Skip to main content
Posted 30 July, 2026

Programme Facilitator - Whanganui

Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections)
Whanganui, MWT, NZ Full Time
Reference: 63383eeef69f6419

Job Description

Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) – Wanganui, North Island Help others to understand & address the causes of their offending Make a difference & empower others to make change Permanent fulltime position based in our Pae Ora team covering the Whanganui Community There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of people. Mō te tūnga | About the role 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 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. Extensive training is provided to ensure you know the content well and this includes rigorous feedback and supervision that will enable you to reflect on your practice and hone your skills to be the best you can. The Role will be based within our Whanganui Team, however, travel outside of the Whanganui Region may be required based on business requirements. 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 tikangaMāoriframework 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 have an understanding of individual and group behaviour, and/or a relevant tertiary education in psychology, social work, counselling or other relevant qualifications along with demonstrated experience within this or a similar related area. Applicants must be a New Zealand citizen, New Zealand Resident Permit holder, Australian citizen or an Australian resident who holds a current Australian Resident Return Visa. Applicants must also hold a full NZ driver licence. Licence (we are not able to accept a Restricted Licence or an International Licence) A full police vet will form part of our pre-employment process which is an exception to the Clean Slate Act (this means the Clean Slate Act does not apply). This means you will need to declare any and all criminal convictions regardless of how historical and any conflicts of interest. 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 The full salary range across 5 levels is $70,825 - $89,406 per annum. 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 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 ourHōkai Rangistrategy. We valueinclusion and diversityin 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: Tuesday 4th August 2026. If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact***************@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Sign up for Job Alerts