Counsellor, Interpersonal Violence

The University of Waikato holds a special place in the New Zealand university system. Since its inception in 1964 when it was created by the demands of the local community, the University has shown a commitment to innovation and to... 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 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. Remuneration will be based on the skills, knowledge, and experience you bring to the role. This is a full-time position (37.5 hours per week) based at our Hillcrest Campus. Qualifications & Experience 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. Don’t meet every single requirement? Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At The University of Waikato, we’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly match every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be just the right person for this or another opportunity on our team. Applications Close Friday August 14, 2026 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr