Tautoko-a-aropā - Peer Support Specialist – Spring Hill Correctional Facility

Do you want to be part of a ground-breaking new programme which seeks to tackle addiction grounded in the belief that what works for Māori works for all? 

Te Ngahere – this name is derived from ‘the forest’ and speaks to the importance of connection. Te Ngahere is an eight-week intensive alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment programme built on a strong cultural framework, grounded in the principle that:

When we re-generate through our natural cycles found in pepeha, marae and whānau, there is wellness, restoring mana revealing our true beauty and potential. 

Te Ngahere seeks to address alcohol and drug harm by supporting tāngata whai ora (people seeking wellness) to reveal their intrinsic mana. The programme offers clinical approaches underpinned by Māori and Pasifika concepts of health and wellbeing.

We are currently seeking a 20 hour per week Peer Support Specialist/Tautoko-a-aropā to join the Odyssey team at Spring Hill Correctional Facility delivering two-month therapeutic AOD programmes grounded in Maori and Pasifika approaches. 

The Peer Support Specialist/Tautoko-a-aropā will provide peer-based recovery support to complement Te Ngahere. They will work with Tāngata Whai ora during their treatment to enhance their treatment pathway and increase recovery outcomes. 

Do you have:

• Personal lived experience, a story of recovery from addictions and the ability to as a positive role model to others (essential)
• A high level of understanding of tikanga Māori and its importance within this setting
• Assertive communication and active listening skills 
• A willingness to hang in there when the going gets tough 
• The ability to work in an ethical framework with strong boundaries 
• Completed peer support training of some description and/or experience working in a peer position
• Excellent computer skills, particularly email, data entry and word processing
• An understanding of working in a Corrections environment

We offer you:

• A competitive salary and benefits
• Hours to be worked between Monday and Friday – no afterhours
• Weekly travel assistance
• Learning and development opportunities
• Varied work that supports the community
• A dynamic and supportive team who are passionate about what we do
• A healthy workplace, which is smoke free

If you are passionate about working within a cultural framework and delivering AOD treatment which will seek to strengthen whole of self and whānau wellbeing, we invite your application.

Odyssey is an equal opportunity employer and a smoke free organisation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please note that Police and Ministry of Social Development clearance checks will be required for this role. To work in a Corrections environment, applicants will also be required to pass the Ministry of Justice clearance checks

All applicants should include a CV, cover letter and complete the online registration and application forms. For all enquiries please contact Nicola Mooney on 09 6384957 Ext 727

Closing date: Wednesday 15th July