Facilitate therapeutic programmes for participants to address offending behaviour in Napier and Hawke’s Bay communities.

Programme Facilitator

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 Hawkes Bay Region.

There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of people.

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 Napier Team, however, travel within the Hawkes Bay Region may be required based on business requirements.

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

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.

The benefits

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

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 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 our Hōkai 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.

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: Sunday 16th August 2026.

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

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