Pacific Health Group is a nationwide healthcare provider specialising in rehabilitation. Our purpose is simple: to help people live their best lives while empowering our teams to reach their full potential.

Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) supports employees across New Zealand with confidential counselling and wellbeing services for work and life challenges. We are currently seeking an empathetic and experienced Counsellor to join our Whakatāne team.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives while working in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal communities.

Why Whakatāne?
Located in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Whakatāne offers an incredible lifestyle for those who enjoy balance between work and the outdoors. Known as New Zealand’s sunshine capital, the region offers:

• Stunning beaches and coastal walks
• World-class fishing, diving and boating
• Easy access to Ōhope Beach, one of New Zealand’s most loved beaches
• A welcoming, tight-knit community
• Affordable living compared with larger cities
• Plenty of outdoor adventure, from hiking and mountain biking to exploring nearby islands
• This role offers the chance to build meaningful relationships in a supportive local community while enjoying a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

Main Responsibilities

• Deliver focused counselling interventions, helping clients develop healthy coping strategies for both work and life
• Visit worksites to provide support following disruptive or critical events
• Provide counselling via in-person, video and telehealth
• Deliver wellbeing workshops and training sessions to client organisations

The Benefits of Working With Us

• A role focused on client care and meaningful intervention – minimal admin and paperwork
• Annual professional development and study budget
• Permanent full-time role with clear career progression opportunities
• Supportive team culture with regular social events, weekly treats and recognition awards
• Wellbeing initiatives including annual eye exams, flu vaccinations and access to EAP services

The Ideal Candidate

• Naturally empathetic with a strong sense of compassion and professionalism
• Current APC with NZAC, DAPAANZ, SWRB or NZCCA
• Level 7 tertiary qualification in Counselling (or related field)
• Minimum 5 years’ post-qualification experience in general counselling
• Knowledge of evidence-based therapy models such as CBT, SFT or FACT is desirable
• Comfortable working independently and attending onsite workplaces to provide psychological first aid
• Experience in trauma-informed care or critical incident response

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a genuine difference in people’s lives while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of coastal Bay of Plenty living, we would love to hear from you.

Click here for a copy of the position description, please click ‘Apply’ which will take you through to our Careers website.

Please refer to Job No. 2392 in your cover letter.

For any questions, please contact Madison at HR@phg.co.nz

Pacific Health Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, providing a safe and supportive workplace for people of all cultures, languages, experiences and backgrounds.