Diversity Counselling New Zealand (DCNZ)
Supporting wellbeing through culturally responsive counselling and meaningful connection.
Diversity Counselling New Zealand (DCNZ) is looking for an experienced and culturally responsive Counsellor 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
We are looking for an experienced and culturally responsive Counsellor to provide professional counselling support to tāngata whaiora from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
You will build safe and trusting therapeutic relationships and provide counselling that respects each person's individual needs, cultural identity, values, strengths and lived experiences.
Working as part of a supportive and collaborative team, you will contribute to high-quality, ethical and culturally responsive counselling practice, supported through professional and cultural supervision, reflective practice and ongoing professional development.
Key Responsibilities
Provide professional, person-centred and culturally responsive counselling to tāngata whaiora experiencing a range of emotional, personal, relational and wellbeing concerns.
Complete appropriate assessment and collaboratively develop meaningful counselling goals and support plans.
Build safe, trusting and respectful therapeutic relationships through culturally responsive, strengths-based and trauma-informed practice.
Recognise and respond appropriately to wellbeing, safety and risk concerns, including appropriate escalation and referral when required.
Work effectively with interpreters where required to support safe and meaningful engagement.
Maintain accurate, timely and confidential case records in accordance with professional and organisational requirements.
Work collaboratively with DCNZ practitioners, referral agencies and other relevant services to support the wellbeing and ongoing care of tāngata whaiora.
Participate in professional supervision, cultural supervision, reflective practice and team meetings.
Practise in accordance with relevant professional, ethical and organisational standards, including DCNZ's culturally respectful practice guidelines.
Contribute to a positive, respectful and culturally responsive team environment.
About You
You will bring:
A recognised counselling qualification.
Current Annual Practising Certificate (APC) with NZAC or NZCCA – required.
2 years' relevant experience, preferably including experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse tāngata whaiora.
Strong therapeutic communication, active listening and interpersonal skills.
A culturally responsive, empathetic and non-judgemental approach to counselling.
An understanding of cultural humility, professional ethics, confidentiality, boundaries and safe counselling practice.
Sound understanding of risk, safety and appropriate referral or escalation pathways.
Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a professional and collaborative team.
Commitment to ongoing professional development, supervision and reflective practice.
Confidence working with people across different cultural and linguistic contexts.
Experience working with ethnic communities, migrants, former refugees or other culturally diverse communities would be highly valued.
Experience supporting people experiencing trauma, grief, migration or settlement-related challenges would be an advantage.
Fluency in an additional language is an advantage, particularly where it supports engagement with the communities we serve.
Why Join DCNZ?
At DCNZ, you will be part of a supportive and culturally responsive organisation committed to improving access to counselling and wellbeing support for ethnic communities across Aotearoa.
What We Offer
Wellbeing package.
Professional development assistance.
Professional supervision and cultural supervision.
Ongoing training and professional development.
Supportive and collaborative team culture.
Work alongside experienced counselling and mental health professionals.
Opportunities to strengthen your practice in culturally responsive counselling.
Employment Details
Employment Type: Fixed – term until 30th September 2027
Position commencement: Mid-November 2026
Preferred applicant: We particularly welcome applications from counsellors who are based in the Waikato or have established connections with the Waikato community and region.
If you are a qualified and experienced Counsellor who is committed to culturally responsive practice and supporting ethnic communities, we would love to hear from you.
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.