Family Works Counsellor

Presbyterian Support is one of the largest providers of social and health services in New Zealand. Our East Coast team is made up of over 220 staff and 100 volunteers across our services, which include Enliven and Family Works in Hawke’s Bay and two charity shops.

Through our Family Works service, we aim to make Aotearoa New Zealand the best place in the world to grow up - a place where all tamariki are safe, whānau and strong, and communities are connected.

About the role:

As a Family Works Counsellor, you will be responsible for delivering short-term counselling interventions to tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to increase safety, resilience and wellbeing, and meet identified needs. 

You will support clients individually or in a whānau setting to identify their strengths and develop a solution-focused plans for their future. You will provide timely trauma-informed therapeutic intervention where there are concerns about a child's safety, or where the family circumstances are affecting wellbeing and the ability to cope.  

Part-time | 0.8 FTE position (4days per week)

In this role you will:

• Engage with tamariki and whānau in mana enhancing ways to deliver counselling interventions that value and support the significance of whakapapa.


• Conduct an intensive and appropriate assessment, risk assessment and planning of the needs and goals of tamariki and whānau and support them to reach their aspirations by working collaboratively, encouraging clients to take an active role in their wellbeing outcomes.


• Ensure child safety is paramount to any assessment and at the forefront of all interactions. 


• Respond to whānau needs using evidence-based and trauma-informed practice approaches that recognize the impact of attachment, neurodiversity, family harm, trauma and other complex issues.


• Actively participate in the Family Works service including supporting initiatives to strengthen interventions and engagement practices with whānau. 

To be successful in this role you will:

• Current registration and valid practicing certificate with NZAC.


• A clean, current full drivers' license is an essential requirement.


• Experience and understanding of working in Hawke's Bay communities.


• Able to demonstrate cultural competency.


• Must be a team player who supports all staff members of Family Works


• Passionate about working with whānau with a focus on strengths-based and solution-focused practice, and flexibility to deliver counselling interventions in several settings (ie. whānau home, kura, in office).


• Strong knowledge in child development, attachment and trauma-informed practice


• Proven experience working with both children and adults. Experience in family harm, mental health, and working with trauma and attachment issues.


• Ability to work flexible hours from time to time to suit whānau circumstances.


• Clear communication both oral and written.

Necessary qualifications and experience:

• A degree in counselling alongside current registration and practicing certificate with a professional body.


• Experience in working with children, adults and couples.


• Experience in family harm, mental health, and working with trauma and attachment issues.

Why work with Family Works:

We value our staff. We know that people want an opportunity to grow and develop their careers. We understand that the work is challenging, and staff need support, encouragement and to be looked after.

Access to regular clinical supervision, payment of your registration fees, a laptop and smart phone, plus access to fleet vehicles or mileage payment is standard. 

Our focus is on collaboration through regular team meetings and support, offering generous training opportunities agreed to suit your personal development and supporting staff wellbeing and wellness. 

Working with Family Works is a rewarding career full of variety and a chance to make a real difference in your community. As an employer of choice, we value our staff and are committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our team. Health insurance is offered upon 6 months of continuous employment, along with an annual wellness day.

Apply today!