Mental Health & Addictions Advisor

To tatou tikanga | Our Culture

Our employees (kaimahi) are passionate people, each driven to contribute to better health outcomes, with a focus on high priority populations. We are focused on hiring kaimahi who live and work in the communities they serve.

Whakarongorau Aotearoa is committed to understanding and improving mana taurite (equal status) starts with the understanding of self and how we, as health professionals, think and behave each minute of each day to serve the health needs for Aotearoa.

We are committed to ensuring our workforce reflects the community we support.

Ko wai mātou | About us

Whakarongorau Aotearoa (Whakarongorau), a social enterprise, is a digital health and social services organisation with a proven record of connecting people seamlessly with care when they need it.



Whakarongorau has the privilege of running free to the public, virtual health, mental health, and social services for the people of Aotearoa. We want to give everyone in Aotearoa the opportunity for wellness. We focus on the connected world of digital care, where we can help join all the dots, and select the right services, advice, support and help for the right need.

We use our healthy imagination to solve big problems by understanding the tiny ways that people are blocked from getting the care they deserve. Our imagination comes from our people and our partners and their drive to never give up.

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the role

The Mental Health and Addictions Advisor role is dynamic, meaningful, and fast paced. We’re seeking kaimahi available to work 0.6–0.8 FTE on a rotating roster. Most shifts will be overnights and early mornings, including weekends (for example 10:30pm–7am). This position is aiming to commence on Monday 13 July 2026.

In this role, you will provide brief emotional support, identify risk, develop support plans, and support tāngata whai ora in the moment. You will have experience supporting people experiencing mental distress and addiction challenges, and experience supporting individuals to access urgent services when required. Your practice will be trauma informed, recovery oriented, culturally safe, and grounded in values-based practice. 

Flexibility to work a variety of shifts is essential. You’ll be part of a collaborative 24/7 team, supporting a range of national telehealth services, including alcohol and other drugs, mental health, gambling harm, and counselling. 

Ngā haepapa matua | Key responsibilities

• Provide mental health and addictions support including assessment, brief emotional support, support planning, advice, referrals, and risk identification  
• Work alongside tāngata whai ora to identify strengths, protective factors, and practical next steps 
• Support individuals to access urgent services when needed 
• Deliver culturally responsive, trauma informed support aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi 
• Communicate effectively with tāngata whai ora via phone, SMS, email, and online chat platforms 
• Accurately document information using organisational IT systems 
• Contribute to continuous quality improvement and uphold ethical and professional standards 

Ngā hua mōu | What's in it for you 

• A supportive and collaborative working environment 
• Ongoing professional development and reflective practice opportunities 
• The opportunity to contribute to equitable wellbeing outcomes across Aotearoa 
• Access to kaimahi benefits and retail discounts 
• Meaningful mahi within a values led organisation 
• Opportunity for flexible/hybrid working 

Mōu ake | About you

You are a compassionate and grounded practitioner with proven experience working alongside people experiencing mental distress and addiction challenges. You are able to hold space for tāngata whai ora while remaining calm, organised, and responsive. You bring cultural humility, strong professional judgement, and an understanding of how trauma and inequities impact wellbeing. You are confident working within digital systems and structured environments, while maintaining warmth and relational connection in every interaction. You are reflective in your practice, committed to continuous growth, and aligned with values-based ways of working.  

Ōu wheako ōu mātauranga hoki | Qualifications and Experience 

• Minimum Level 4 Health and Wellbeing qualification (Mental Health and Addiction strand or equivalent) 
• Demonstrated experience working with people experiencing mental distress and addiction challenges 
• Experience providing assessment, brief emotional support, and risk identification 
• Experience supporting people to access urgent services when required 
• Understanding of trauma informed, wellbeing oriented, and values-based practice 
• Experience in telehealth, helplines, counselling, or community-based services is advantageous 

Ōu āheitanga ōu pūkenga hoki | Skills and Competence 

• Strong listening and communication skills with the ability to build rapport quickly in virtual environments 
• Sound assessment capability and decision making  
• Confidence using digital systems and communication platforms 
• Ability to work within established protocols, documentation standards, and clinical governance frameworks 
• Cultural responsiveness and commitment to equity 
• Professional resilience, accountability, and reflective practice 

If you're excited about this role and think you have what it takes, but your experience doesn't align 100%, we still want to hear from you and would encourage you to apply.

Ō mātou uara | Our values

E kimi ana mātou i ētahi tangata e kaha whakanui i ēnei uara - We are looking for people who align naturally with these values and will champion them

• Mahia te mea tika / Do the right thing
• Hihiri e te kounga / Motivated by quality
• Ngākau nui ki te pai ake / Passion for better
• Pokohiwi ki Pokohiwi / Shoulder to shoulder