Programme Facilitator - Whakatane

About this role

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 takitahi engari he toa takitini" - Māori proverb My strength is not the strength of my own, but the strength of many

 

• Full time, permanent role available
• A career with purpose that really does make impactful change
• This role is based in Whakatane but requires travel to Te Kaha, Opotiki and Kawerau.

 

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Our Programme Facilitators work with the people in our management within our Prisons and out in the community helping them to understand and address the causes of their offending to 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.

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.

 

Mōu | About you

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 Māori 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
• Have a current driver's license

 

To 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. 

 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are seeking people who:

• Are effective listeners and communicators and who can build strong positive relationships with participants and other stakeholders
• Have 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
• Have life experience that means you can work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and ethnic groups
• Are comfortable having their practice viewed and are receptive of regular feedback on their practice 
• Have experience with report writing

  

Utu ā-tau | Salary

Salary starts at $69,120 with opportunities to progress. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

 

Mō mātou | About us

Ara Poutama Aotearoa is a name that has been gifted to us and is our commitment to improving the oranga and safety of the people, whānau, and that of the communities we serve across the motu. 

As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship) and whanau (relationships) to shape how we work and deliver the outcomes in our strategy - Hokai Rangi (https://arapoutama.page.link/Eit5).

 

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

To apply, please submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience. Alignment to our kaupapa is critical to our success - we ask that you provide examples which reflect and demonstrate our organisation values. 

Applications close on 10 June 2025.

It is an exciting time to join us and we continue to seek out talented individuals who are committed to an inclusive, vibrant workplace. We recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of individuals, and that of the collective talent in our whānau.  All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency. Applications received via email will not be considered. 

If you want to find out more about a career with us, visit careers.corrections.govt.nz or email our team at careers@corrections.govt.nz.

For more information on this role, please refer to the attached Position Description.