Programme Facilitator – Napier

Programme Facilitator – Pae Ora Team | Hawkes Bay Region

Ara Poutama Aotearoa – Department of Corrections

Kotahi ano te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi | There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of people.

About the Role

This is a permanent, full-time opportunity based within our Pae Ora team, covering the Hawkes Bay Region and based in Napier. As a Programme Facilitator, you will work directly with people in our care — both within prisons and out in the community — to help them understand and address the root causes of their offending, and to support them in building crime-free futures.

You will deliver a range of clinically designed therapeutic programmes, either individually or alongside a co-facilitator. These programmes are purposefully structured to promote insight, personal responsibility, and lasting behavioural change. No two days will be the same — this is a dynamic, people-focused role that requires adaptability, genuine empathy, and a commitment to walking alongside others on their journey.

We deeply value the diverse skill sets, backgrounds, cultures, education, and lived experiences that our team members bring. What unites our facilitators is a shared ability to motivate others and support meaningful, positive change. Extensive training is provided from the outset, including rigorous feedback and clinical supervision, ensuring you develop confidence in the programme content and continue to grow and refine your practice over time.

Travel within the Hawkes Bay Region may be required to meet operational needs.

Responsibilities

• Deliver clinically designed rehabilitation and therapeutic programmes to individuals and groups in prison and community settings
• Build strong, trusting relationships with programme participants to foster engagement and personal insight
• Work collaboratively with a co-facilitator and wider multidisciplinary team to deliver consistent, high-quality programme outcomes
• Apply a Kaupapa Māori framework and demonstrate cultural responsiveness in all aspects of your work
• Consistently reflect on your own practice and respond constructively to feedback and supervision
• Contribute to the safe and supportive delivery of interventions, using de-escalation and conflict resolution skills when required
• Prepare reports and documentation relating to participant progress and programme delivery
• Travel across the Hawkes Bay Region as required by business needs

About You

We are looking for compassionate, resilient individuals who are genuinely motivated to make a difference. You will be someone who listens actively, builds authentic connections, and has the self-awareness to continually reflect on and improve your own practice.

Essential attributes include:

• Excellent communication skills with a natural ability to engage and build meaningful relationships
• Cultural understanding, including a willingness to learn and work within a tikanga Māori framework
• Resilience and flexibility — the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and challenging situations
• Self-insight and a strong commitment to your own wellbeing and work/life balance
• Understanding of, or ability to learn, de-escalation and conflict resolution techniques
• Comfort with having your practice observed and a genuine openness to regular feedback

It would be advantageous — though not essential — if you also have:

• An understanding of individual and group behaviour dynamics
• A relevant tertiary qualification in psychology, social work, counselling, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience delivering or facilitating therapeutic or rehabilitation programmes, particularly in a group setting
• Experience working with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds
• Experience with professional report writing

Lived experience that enables you to connect meaningfully with people from all walks of life is highly valued.

Requirements

• Must be a New Zealand citizen, New Zealand Resident Permit holder, Australian citizen, or an Australian resident holding a current Australian Resident Return Visa
• Must hold a full New Zealand driver licence (Restricted or International licences are not accepted)
• A full police vetting check will form part of the pre-employment process — this role is an exception to the Clean Slate Act, meaning all criminal convictions must be declared regardless of how historical, along with any conflicts of interest

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary range that reflects the skills and experience you bring to the role, with appointment and remuneration aligned across five salary levels.

• Fitness Passport — access to discounted gym and leisure facility memberships
• Eye exam and eyewear reimbursement for