Online School Counsellor - Aotearoa Infinite Academy

Aotearoa Infinite Academy is New Zealand’s first fully online Charter School for Year 9–13 students (Y9- 11 Edexcel; Y12-13 NCEA). We believe geography, learning preference, or income should never determine a young person’s future. Through live, virtual classrooms we deliver personalised learning pathways that empower students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our values, Aspiration, Innovation, and Accountability, shape everything we do. As a School Counsellor at Infinite, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that every learner feels seen, heard, and supported, fostering emotional wellbeing and a strong sense of connection, to support learning, while navigating the unique challenges of an online learning environment.

Position Purpose

The School Counsellor provides holistic, confidential, and proactive counselling support to learners and their whānau. You will ensure that learners’ emotional, social, and mental wellbeing is nurtured within a fully online environment while fostering a sense of connection and belonging. This role requires a deep understanding of the complexities of counselling in digital spaces, building trust, supporting diverse learner needs, and enabling safe communication across multiple virtual platforms. You will collaborate with Deans, SENCO, teachers, and whānau to develop tailored wellbeing strategies, ensuring that every learner is supported to thrive.

Position Summary

This is a strategic and relational role that combines direct counselling, pastoral care, and data-informed wellbeing support.

Deliver counselling and wellbeing support in a fully digital environment Develop innovative ways to connect authentically with learners online

Monitor wellbeing trends across AIA’s student population using data dashboards and digital tools

Act as a key member of Infinite’s Wellbeing and Pastoral Care Team, contributing to a culture of care, safety, and inclusion

Success Profile

Qualifications

Registered or provisionally registered with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) or equivalent Bachelor’s degree in Counselling, Social Work, Psychology, or related field (Master’s preferred)

Experience Minimum of 3 years’ counselling experience with adolescents

Proven ability to deliver counselling effectively in online or blended learning contexts

Strong understanding of youth mental health and wellbeing practices

Experience working with diverse learners

Additional competencies:

High emotional intelligence and cultural responsiveness

Strong collaboration and communication skills

Loyalty, self-awareness and open to learning leadership Deep understanding of learner-centred, inclusive education

Confidence working with digital tools and platforms (LMS, SMS, AI-enhanced tools)

Capabilities:

Exceptional digital literacy and confidence using secure online platforms

Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills

Ability to manage complex cases while maintaining student confidentiality

Collaborative team player with proactive problem-solving skills

From time to time, the School Counsellor may be asked to take on other reasonable tasks to support the smooth running, innovation, and overall success of Aotearoa Infinite Academy.