Programme Facilitator - Wellington

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

• Full time, permanent roles available
• Based out of our Regional Administration Building in Trentham, Upper Hutt
• Work across 2 Wellington Prisons 6 Community Corrections sites

Mo te tunga | About the role

Programme Facilitators support work with people within our two Wellington Prisons and our six Community Corrections sites to understand and address the causes of their offending and assist them in creating crime-free futures. They 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 Monday 23rd March 2026 at the Regional Administration Building, Freyburg Road extension, Trentham Upper Hutt- shortlisted candidates will be asked to attend in person.

The successful applicant will be required to start on 11th 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
• Full NZ Class 1 drivers license is required for this role.

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.

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

The midpoint of the salary range is $81,676 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) 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 e