Social Worker – Arohata Women's Prison - Tawa
At Ara Poutama Aotearoa, we are dedicated to offering a holistic approach to the care of the wahine under our supervision, acknowledging the intricate web of severe trauma, mental health challenges, substance abuse, unhealthy relationships, and poverty that often underpin their involvement in criminal activities. Our Women's Strategy is an essential component of our approach, prioritising tailored interventions and services designed to address the unique risks and needs of women. We are committed to managing women in a manner that is trauma-informed and empowering, recognising their resilience and potential for positive change.
Ngā kawenga | About the role
The Social Worker role plays a pivotal role in fostering the well-being of incarcerated women, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable individuals and mothers. As part of a diverse multi-disciplinary team comprising corrections officers, case managers, program facilitators, and healthcare professionals, the Social Worker collaborates to ensure the welfare of women in prison, guiding them through their period of incarceration and facilitating their transition towards a brighter future for both them and their children upon release.
This position is primarily focused on providing tailored support to incarcerated mothers, assisting them in maintaining their parenting roles, navigating through statutory child protection procedures, and strengthening their bonds with their children. Additionally, it involves spearheading best practices within mothers with baby's units, offering guidance to pregnant women throughout their term in prison, and aiding in pre-planning for their child's future. The role extends to supporting young women in positive youth development, facilitating access to appropriate support services for transgender men and women, and closely collaborating with statutory child protection agencies when mothers are incarcerated. Moreover, it entails the exploration of innovative approaches to promote the well-being of women within the prison environment.

He kōrero mōu | About you
The ideal candidate should possess a robust understanding of social work principles and practices, particularly in relation to working with women, including those who have experienced trauma. They should demonstrate proficiency in operating within a Māori cultural framework and exhibit comprehension of the Treaty of Waitangi. Furthermore, candidates should showcase knowledge and application of trauma-informed practice models, along with the ability to exercise sound professional judgment tailored to individual needs. Effective communication and relationship-building skills are paramount, enabling the candidate to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and maintain professional boundaries. Adaptability and flexibility are key, as is the ability to navigate challenging situations with a positive demeanour. The candidate should recognise when to seek guidance on operational matters and demonstrate adeptness in managing time and workload effectively. A Social Work qualification recognised by the Social Workers Registration Board is essential, though consideration will be given to graduates with provisional registration.

Utu ā-tau | Salary
The full salary range is $80,386 - $99,217. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Ko wai mātou | About us
Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) Health Services lead the delivery of patient-focused primary health care services to tangata within corrections facilities across Aotearoa. Hōkai Rangi, our over-arching strategic direction, places the focus on health at the heart of our business. Building our frameworks from a Mātauranga Māori basis is our focus to drive and support equity for Māori, which in turn will contribute to achieving our outcomes of reducing reoffending.
You can find out more about us here.
Tono ināianei | Apply now
Applications Close 11pm Wednesday, 25 September 2024.
Please apply with a tailored CV and 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 that reflect and demonstrate our organisation values.
Ara Poutama Aotearoa values diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce which reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair and inclusive, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.
If you want to find out more about a career with us visit our careers page or email our team at careers@corrections.govt.nz.