Locum - Student Counselling and Mental Health Team

Job Description:

• Become part of a supportive and skilled multidisciplinary team.
• Provide essential support to students and the counselling team in busy periods or when staff are off on extended leave.
• Flexibility in the hours and locations.

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is bold and unapologetically different, centred on students and grounded in Knowledge that Works driven by talented, progressive people. We are New Zealand’s newest university, ranked 5-stars by QS Universities 2025 and a place of opportunity where more than 26,000 students with talent and potential succeed, supported by a community of more than 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. Built on collaboration, shared purpose and the values of Pono (fact, truth, reality, integrity), Tika (acting accordingly, doing what is needed, ethical expression), and Aroha (empathy, care, compassion). AUT offers an innovative, forward-thinking environment where committed people work together to improve outcomes for students, communities, and the world.

AUT recognises the importance of Te Tiriti, Māori and Pacific knowledge, leadership, and contribution across our university and is committed to creating environments where these communities can thrive. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are proud to welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

A fantastic opportunity to work as a Locum in AUT's student counselling and mental health team within an integrated well-being environment. This role will provide cover for staff who are on leave, and during our peak semester times. We are looking for experienced mental health professionals who can work independently and collaboratively across student services to support students' personal wellness and their academic journey. We are a brief intervention service, and provide support to a diverse student group. Services are located at three campuses and this role may be required at any of our locations.

About you | Ko wai koe

If you’re the kind of person who isn’t afraid to try new things, explore bold ideas and inject real energy and passion into the entire university experience - you’ll fit right in.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A tertiary qualification in mental health, psychology, counselling, social work, occupational therapy, nursing, or similar.
• Current registration with a relevant professional body.
• At least five years’ clinical experience providing therapeutic counselling, mental health care, risk management and case management.
• Flexibility to work with the team when extra staffing is required.
• The ability to pick up computer systems and processes quickly.
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Supportive of AUT’s Te Aronui journey.

As a professional member of staff at AUT, you’ll help keep us moving forward. From improving our services and streamlining our systems to supporting the experiences of students and staff across our campuses. By working collaboratively, solving problems and driving practical improvements, you’ll play a vital role in helping us operate smoothly, raise our profile, and evolve what we do, every day.

You will bring an open, engaging, and collaborative approach, with the flexibility to respond to changing requirements, and actively contribute to a positive and collegial environment. You will demonstrate cultural humility, awareness, and respect when engaging with indigenous peoples and culturally diverse communities. Experience supporting indigenous, equity, or inclusion focused initiatives is highly desirable.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Along with your CV - please ensure to submit a cover letter which a) explains why this role (and AUT) is of interest, and b) addresses how you feel you meet some, or all, of the key criteria listed above.

Please feel free to add any further comments you feel may also support your application. All applications must be submitted through the online application process.

Further Information | Pārongo Anō

• Start Date: ASAP
• Salary: Hourly paid $100 +GST

Closing Date | Te rā aukati: 15/05/2026

Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi: 95504

This role is considered a children’s worker role and will be subject to safety checking as part of the Children’s Act 2014.

*At AUT we strive to be a place where people love to work and learn. We are committed to te Tiriti, excellence and inclusivity and aspire to be the University of choice for Māori and Pacific communities. We welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.*

Please note that all applications must be submitted through the online application process. For further information, please send us an enquiry here or call 921 9499. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email. You will need to apply through the standard registration process.

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.

*With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.*