Diversity Counselling New Zealand (DCNZ)
Help people find the right support, at the right time.
Diversity Counselling New Zealand (DCNZ) is looking for a compassionate, organised and culturally responsive Triage Coordinator to join our team in Hamilton.
About us
Diversity Counselling New Zealand (DCNZ) is a charitable organisation committed to providing culturally responsive counselling, mental health and wellbeing support, and community services for ethnic communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our work is grounded in cultural responsiveness, respect, connection and equity. We recognise and value the strengths, cultural knowledge, languages and lived experiences that people and communities bring.
We provide professional counselling and psychotherapy services to migrants, former refugees and people from diverse ethnic communities. Our multidisciplinary team supports people across more than 20 languages, with interpreting support available when required.
About the role
The Triage Coordinator is an important first point of contact for tāngata whaiora seeking support through DCNZ.
You will coordinate referrals and intake, communicate with tāngata whaiora to understand their support needs, and connect them with an appropriate DCNZ practitioner or other service.
You will use sound judgement to identify appropriate support pathways, respond to time-sensitive referrals, and recognise situations that require further assessment or escalation.
You will work closely with DCNZ practitioners, referral agencies, community organisations and other services to ensure referrals are coordinated effectively and tāngata whaiora receive clear information and appropriate support.
Key responsibilities
Receive, review and coordinate referrals and intake processes.
Undertake initial triage to identify support needs and appropriate referral pathways.
Communicate with tāngata whaiora in a warm, respectful and culturally responsive manner.
Coordinate referrals and appointments with appropriate DCNZ practitioners and services.
Recognise situations requiring urgent attention and follow appropriate escalation and safety procedures.
Liaise with practitioners, referral agencies, community organisations and other stakeholders to coordinate support.
Provide clear information about DCNZ services, eligibility and referral processes.
Coordinate interpreting support where required.
Maintain accurate and confidential records in accordance with DCNZ policies and privacy requirements.
Follow DCNZ policies, procedures and culturally respectful practice guidelines.
Contribute to a welcoming and respectful experience for tāngata whaiora.
About you
We are looking for someone who brings:
A relevant qualification in health, mental health, social services, community services, administration, coordination or a related field.
3–5 years' relevant experience in coordination, intake, referral management, health, mental health, social services or community services.
Excellent communication, listening and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport.
Cultural responsiveness and confidence working with people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
An understanding of the strengths, experiences and needs of ethnic communities.
Strong organisation and coordination skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and time-sensitive matters.
Sound judgement and the ability to recognise when concerns require further assessment or escalation.
A calm, compassionate and professional approach when working with sensitive information.
Strong attention to detail and accurate record-keeping skills.
An understanding of confidentiality, privacy and professional boundaries.
The ability to work collaboratively with practitioners, community organisations and referral agencies.
Confidence communicating across different languages and cultural contexts, including working effectively with interpreters when required.
Experience working in a culturally diverse health, mental health or community setting would be highly valued.
Why Join DCNZ?
At DCNZ, you will be part of a supportive and culturally responsive organisation making a meaningful difference for ethnic communities across Aotearoa.
You will have the opportunity to:
Make a meaningful difference at the first point of access to support.
Work alongside experienced counselling and mental health professionals.
Build meaningful connections with diverse communities.
Develop your professional skills in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Contribute to improving access to culturally responsive mental health and wellbeing support.
Benefit from a wellbeing package that supports your overall wellbeing.
If you are a people-focused, organised and culturally responsive professional who is passionate about helping people access the right support at the right time, we would love to hear from you.
Employment Details
Employment Type: Fixed – term until 30th September 2027
Position Commencement: Mid-November 2026
Please submit your CV and cover letter combined into a single document, outlining your relevant experience and why you would like to join DCNZ.
Applications close: 04 November 2026
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and early applications are encouraged. The vacancy may close before the advertised closing date if a suitable candidate is found.
Work Rights: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand.