Lead Practitioner – Reintegration

Our vision for Te Pā is:

Living thriving ecology of care that heals restores and transforms our people.

The Organisation

Te Pā is a Kaupapa Māori organisation that responds to community needs and vulnerable whānau. Te Pā ecology of care has key focus areas that include reintegration whānau resilience/manawaroa mental health/hauora hinengaro emotional health/hauora kare ā-roto addictions/ngā piringa wara and whānau whai ora responses.

Do you have a passion and drive that go beyond a tick box response and can support Te Pā to achieve its mission To whakakaha the cultural social economic and political imperatives of whānau

Te Pā is committed to going the extra mile and working with our tangata and whānau to curb intergenerational incarceration and cultivate a safer community for all.

Our staff work within Te Pā philosophy principles practice knowledge and structures based on Kaupapa Māori through which we express our values of manaakitanga whakapapa wairuatanga rangatiratanga whanaungatanga and arohatanga.

Our Lead Practitioner Reintegration supports and uplifts tane who are referred to Te Pā in their journey of re-settlement into the community.

About the role:

This role requires working in collaboration with tane to develop a comprehensive and holistic re-integration plan that contributes to their rehabilitative journey that embraces their cultural whānau and wellbeing needs and aspirations. This plan will envelope Māori models of wellbeing specifically Te Whare Tapa Wha and will be underpinned by Tikanga Māori practice.

This role supports tane with a comprehensive range of high risk and complex needs that affect tane who have been deported back to Aotearoa and require tailored support through an informed practice lens. A background in mental health assessment and triage will be vital for success in this role along with experience in prison reintegration within communities.

It is crucial to assist tane in achieving sustainable living for independence planning for positive living skills employment and/or training opportunities where necessary budgeting and encouraging self- efficacy in the community.

Key Responsibilities include:

Assessment and intensive case management for high risk and complex needs

Empowering Tangata towards independence and self sufficiency

Role modelling and stakeholder engagement

Daily interactions with both internal and external stakeholders will reflect the principles of Te Tiriti O Waitangi Partnership Participation and Protection.

Qualifications Required:

A minimum of a Bachelor of Social Work

A valid Social Worker Praciticing Certificate

A clean current full NZ driver license

The chosen candidate will have considerable strengths in all or most of the following:

Specialist knowledge in mental health support and experienced in trauma informed practice

In-depth knowledge of social work practice and theories

Knowledge of human behaviour development and social systems

Experience with de-escalation and counselling and negotiating skills

Desirable

Experience working within the MOJ sector Department of Corrections and/or Probation Services

Fluent in Te Reo Māori and/or a Pasifika language

Benefits and culture

Supportive management and collaborative team

Opportunities for growth and development.

Fun and innovative work environment.

Please apply by sending a cover letter and CV detailing your experience and achievements.

If you would like further information about this role please email your request to Mel Pye at

If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process please let us know. We are committed to providing an inclusive experience for all candidates.

Applications close COB Tuesday 7 October 2025 or earlier if suitable candidates are appointed sooner.