- Help people in our care gain insight into their harmful behaviours
- No two days will be the same
- Deliver and facilitate therapeutic interventions
Ehara taku toa I te toa takitahi engari he toa takitini" - Maori proverb: My strength is not the strength of my own, but the strength of many.
Mo te tunga | About the role
Our Programme Facilitators work with the people in our care within our Prisons and out in the community to support them to understand and address the causes of their offending and assist them to create crime-free futures. They do this through delivering a range of clinically designed therapeutic programmes, either individually or with a co-facilitator.
We appreciate the different skill set within our team who come from different backgrounds, cultures, education, and experience - they all share the ability to motivate and work alongside others to support them to make positive changes in their lives.
Mou | About you
Programme Facilitators come from various backgrounds including teaching, social work and counselling. We're looking for people who can actively listen and understand the people in our care and are keen to help them gain insight into their harmful behaviours. To undertake this role, you will need to be comfortable walking alongside people on their journey while consistently reflecting on your own practice.
Life experience is important to us, along with an alignment to our values you will also be able to demonstrate the following:
- Excellent communication skills with a natural ability to engage and build relationships.
- Cultural understanding including working under a tikanga Maori framework.
- Resilience and flexibility - no two days will be the same.
- Self-insight, Wellbeing with a focus on a strong work/life balance
- Understanding of de-escalation and conflict resolution
To support you in the role, it would be helpful though NOT essential for you to understand individual and group behaviour, and/or relevant tertiary education in psychology, social work, counselling or other relevant tertiary qualification along with demonstrated experience within this or a similar related area.
You will need a Full New Zealand Driver's License and a legal right to work in New Zealand, without restriction, for a minimum of 24 months.
Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience
So, what does a good Programme Facilitator look like? These are some of the qualities that will make you stand out:
- An effective listener and communicator with the ability to build strong positive relationships with participants and other stakeholders.
- Knowledge of, or are willing to learn about Maori culture, protocols and peoples and apply kaupapa Maori practice in your work.
- Ideally have experience in delivering and facilitating therapeutic interventions, either individual or, ideally, group therapy (not essential)
- Comfortable having your practice reviewed and receptive to receiving regular constructive feedback with the confidence/maturity to grow and develop from this.
- Report writing experience.
Nga painga | The benefits
Salary starts at $69,965 with opportunities to progress - the top of the salary scale being $88,546. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.
Mo matou | About us
Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Maori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whanau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hokai Rangi strategy.
We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.
Tono inaianei | Apply Now
To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency - applications received via email will not be considered.
When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.
Applications close on: Sunday 10 August 2025
If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact northernrecruitment@corrections.govt.nz or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.