Working in the sector
Finding a role
If you’re just beginning to think about a career in the mental health and addiction sector, or if you’re already in the sector and are thinking about next steps, this information may be of use.
Finding out if the mental health and addiction sector is for you
To find out if you want to make a career of working in the mental health and addiction sector you might try volunteering. It’s a great way to build new skills, gain experience, and make connections.
You can find volunteer roles through organisations such as City Missions, Lifewise, KnowYourStuff NZ, Do Good Jobs, Seek Volunteer, and Volunteering New Zealand. You can also contact local services and community groups directly to ask about opportunities.
Kick starting through qualifications
A widely recognised qualification is the Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing. This can be undertaken with a specific focus on mental health and addiction, peer support, or social and community services.
The certificate course is offered by a range of technical intitutes nationwide.
Level 7 qualifications (Bachelors / Graduate Diploma/Certificate) are the main educational pathways into entering registered professional roles such as a psychologist, counsellor, nurse, and social worker.
Fully practicing in these roles normally requires you to register with the relevant professional body. In addition to qualifications, registration requires you to meet additional criteria like demonstrating the right skills and personal qualities for the role and engaging with supervision for a certain period of time.
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Growing within the sector
If you’re already in the sector and are wanting to progress your career, then there are a number of avenues you can consider.
Whāraurau, Te Pou and Le Va offer a wide range of training which can enhance your existing knowledge and skills.
The University of Auckland offer postgraduate courses at a certificate, diploma and master’s level in infant, child and adolescent mental health that is for nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, psychologists, trainee psychiatrists, GPS, and school counsellors, with funding available for most courses.
Finding a role
Whāraurau is part of the Wise Group whānau of entities, which is one of the New Zealand’s largest non-governmental organisations providing mental health, addiction, and wellbeing services across Aotearoa.
See roles within Whāraurau or the wider Wise Group community
Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora careers website shows vacancies across the motu and information on different roles.
Note: We would like to thank Te Pou for allowing us to use information from their Training and education pathways page.
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Whāraurau is the national centre for Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ICAMH) workforce development.
