant qualification in counselling or social work.
• Full or provisional membership with NZAC, NZCCA, SWRB, or an equivalent professional body.
• Skilled in evidence-based modalities tailored to early adolescents (sand therapy, grief/trauma-informed practice).
• Strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, bilingual/bicultural pathways, and supporting Māori and Pasifika ākonga.
• Exceptional communication, case management, and relational skills.

Informal chats and school visits are warmly welcomed!