Programme Facilitator - Waikeria Prison

New Zealand Government; Waikato; On-site; NZD 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fitness Passport

Eyewear reimbursement

EAP & Staff Support Networks

Subsidised medical insurance

Job summary

New Zealand Government seeks Programme Facilitators to work with people in care and Community Corrections sites, delivering therapeutic programmes and supporting individuals to address causes of offending.

You will apply manaaki, kaitiaki, wairua, rangatira, and whanau values while engaging with diverse backgrounds. Training occurs in Wellington, commencing early 2027, with NZ driver’s license required.

Qualifications

• Excellent listening and relationship-building skills with participants and stakeholders.
• Cultural understanding including working under Tikanga Maori frameworks.
• Experience delivering therapeutic interventions, individually or in group settings.

Responsibilities

• Deliver clinically designed therapeutic programmes, individually or in groups.
• Support people in care to address causes of offending and create crime-free futures.
• Work with care teams and maintain professional wellbeing in a dynamic environment.

Skills

Active listening

Relationship building

Cultural understanding

De-escalation

Conflict resolution

Time management

Education

Tertiary qualification

Job description

Are you looking for a new start and fresh challenge?We are in the business of facilitating positive change, if that sounds like something you are interested in, please read on to learn about the requirements of this exciting role.\"Ehara taku toa I te toa takitahiengari he toa takitini\" - My strength is not the strength of my own, but the strength of manyMo te tunga | About the roleOur Programme Facilitators work with the people in our care, as well as our Community Corrections sites to support them to understand and address the causes of their offending and assist them in creating crime-free futures. Programme Facilitators do this through delivering a range of clinically designed therapeutic programmes, either individually or in a group with a co-facilitator.Using the principles of manaaki, kaitiaki, wairua, rangatira, and whanau, Programme Facilitators deliver a range of clinically designed therapeutic rehabilitation programmes. At Ara Poutama we work collaboratively to treat those in our care and management with respect to uphold mana and dignity.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.This role will commence early 2027 with training and time in Wellington required.Mou | About youWe'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 relationshipsCultural understanding including working under a tikanga Maori frameworkResilience and flexibility - no two days will be the sameSelf-insight, the ability to maintain your wellbeing and a healthy work/life balanceUnderstanding of de-escalation and conflict resolutionAbility to juggle a variety of things at one time, keeping to timeframes and adapting to different situationsHave a current driver's licenseTo support you in the role, it would be helpful, though NOT essential, for you to have an understanding of 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 12 months.Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experienceSo, 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 stakeholdersKnowledge of, or are willing to learn about Maori culture, protocols and peoples and apply Kaupapa Maori practice in your workIdeally 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 thisReport writing experienceNga painga | The benefitsSalary starts at $70,825 with opportunities to progress. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.Fitness Passport offering discounted gym membershipEye exam & eyewear reimbursement for eligible staff (conditions apply)Access to EAP & Staff Support NetworksSubsidised medical insuranceMo matou | About usJoin 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 NowTo 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 1st November 2026, 11.59pm NZSTIf you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact [e-mail], or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.We are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this role. Unsolicited CVs submitted by agencies will not be accepted and no agency fees will apply.