Senior Adviser - Rehabilitation Programmes at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara)
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Mō te tūnga | About the role
This is a unique opportunity to make a difference in the design and delivery of Rehabilitation Programmes [Medium Intensity] within Ara Poutama. This role also encompasses provision of expert guidance to the field, working on projects that improve Programme Facilitator practice and providing a critical second line of assurance function. You will have the ability to work with a large range of stakeholders across the motu and you will also contribute to the wider Psychology & Programmes team at national level. This role sits within the Office of the Chief Psychologist, Pae Ora, reporting to the Manager Rehabilitation Programmes who oversees a multidisciplinary team. This is a Wellington based role.
In this role, you will:
- Design and Develop: Create offence-focused programmes for senior management approval and manage a portfolio of rehabilitation interventions.
- Enhance Services: Identify delivery gaps, develop business cases, and recommend practice improvements to enhance service delivery for those under sentence.
- Policy Development: Develop policies, procedures, and materials for the effective implementation and management of rehabilitation programmes.
- Collaboration: Act as a key contact for development inquiries, partner with other agencies, and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful programme delivery.
- Continuous Improvement: Monitor programme delivery, ensure integrated cross-service reintegration, and drive service enhancements by undertaking research and analysis.
- Communication: Prepare government documents, briefings, and contribute to key departmental communication.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and manage relationships with service providers and stakeholders, ensuring collaborative service delivery.
You will play a pivotal role in driving the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of offence-focussed rehabilitation programmes, ensuring positive outcomes through collaboration, innovation, and leadership.
This role will have a particular initial focus on leading the review and re-design of our Medium Intensity Rehabilitation Programme.
Mōu | About you
You will have the opportunity to apply for this rewarding role if you possess the following qualifications and qualities: Minimum of Master's degree in Psychology or equivalent and registration as a Psychologist with the NZ Psychologists' Board, experience in delivering and providing clinical supervision for offence-focused rehabilitation programmes, understanding of Tikanga Māori and Māori centred practice, commitment to contributing to the outcomes of Hōkai Rangi, excellent verbal and written communication skills, sound judgment and problem-solving skills, availability for travel, and proven ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and external providers.
Ngā painga | The benefits
The full salary range is $112,092 - $136,747 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.
Mō mātou | 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.
Tono ināianei | 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: Monday 26th January
If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact sarah.rostron@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.
Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details
| Employer: | Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) |
| Location: | Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara) |
| Position type: | Permanent |
| Category: | Health |
| Date listed: | 07-Jan-2026 |
| Salary range: | 112,092 - 136,747 |
| Closing date: | 26-Jan-2026 |
| Reference: | NZ/1902636 |
| Attachment: | Senior Adviser Rehabilitation JD.pdf (PDF, 649KB) |
| File links: | |
| Website: |
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