Christchurch | Permanent Part-Time (0.8 FTE)
Lead with purpose. Support rangatahi. Shape a service that makes a real difference.
Mō Te Tūranga | About The role
This is a clinical leadership role within our Community Youth Mental Health Service (Manu Ka Rere), supporting rangatahi aged 13–24 who are experiencing mental health and/or alcohol and drug challenges.
As Associate Team Leader, you’ll work closely with the Team Leader and Service Manager to support the delivery of a high-quality, recovery-focused service. You’ll provide day-to-day leadership to the team, contribute to service development, and ensure strong clinical practice and outcomes for rangatahi and their whānau.
This role also includes operational oversight and leadership support of the Reframe Wānanga Service, ensuring alignment with SST values, recovery principles, and co-production approaches.
In this role, you will:
- Support and lead a passionate team delivering youth mental health and AOD services
- Work alongside rangatahi and whānau to support wellbeing, safety, and recovery goals
- Provide coaching, supervision, and support to staff, fostering a positive team culture
- Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners and stakeholders
- Contribute to service development, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Provide leadership support to the Reframe Wānanga Service, including oversight of delivery and team support
Mōu | About you
We’re looking for someone who brings strong clinical experience, a collaborative leadership style, and a genuine passion for supporting rangatahi and their whānau.
You’ll be confident leading from within the team, able to balance clinical work with leadership responsibilities, and comfortable working in a dynamic, community-based environment.
Must Have:
- A tertiary qualification in social work or counselling with current full professional registration.
- And/or fully registered under the HPCA Act 2003 with a scope of practice that is appropriate to working as a mental health and addiction clinician e.g. nurse, psychologist, psychotherapist, occupational therapist.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in mental health, health, or addiction services.
- Experience supporting or leading teams in a clinical or community setting.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Full, clean New Zealand driver licence.
- The legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Desirable:
- Experience working with rangatahi in a community-based setting.
- Knowledge of recovery-focused and co-production approaches.
- Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice.
Tā mātou mahi | We offer
- A supportive, values-driven workplace.
- Ongoing professional supervision and training.
- Paid sick leave, available from commencement (provided eligibility criteria are met).
- Paid birthday leave (after six months permanent employment).
- Internal training and development opportunities.
- The opportunity to contribute to meaningful, community-based mahi.
Mō mātou | About us
At Stepping Stone Trust, we provide community and residential services that support over 700 people each week across Canterbury and Otago. With more than 275 staff across a wide range of roles, our team is committed to supporting people with compassion, professionalism, and hope.
Our work is grounded in our core values of Faith, Grace, Hope, Love and Integrity.
Interested?
Applications close: Sunday, 17th May 2026
If you’re ready to lead with purpose and make a real impact for rangatahi and their whānau, we’d love to hear from you.
Please click “Apply Now” with your CV and cover letter.
Applications are reviewed as we receive them, and interviews may take place prior to the closing date. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date.
Stepping Stone Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. All employees will be vetted at a level appropriate to the role.
** Our organisation has a strong commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people; and any employees will be vetted to a level appropriate to the role for which they have applied.
