At a Glance
- Tasks: Facilitate the Kia Rite Programme and support women transitioning into prison.
- Company: Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa, dedicated to improving public safety and reducing re-offending.
- Benefits: Enjoy free gym access, discounted memberships, medical insurance, and staff support networks.
- Other info: Applications close on 27th August 2025; submit via our careers site.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on women's lives while promoting Māori values in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in group facilitation and a qualification in human services or counselling preferred.
The predicted salary is between 57000 - 74000 £ per year.
Kia Rite Navigator / Facilitator – Christchurch Women\’s Prison
About this role
- Programme delivery focused role
- Be an integral part in supporting women in prison
- Based onsite at Christchurch Women\’s Prison
“When I came to jail I thought my life was over. There\’s nothing out there for me anymore. I\’ve ruined my life, I won\’t be able to get a job, I\’ve lost everything coming to prison … from this broken mess Kia Rite picked me up and put me back on the path where I should be.
(Young, Māori Kia Rite graduate serving her first prison sentence)
Mō te tūnga | About the role
Kia Rite (which translates to “get ready”) is a low intensity information and skills training programme including concepts of CBT, TIP and MI etc. aimed at supporting women who are new to prison. At it\’s base, this programme is a blend of both Māori and Western theories and values along with a gender responsive approach which is underpinned by the principles of the Department of Corrections Women\’s Strategy – Wahine – E rere ana ki te pae hou.
As the Kia Rite Facilitator, you will facilitate and deliver the Kia Rite Programme as well as promote the programme and encourage women to attend. You will also be responsible for supporting women when they first arrive in prison by having contacts with recently remanded wahine to address their ‘immediate needs\’ and support their transition into and understanding of the prison system.
You will work closely with the Pou Tuhono to provide options for Māori women entering prison as well as supporting the Case Managers to facilitate reintegration referrals or supports.
We are looking for a motivated individual with the following:
- Proven group facilitation skills and experience
- The ability to assess and respond to complex issues appropriately
- The skills and experience to be able to promote the Kaupapa Māori values and Ara Poutama Practice Framework as the key way of working in the prison
- Strong relationship building skills – you will be building and maintaining constructive relationships both inside the prison and outside with Corrections staff and external parties
- Ideally previous experience working in prisons or working with those who offend in the community
- Strong organisational skills, including the ability to navigate information systems and new processes
Ideally, you will have a formal qualification in human services, counselling or a relevant field. A demonstrated understanding of tikanga and knowledge of Te Reo would also be an advantage. Applicants must have a current full driver\’s licence.
The salary range is $70,956 – $91,307 per annum across 5 steps. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.
- Free use of onsite gym facilities
- 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 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.
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: Wednesday, 27th August 2025
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Kia Rite Navigator / Facilitator - Christchurch Women\'s Prison employer: Department of Corrections NZ
Contact Detail:
Department of Corrections NZ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kia Rite Navigator / Facilitator - Christchurch Women\'s Prison
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Kia Rite Programme and its principles. Understanding the blend of Māori and Western theories will help you connect better with the women you'll be supporting, showcasing your commitment to their cultural needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the corrections field, especially those who have experience working with women in prison. Building relationships with current staff can provide insights into the role and may even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your group facilitation skills through practical examples. Consider volunteering or participating in community programmes that involve group work, as this will give you real-life experiences to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of tikanga and Te Reo if you have it. Even if you're not fluent, expressing your willingness to learn and engage with Māori culture can set you apart as a candidate who respects and values diversity.
We think you need these skills to ace Kia Rite Navigator / Facilitator - Christchurch Women\'s Prison
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the Kia Rite Navigator / Facilitator role. Highlight your group facilitation skills, experience in supporting individuals in challenging situations, and any relevant qualifications in human services or counselling.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for joining the Department of Corrections. Emphasise how your skills and experiences align with the values of the organisation, particularly in relation to supporting women in prison and promoting Kaupapa Māori values.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In both your CV and cover letter, provide specific examples of your previous work experience, especially if you have worked in prisons or with individuals who offend. This will demonstrate your understanding of the complexities involved in this role.
Highlight Relationship Building Skills: Since strong relationship building is crucial for this position, make sure to mention any past experiences where you successfully built and maintained constructive relationships, whether inside or outside of a correctional environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department of Corrections NZ
✨Understand the Programme
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the Kia Rite programme and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with the concepts of CBT, TIP, and MI, as well as how they relate to supporting women in prison. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment and understanding during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Facilitation Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous group facilitation experiences. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led groups or workshops, especially in challenging environments. This will show that you have the necessary skills to engage and support the women in the programme.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
Be ready to talk about your ability to build and maintain constructive relationships. Share examples of how you've worked collaboratively with diverse groups, including corrections staff and external parties. This is crucial for the role, so make it a focal point in your responses.
✨Align with Values and Principles
Familiarise yourself with the values of Ara Poutama Aotearoa, such as rangatira, manaaki, and whānau. Be prepared to discuss how these principles resonate with your own values and how you would incorporate them into your work as a facilitator. This alignment will be key to demonstrating your fit for the organisation.