Victim Support – Contracts for Counsellors

Contracting counsellors nationwide

 

Looking for support as a victim of crime, suicide or a traumatic event?

Please do not submit the form on this page seeking support. Instead, call us on 0800 842 846 so we can provide you with immediate assistance. We’re here for you, 24/7.

Information for Counsellors – Victim Assistance Scheme (VAS)

Victim Support works in partnership with approved registered counsellors to provide counselling support to victims of some crimes.

Counsellors must be approved and registered with Victim Support before we will refer clients for counselling.

There are three counselling schemes which are administered as part the Victim Assistance Scheme (VAS):

  • Homicide Counselling
  • Death by a Criminal Act Counselling
  • Serious Crime Emergency

 

See Victim Support Counsellor Registration for full information about how to apply.

FAQs

Q Where are these contracts available?

- Victim Support invites counsellors from throughout Aotearoa New Zealand to apply.

Q How long does registration take?

- Applications are processed as they are received and there is no closing date.
- It may take between 3-6 weeks to process your application due to the NZ Police vetting process.

Q Commitments by Registered Counsellors

If approved as a Victim Support registered counsellor, you must agree to:

- be readily available to take referrals from Victim Support when required
- continue to belong to a professional body
send a copy of your new Practising Certificate each year to VAS Administrator
- only charge Victim Support the agreed fee and will not make any additional charges to the client
- not exceed the approved number of sessions
- liaise with Victim Support employees on matters related to the administration of the Victim Assistance Scheme.

Q Criteria for Counsellor Registration

Counsellors, psychologists, psychotherapists, and other health professionals who wish to be considered for the role of a Victim Support approved registered counsellor must meet specified criteria.

- Relevant qualifications are NZQA or University Approved Level 7 (Bachelor) or higher, or qualifications as set by the applicant’s professional body.
- Full registration with a suitably recognised professional body in New Zealand (eg. NZAC, NZAP).
- At least three years’ experience in trauma and/or grief counselling.
- Receiving regular clinical supervision from a qualified supervisor who holds a current practising certificate with a relevant professional association.
- A written reference from the applicant’s current or recent clinical supervisor (must have at least 12 months supervision from this person) or an alternative arrangement as approved by the National Quality Manager, Victim Support.
- Undergo initial police vetting (including New Zealand and Australia) and every three years thereafter, initiated by and with any costs covered by Victim Support.

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