Mental Health & Addictions Advisor

Company Description

To tatou tikanga | Our Culture

Our kaimahi (employees) are passionate people, committed to improving health and social outcomes for communities across Aotearoa, especially for those experiencing inequity. We are focused on building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and brings a deep understanding of local needs, cultures and experiences. At Whakarongorau Aotearoa (Whakarongorau), our commitment to mana taurite begins with understanding ourselves - how we think, behave and show up each day as health professionals serving the people of Aotearoa.

Ko wai mātou | About us

Whakarongorau is a social enterprise and virtual health and social services organisation, connecting people with care when they need it. We provide consistent, clinically supported access to health and social support, particularly when in-person services are not available or when location, time of day, cost or cultural needs create barriers. Our role is to make care easier to access, more connected and responsive for people across Aotearoa.

Job Description

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the role

The Mental Health and Addictions Advisor role is both dynamic and diverse and will see you working as a part of a collaborative 24/7 shift team, supporting a range of essential services as part of the National Telehealth Service. These services include alcohol and drugs, depression and mental health, gambling and counselling. 

In this role, you will provide brief emotional support, identify risk, develop support plans, and support tāngata whai ora (service users) in the moment. You will have experience supporting people experiencing mental distress and addiction challenges, and experience supporting individuals to access urgent services when required. Your practice will be trauma informed, recovery oriented, culturally safe, and grounded in values-based practice. 

As a 24/7 service, flexibility to work a variety of shifts is essential. We are looking for kaimahi who are available to work 0.6–1 FTE, with most shifts being overnights and early mornings, including weekends (shifts available between 10:30pm– 11:00am). This position is aiming to commence on Monday 9 November 2026 for a two week induction. 

Ngā haepapa matua | Key responsibilities

• Provide mental health and addictions support including assessment, interventions, support planning, referrals, risk identification and appropriate escalation for support, while respecting backgrounds and cultural needs 
• Work alongside tāngata whai ora to identify strengths, protective factors, and practical next steps 
• Support individuals to access urgent services when needed 
• Deliver culturally responsive, trauma informed support aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi 
• Communicate effectively with tāngata whai ora via phone, SMS, email, and online chat platforms 
• Accurately document information using organisational IT systems 
• Contribute to continuous quality improvement and uphold ethical and professional standards 

Ngā hua mōu | What's in it for you 

• A supportive and collaborative working environment 
• Ongoing professional development and reflective practice opportunities 
• The opportunity to contribute to equitable wellbeing outcomes across Aotearoa 
• Meaningful mahi within a values led organisation 
• Opportunity for flexible/hybrid working 
• Access to kaimahi benefits and retail discounts 

Qualifications

Mōu ake | About you

You are compassionate, curious, and empathetic, with a strong sense of cultural humility. You know how to balance warmth and genuine care with accountability and professional boundaries. Calm, organised, and responsive, you thrive in a fast-paced environment and can hold space for tāngata whai ora to achieve positive outcomes collaborativley. You are confident using digital systems, committed to continuous learning, and consistently demonstrate values-led practice in your work.

You will bring a strong professional judgement, and an understanding of how trauma and inequities impact wellbeing. You have proven experience working alongside people experiencing mental distress and addiction challenges, while upholding Te Tiriti commitments and our organisational values. 

Ōu wheako ōu mātauranga hoki | Qualifications and Experience 

• Minimum Level 4 Health and Wellbeing qualification (Mental Health and Addiction strand or equivalent) 
• Demonstrated experience working with people experiencing mental distress and addiction challenges 
• Experience providing assessment, brief emotional support, and risk identification 
• Experience supporting people to access urgent services when required 
• Understanding of trauma informed, wellbeing oriented, and values-based practice 
• Ideally three to six months experience working in telehealth or similar role (e.g. Helplines/eTherapy/F2F Counselling or Volunteering)

Ōu āheitanga ōu pūkenga hoki | Skills and Competence 

• Strong listening and communication skills with the ability to build rapport quickly in virtual environments 
• Sound assessment capability and decision making  
• Confidence using digital systems and communication platforms 
• Ability to work within established protocols, documentation standards, and clinical governance frameworks 
• Cultural responsiveness and commitment to equity 
• Professional resilience, accountability, and reflective practice 

If you're excited about this role and think you have what it takes, but your experience doesn't align 100%, we still want to hear from you and would encourage you to apply.

Additional Information

Ō mātou uara | Our values

E kimi ana mātou i ētahi tangata e kaha whakanui i ēnei uara - We are looking for people who align naturally with these values and will champion them

• Mahia te mea tika / Do the right thing
• Hihiri e te kounga / Motivated by quality
• Ngākau nui ki te pai ake / Passion for better
• Pokohiwi ki Pokohiwi / Shoulder to shoulder