Counsellor

Join Our Team at Massey University - Make a Positive Impact on Student Wellbeing!

Massey University is looking for an experienced counsellor to join the Student Counselling Team. Are you a passionate and experienced Mental Health Professional or Counsellor eager to contribute to the wellbeing and success of tertiary students? We invite you to join our dynamic Student Counselling Team - Palmerston North Campus.

Position Overview: As a vital member of our supportive and creative team, you will play a crucial role in enhancing the mental health and overall wellbeing of Massey students, both on campus and distance learners.

This awesome Permanent 1 FTE position is a 37.5 hours/week Monday- Friday, office hours are 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM role.

The salary range for this position is Grade 6 ($71,274 - $101,329) depending on experience and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide short-term, solution-focused counselling and therapeutic support to tertiary students.
• Support students navigating mental health, wellbeing, personal, and academic challenges.
• Collaborate with counsellors, health professionals, and student support services to deliver holistic care.
• Develop and facilitate workshops, groups, and wellbeing initiatives that promote student success.
• Conduct risk assessments and management, maintain timely clinical records, and uphold professional standards.
• Foster inclusive, culturally responsive practice that values diversity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.
• Uphold the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021, ensuring student wellbeing remains at the heart of service delivery.

Requirements for Success:

• Current registration with NZAC, Dapaanz, NZASW, or equivalent professional body.
• Demonstrated therapeutic skills and experience.
• Understanding of issues specific to tertiary students and young adults.
• Ability to work autonomously in challenging and complex contexts.
• Experience working with diverse student demographics, including Māori, Pasifika, Rainbow, Neurodivergent, and international students.
• Familiarity with the Vulnerable Children Act 2014 and Regulations

Massey Offers:

• Up to 6.75% employer contribution to the UniSaver Superannuation Scheme
• Five university holidays per year in addition to your annual leave
• Subsidised Southern Cross Healthcare plan for you and your family
• Special staff rates available for campus gym membership
• Staff purchasing privileges and discounts at many commercial and retail businesses across NZ
• Access to a wonderful on-Campus crèche /day care facilities for dependents of staff on our Manawatū campus
• Comprehensive professional development and training programmes
• Staff fee concession for study with Massey and 30% discount on fees for immediate family of staff undertaking undergraduate study (conditions apply)

The employment setting has a predominance of young adults but can involve work with people across the lifespan and applicants will be required to comply with the requirements of the Vulnerable Children Act 2014 and the Vulnerable Children (Requirements for Safety Checks of Children's Workers) Regulations 2015.

How to Apply: If you are dedicated to student success, enthusiastic about mental health support, and eager to contribute to a collaborative team, we want to hear from you! Apply today to be part of Massey University's commitment to student wellbeing.

Only applicants with current New Zealand registration will be considered.

For a confidential conversation please contact Aldrich Manuel, Manager - Student Counselling Services E: a.manuel@massey.ac.nz.

Applications close Sunday 15 November 2026, 11.00pm.

Desired Skills and Experience

Counsellor Student Counsellor Mental Health Professional Registered Counsellor Tertiary Education Student Wellbeing Mental Health Palmerston North Higher Education Therapeutic Support Youth Mental Health Wellbeing Practitioner Solution-Focused Counselling NZAC DAPAANZ NZASW