Social Worker - Rimutaka Prison

Ngā kawenga | About the role As a Social Worker your primary objective is to foster and improve the well‐being of individuals under our care. You will conduct comprehensive assessments and develop long‑term plans and interventions for individuals dealing with complex physical and psychosocial needs, particularly those exhibiting self‑harming behaviour or suicidal tendencies. Emphasising the principle of whanaungatanga in all aspects of our work, you will collaborate closely with a dedicated multi‑disciplinary team that includes corrections officers, case managers, programme staff, and broader health professionals. Together, we are committed to delivering culturally safe practices and approaches for those in our care, acknowledging their intricate histories of severe trauma, mental health challenges, substance use, unhealthy relationships, and socioeconomic factors that often contribute to offending. Responsibilities Conduct comprehensive assessments and develop long‑term plans for individuals with complex needs. Employ trauma‑informed practice models in all interventions. Collaborate with corrections officers, case managers, programmes, and health staff to provide culturally safe care. Maintain professional judgment tailored to individual circumstances and manage workload effectively. Lead Requirements A Social Work qualification recognised by the Social Workers Registration Board NZ, with a preference for a post‑graduate degree in mental health. Understanding of TeTiriti o Waitangi and ability to navigate a Māori cultural setting. Experience using trauma‑informed practice models and working with at‑risk patients. Ability to make sound professional judgments and build effective working relationships with a diverse range of people. Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability to diverse situations, and a positive approach to challenges. Capacity to balance work and personal life while managing workload and personal development. Experience, qualifications, and registration in NewZealand are highly desirable, with preference given to those who have worked within the NZ healthcare system and are currently registered with relevant regulatory bodies. Salary The full salary range is $82,886 - $102,194. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role. Ko wai mātou | About us Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) Health Services leads the delivery of patient‑focused primary health care services to tangata within corrections facilities across Aotearoa. Hōkai Rangi, our overarching strategic direction, places health at the heart of our business. Building our frameworks from a Mātauranga Māori basis is central to our focus on driving equity for Māori and achieving our outcomes of reducing reoffending. Tono ināianei | Apply now Applications close 11pm Sunday, 9 August 2026. Please apply and describe your motivation for joining the department in a cover letter, highlighting relevant skills and experience. Include a tailored CV if you have one. Alignment to our Kaupapa is critical to our success – we ask that you provide examples that reflect and demonstrate our organisational values. Ara Poutama Aotearoa values 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 inclusive, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required. For more information about a career with us, visit our careers page or email [email protected]. #J-18808-Ljbffr