The National Collective of Independent Womens Refuges is the umbrella organisation of 40 independent Womens Refuges across New Zealand. Each refuge has specific support needs and application requirements, to learn more about positions available please see current vacancies.
A Day in the Life of a
Women’s Refuge Advocate
Please note you must be living in New Zealand – and qualify to work in New Zealand – to apply for a position at Women’s Refuge.
The organisation and affiliates are supported by a valued team comprised of both paid and volunteer positions.
We believe in our people; we believe in our values:
- We provide our team with training and on-going support to assist in learning about our organisation and the work that we do.
- We are proud to have a strong commitment to both the principles of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi Treaty of Waitangi and parallel development.
- We are also fully committed to the importance of Equal Employment Opportunities.
- Whakapapa: Relationships built on kinship and reciprocity.
- Tikanga: Practicing with integrity.
- Wairua: Honoring diversity.
- Tapu: Promoting self-understanding and development.
- Mauri: Maintenance of the individual identity and values within a collective.
- Mana: Inspirational leadership.
Why Women's Refuge?
Current Vacancies
National Office (NCIWR)
MHOAD Specialist
The National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges Inc (NCIWR) is an independent non-government umbrella organisation for 40 Refuges throughout Aotearoa/New Zealand. The National Office provides specific services to member Refuges including developing training for member Refuges and advising and assisting member Refuges with administration, organisation and service development.
An exciting two-year fixed term opportunity exists at our national office in Wellington.
This is a new, fulltime position for someone with mental health and addiction practitioner qualifications and skills at a senior level. Additionally, the role involves a substantial amount of travel to refuges throughout Aotearoa and will almost always include overnight stays.
Education and experience – Key requirements
Tertiary qualification in Mental Health and Addiction Management. Senior practitioner with 3 years proven experience and skills in providing high quality advice and support to frontline staff
- Demonstrated knowledge of the health system including comprehensive knowledge of mental health and addiction services;
- Understanding and application of practices that honour tangata whenua and Te Tiriti o Waitangi;
- Experience providing mental health and addiction support to frontline workers;
- Experience implementing practice change;
- Experience in project management;
- Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work with a range of external stakeholders. Particularly external mental health and addictions services
- An ability to develop networks and communities of practice;
- Competency in developing training and resources that facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development;
- An ability to travel with overnight stays will be required;
Note: Please refer to the full job description for this role which provides a comprehensive list of qualifications, skill requirements, practice certifications and experience we will consider. When applying for this role, meeting the qualifications, skills and experience level and travel requirement is core to the role and consequently a non-negotiable requisite.
MHOAD – Purpose of the Role overview
Based in Wellington, the position’s purpose is to address and bridge the gap in services experienced by women seeking access to services and support and the barriers they encounter in their attempts.
This role supports and assists women put at risk by family violence experiencing mental health and/or addiction challenges needing to access appropriate services and support.
A primary function of the role is to work in collaboration with and engage with Women’s Refuge front line staff, mainly advocates to assess areas of need based on feedback from the women they support.
Ensuring substantive and practical support is provided at the front line will require gathering information to inform and direct how disparities in knowledge and understanding are addressed and existing gaps are closed going forward.
A targeted and focussed response to address and provide appropriate training requirements to upskill staff is required. Ideally a continuous evaluation to assess the cogency of training for refuge frontline workers will ensure the ongoing efficacy of the support provided to women and their families.
If you are interested in this role, reading through the full job description is essential as it provides a comprehensive list of all requirements including the technical skills we will be considering.
The full job description can be found on our website: https://womensrefuge.org.nz/about-us/work-for-us-2/ Alternatively request a copy from Cheryl at: cheryl@refuge.org.nz
- The successful applicant will be required to undergo reference checks and security clearance.
- Only applications from NZ citizens or permanent residents will be accepted for consideration.
To apply for this position send your Cover Letter, CV and include a completed application form to Cheryl@refuge.org.nz
Applications for this position close on 1 April 2025
Need help now?
Crisisline: 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843
Phone us toll free from anywhere in New Zealand for information, advice and support about domestic violence as well as help in a crisis. We’re here to help you on this phone number 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Follow the simple steps to be put through to your local refuge on your touchtone or mobile phone. You will be automatically redirected to a female advocate in your region.
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