Job Description

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University. With over 6000 academic and professional staff supporting more than 46,000 students, we are one of New Zealand’s largest employers.

Within Te Kāhu Tauira | Student & Scholarly Services, University Health and Counselling Service provides early intervention and wellbeing support to students. Our team helps students navigate challenges, connect with the right support, and overcome barriers that may affect their wellbeing and success while pursuing their academic goals.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Mental Health Clinician to join our Health and Counselling Team

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference to students who may be experiencing complex personal, wellbeing, or mental health challenges.

As a Mental Health Clinician, you’ll work directly with students, who present on the day seeking support and assistance or with deteriorating mental health concerns. You will, assess needs, identify appropriate support pathways and connect students with the right support.

This role is ideal for an experienced practitioner who brings strong clinical expertise, excellent judgement, and a genuine commitment to supporting young people and assisting them with their mental health needs and concerns.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and triaging referrals and concerns from students and staff
• Gathering information, assessing risk, and developing appropriate support plans and referral pathways.
• Connecting students with the right support, from self-help resources through to specialist internal and external services.
• Maintaining accurate case notes, reports, and confidential records while ensuring information is handled appropriately.
• Building strong relationships with university teams and community support providers to ensure students can access the right help.
• Contributing to continuous improvement by identifying trends, barriers, and opportunities to strengthen the service.

This is a full-time, 37.5 hours per week, on a fixed-term contract for 18 months.

Remuneration is $93,201 - $107,500 per annum, depending on skills and experience.

For more information, please review the Position Description.

Ngā pūkenga motuhake | Important skills and experience

• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent in mental health, social work, nursing, Occupational Therapy or other relevant field - must have valid Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act registration such as NCNZ or Social Worker Registration
• At least four years' experience working with or providing mental health support to students or young people.
• Strong understanding of issues affecting students and young people, with the ability to work confidently with sensitive matters.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, listening, and problem-solving skills.
• Cultural competence and an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its implications for professional practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and learning new University systems.

The following would be beneficial:

• Experience working within a tertiary environment and an understanding of student needs.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare and several other discounts on internal and external services.

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 2/10/2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

We will begin reviewing applications as they come in and may close this advert early if a suitable candidate is found.

Additional Information

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz