Kaitūruki AOD Peer Support

Whakahaumanu Mana Tane - Kaitūruki (Peer Support)

The Kaitūruki Whakahaumanu Mana Tane (Peer Support) role is central to the delivery of the kaupapa Māori Alcohol and Other Drug programme within Te Tirohanga Whare at Whanganui Prison. This position supports tāne in their recovery and wellness journey, drawing on lived experience, therapeutic practice, and the values of Tikanga Māori, whānau ora, and Te Tirohanga. The role requires both cultural integrity and professional competency to implement positive change and wellbeing. Applicants must be able to pass a vetting background check.

*Peer Support Mahi*

A key focus of the role is to provide peer support that strengthens staff competency, particularly in integrating Mātauranga Māori into the therapeutic community. The Kaitūruki works alongside staff and tāne to develop, implement, and review recovery goals and relapse prevention plans, using therapeutic and best practice interventions. Peer support includes educating participants about the effects and consequences of drugs, offering health options, and providing individualised support that encourages self-awareness, self-determination, and hope for recovery. Central to this mahi is the use of whānau ora and tikanga Māori approaches, including karakia, waiata, mihi, and pepeha, to embed cultural practices into all aspects of alcohol and other drug work. By drawing on personal recovery experience, the Kaitūruki builds trust, rapport, and meaningful relationships with tāne, serving as a mentor and guide throughout the programme.

*Collaboration and Team Work*

The role requires strong collaboration with Te Oranganui internal services, external community agencies, and health services within Corrections. Working closely with probation, medical, and other support services ensures that the holistic needs of the tāne and their whānau are met. The Kaitūruki contributes to the implementation of manuals, policies, and processes, and shares wellness skills and strategies that support recovery and wellbeing goals. Positive working relationships and accountability for outputs are essential to success in this area.

*Information Management*

Accurate and timely administration is a critical part of the role. All documentation, reporting, and communication must align with organisational guidelines and specified timeframes. The Kaitūruki participates in continuous quality improvement activities, ensuring that goals and outcomes are electronically recorded and evidenced for reporting purposes. Effective time management and attention to detail underpin this responsibility.

*Supervision*

The Kaitūruki actively engages in regular supervision, ensuring a cooperative relationship with supervisors and clinical managers. Practice and case issues are brought to supervision for reflection and guidance, ensuring quality service delivery. The role involves managing workload and stress levels with appropriate support, complying with supervision contracts and regulatory requirements, and incorporating cultural supervision frameworks. Feedback from supervision is applied to improve practice and approaches.

*Knowledge and Relationships*

Continuous learning and sector engagement are vital to the role. The Kaitūruki builds knowledge of developments in the field, embracing innovation and opportunities to improve outcomes for whānau. Constructive collaboration with colleagues across Te Oranganui and the wider sector strengthens collective impact. Active participation in team hui, workshops, and one-on-one meetings ensures alignment with organisational goals and supports professional growth.

We offer a warm whānau focused work environment with a wide variety of benefits, such as:

• Kaupapa Māori organisation
• Regular Kapa haka and waiata
• All staff Karakia & Mihi every morning
• SuperLife Funeral Insurance
• EAP & Supervision
• Workplace wellness programme
• Whānau events and activities
• Diverse work environment
• Workplace development

For a copy of the Job Description visit JD-WMT-Peer-Support---