Programme Facilitator - Karaka Special Treatment Unit at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

“Ehara taku toa I te toa takitahi engari he toa takitini” 

(My strength is not the strength of my own, but the strength of many)

We're in the business of facilitating positive change. If that sounds like something you are interested in, please read on and apply!

• Full time, permanent role available
• Based in the Karaka Special Treatment Unit at Waikeria Prison
• A career with purpose that really does make impactful change

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Programme Facilitators in the Special Treatment Unit (STU) join forces with psychologists to facilitate high intensity group treatment for men with a high risk of violent and / or sexual reoffending.  We  help them to understand and address the underlying drivers of their offending to assist them to work towards offence-free futures.  We do this through delivering either of two high intensity treatment programmes, namely STU:VO for men with violent offending convictions, or STU:ASO for men with convictions for sexual offending against adults.

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.

The Role will be based at Karaka STU at Waikeria Prison.

Mōu | About you

We're looking for an experienced programme facilitator to take this amazing opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people in our care, and at the same time to grow as a facilitator.  We are looking for someone who can actively listen and understand those we work with 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 and consistently reflecting on your own practice.

To support you in the role, it would be helpful if you understand individual and group behaviour, and/or have a relevant tertiary qualification, for example in psychology, social work, or counselling, along with demonstrated experience within a related area.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

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 Te Ao Maori culture, protocols and peoples and apply a Maori-centred practice in your work
• 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

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 Role will be based within Karaka STU, which forms part of our Pae Ora Waikato Team covering the Waikeria site, however, travel outside of the Region may be required based on business requirements.

Utu ā-tau | Salary

The salary band for this role is $70,825-$89,406. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Mō mātou | About us

Ara Poutama Aotearoa is a name that has been gifted to us and is our commitment to improving the oranga and safety of the people, whānau, and that of the communities we serve across the motu. 

As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship) and whanau (relationships) to shape how we work and deliver the outcomes in our strategy - Hokai Rangi (https://arapoutama.page.link/Eit5).

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

To apply, please submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the Department, highlighting relevant skills and experience. Alignment to our kaupapa is critical to our success - we ask that you provide examples which reflect and demonstrate our organisation values. 

Applications close on 27 March 2026

If you want to find out more about a career with us, visit careers.corrections.govt.nz or email our team at mahiwaikeria@corrections.govt.nz