Mental Health Clinician - Youth

Posted:

12/05/2026
Closing Date:

26/05/2026
Job Type:

Permanent - Full Time
Location:

Kapiti
Job Category:

Community Services and Development
About Pact

Pact is a major provider of community, vocational and residential based intellectual disability, mental health and addictions services across Southland, Otago, West Coast, Upper South Island and the Lower North Island. Our team of passionate staff journey alongside individuals to support them in setting and achieving their goals.

Our kaupapa is about walking alongside people so they can lead fulfilling lives in their communities. With over 800 staff across Aotearoa, we are committed to culturally grounded, recovery-focused, and evidence-based practice.

Why Work With Us

Be part of a kaupapa-driven organisation making a real difference for rangatahi
Work in a supportive, multidisciplinary team environment
Ongoing professional development and supervision
Opportunity to shape positive outcomes for young people and their whānau
Access to a nationwide network of services and expertise
Job Description
About the Role

Pact is seeking a skilled and passionate Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor to join our Youth Community Team, working alongside rangatahi experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.

This role focuses on providing therapeutic support in community settings, walking alongside young people and their whānau to strengthen wellbeing, reduce harm, and support sustainable change. You will work within a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and kaupapa Māori framework (Te Whare Tapa Wha), supporting rangatahi to build identity, resilience, and connection.


This is an opportunity to be part of a relational, strengths-based service that prioritises early intervention, engagement, and long-term outcomes.

Desired Skills and Experience
Key Responsibilities

Provide individual and group counselling to rangatahi experiencing mental health and AOD challenges
Complete comprehensive assessments, formulation, and treatment planning
Deliver evidence-informed interventions (e.g. CBT, motivational interviewing, brief interventions)
Work collaboratively with whānau and support networks to strengthen outcomes
Support rangatahi to access education, employment, and community opportunities
Maintain strong relationships with schools, youth services, health providers, and community partners
Ensure accurate and timely clinical documentation and reporting
Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive service environment

We’re Looking For

A qualified Counsellor, Social Worker, or relevant health professional
Registration with a professional body (or working towards)
Experience working with youth / rangatahi, particularly in mental health and/or AOD
Strong understanding of:
Adolescent development
Trauma-informed care
Substance use and co-existing mental health challenges
Commitment to te ao Māori and whānau-centred practice
Ability to engage and build trust with rangatahi in community settings
Strong communication, boundary-setting, and reflective practice skills
Full New Zealand driver licence

Apply Now

If you are passionate about supporting rangatahi to thrive and want to be part of a team making meaningful change, we’d love to hear from you.