Counsellor - Interpersonal Violence

Student Health Service – Support student wellbeing and safety as a specialist Counsellor – Interpersonal Violence This role is ideal for an experienced counsellor, social worker, psychologist, or other suitably qualified mental health professional with expertise in trauma‑informed practice, sexual harm, family violence, and interpersonal violence response. Opportunity to support student wellbeing and safety. Reduced university papers and career development opportunities. Up to 6.75% employer contributions to Unisaver NZ superannuation scheme. About the role We're looking for an exceptional Counsellor – Interpersonal Violence to join our Student Health Service team. In this specialist role, you will provide trauma‑informed counselling and support to students affected by interpersonal violence, including sexual harm, family and relationship violence, harassment, coercion, and other forms of abuse. You will play a key role in supporting student wellbeing while contributing to a safer and more inclusive campus environment. In this role, you will: Provide specialist trauma‑informed counselling, crisis intervention, risk assessment, and safety planning for students. Act as a key consultation resource for clinical and non‑clinical staff seeking guidance on responding to disclosures and situations involving interpersonal violence. Support staff to navigate risk assessment, safety concerns, referral pathways, and trauma‑informed responses. Deliver training, workshops, and capability‑building initiatives that strengthen staff confidence and organisational response. Work in partnership with the Violence Prevention Health Promoter to inform and shape violence prevention campaigns, education programmes, and awareness initiatives. Provide clinical expertise to ensure prevention messaging and educational activities are safe, evidence‑informed, and responsive to student needs. Contribute to the development of policies, procedures, and service improvements that strengthen the University's response to interpersonal violence. Build effective relationships with specialist community agencies and develop coordinated pathways of care for students. Work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary Student Health Service team committed to student wellbeing and success. Who are you? You are a fully registered mental health professional (e.g. counsellor, social worker, psychologist) with strong assessment, intervention, and case management skills. You have experience supporting people with mental health needs, delivering brief, recovery‑focused interventions, and connecting clients with the right services and supports. You bring a sound understanding of the Aotearoa mental health sector, including community services, referral pathways, and the factors that influence student wellbeing. Committed to culturally responsive practice, you work effectively with Māori, Pacific, Rainbow, and diverse student communities, providing inclusive, respectful, and compassionate care. You communicate clearly, build strong relationships, and work effectively both independently and within an interdisciplinary team, and across the University. Adaptable and organised, you remain steady under pressure and are committed to continuous learning, professional integrity, and contributing positively to student wellbeing. Who are we? The Student Services Division provides high quality integrated services that foster engagement, promote wellbeing and support students in achieving their academic goals. It includes administrative processes, enquiry management, pastoral care, international student services, health, accommodation, counselling, disabilities support, career development services, sport and wellbeing, student surveys and student complaints and appeals. The Student Health Service provides high quality, accessible primary health care, mental health and counselling services to the University of Waikato students. Why should you apply? Working with us means you'll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits. Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future‑focused, international education and an active player in global research. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations. Applications close Friday, 14 August 2026. For the People The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world‑class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Angela Field, Clinical Manager, Mental Health and Wellbeing, [email protected]. #J-18808-Ljbffr