Mental Health & Addictions Advisor (Part-Time, 24/7 Shifts)

About the role

Whakarongorau Aotearoa, a social enterprise and virtual health and social services organisation, is hiring a Mental Health & Addictions Advisor for its National Telehealth Service. The role works within a collaborative 24/7 shift team covering alcohol and drugs, depression and mental health, gambling and counselling. It provides brief emotional support, identifies risk, develops support plans and helps service users access urgent services. The position aims to start on Monday 9 November 2026 with a two-week induction.

Key responsibilities

• Provide mental health and addictions support including assessment, interventions, support planning, referrals, risk identification and escalation, while respecting cultural needs
• Work with service users to identify strengths, protective factors and practical next steps
• Support people to access urgent services when needed
• Deliver culturally responsive, trauma-informed support aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Communicate by phone, SMS, email and online chat, and document accurately using organisational IT systems
• Contribute to continuous quality improvement and uphold ethical and professional standards

Required profile

• Minimum Level 4 Health and Wellbeing qualification (Mental Health and Addiction strand or equivalent)
• Demonstrated experience with people experiencing mental distress and addiction challenges
• Experience providing assessment, brief emotional support and risk identification
• Ideally 3 to 6 months in telehealth or a similar role (helplines, eTherapy, face-to-face counselling or volunteering)
• Availability for 0.6-1 FTE, mostly overnight and early morning shifts including weekends (10:30pm-11:00am)

Required skills

• Strong listening and communication skills, able to build rapport quickly in virtual settings
• Sound assessment and decision-making ability
• Confidence using digital systems and communication platforms
• Ability to work within protocols, documentation standards and clinical governance frameworks

What we offer

• A supportive, collaborative working environment
• Ongoing professional development and reflective practice
• Flexible or hybrid working
• Employee benefits and retail discounts