Programme Facilitator - Wellington

Department of Corrections NZ; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fitness Passport

Eye exam & eyewear reimbursement

Access to EAP & Staff Support Networks

Subsidised medical insurance

Job summary

The Department of Corrections NZ is seeking Programme Facilitators to work with people in our care across Wellington prisons and six Community Corrections sites, delivering clinically designed therapeutic rehabilitation programmes. You will facilitate individual or group sessions, with a co‑facilitator where required.

Join a team that values manaaki, wairua and whānau, supporting positive change while maintaining safety and wellbeing. The role begins early 2027.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Cultural understanding including tikanga Māori framework.
• Resilience and flexibility; adapt to varying days.
• Self‑insight and wellbeing management.
• Understanding of de‑escalation and conflict resolution.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks and meet timeframes.
• Current driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Deliver clinically designed therapeutic rehabilitation programmes.
• Work individually or with a co‑facilitator to run sessions.
• Engage with people in care across prisons and community sites.
• Apply Kaupapa Māori practices and uphold mana and dignity.

Skills

Excellent communication

Cultural understanding

Resilience

Self‑insight

De‑escalation knowledge

Multitasking

Driver's license

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 many Mō te tūnga

About the role

Our Programme Facilitators work with the people in our care within our two Wellington Prisons Arohata and Rimutaka, as well as our six 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. Please note, this specific role will not be based in the Special Treatment Units although it is mentioned in the job description. We will be holding an Assessment Centre for this role on Tuesday 6th October 2026 at the Regional Administration Building, Freyburg Road extension, Trentham Upper Hutt- shortlisted candidates will be asked to attend in person. This role will commence early 2027

About you

• Excellent communication skills with a natural ability to engage and build relationships
• Cultural understanding including working under a tikanga Māori framework
• Resilience and flexibility - no two days will be the same
• Self‑insight, the ability to maintain your wellbeing and a healthy work/life balance
• Understanding of de‑escalation and conflict resolution
• Ability to juggle a variety of things at one time, keeping to timeframes and adapting to different situations
• Have a current driver's license

You will need a Full NewZealand Driver's License and a legal right to work in NewZealand, without restriction, for a minimum of 12 months.

Skills and experience

• 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 Māori culture, protocols and peoples and apply Kaupapa Māori 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

Benefits

• Salary 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 membership
• Eye exam & eyewear reimbursement for eligible staff (conditions apply)
• Access to EAP & Staff Support Networks
• Subsidised medical insurance

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 Māori in correctional facilities.

As a values‑led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai 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.

Applications close on: Sunday 27th September 2026, 11.59pm NZST

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact [e-mail], or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.