Programme Facilitator

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 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

We currently have an opportunity for a committed individual to undertake the role of Programme Facilitator in a fulltime permanent role working within the Otago and Southland Region. This position is based in Invercargill and at times travel will be required to meet operational needs. 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. Programme Facilitators do this through delivering a range of clinically designed therapeutic programmes, either individually or with a co-facilitator.

We appreciate the different skill sets 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 a Special Treatment Unit although it is mentioned in the job description. We will be holding assessments for this role on the 10th and 11th of March at Invercargill Community Corrections, 131 Eye Street, Invercargill. All shortlisted candidates will be asked to attend in person. The start date for this position will be the 4th of May 2026.

Mou | 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 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 of individual and group behaviour, and/or relevant tertiary education in psychology, social work, counselling or other relevant qualifications along with demonstrated experience within this or a similar related area.

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

Nga painga | The benefits

The salary range for this role is $70,825 - $89,406 per annum. 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: 11:59pm on Sunday 1 March 2026.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact southernrecruitment@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.