
Ara Hou Navigator
An exciting opportunity to work for an organisation at the pioneering edge of supporting second chance learners.
About
Alternative Education Schools (or Alt Schools) are strengths based second chance learning schools. The “City Alt” School is an exciting new beginning for an existing Alternative Education School, operating in Newtown, Wellington. The “Porirua Alt” School has operated in the Cannons Creek (Porirua) community since 1983, with significant experience and support to offer.
Both schools focus on young people (aged 13-16 years) who have disengaged from education. They aim to support them to overcome the challenges they face and re-engage with learning. We operate from a shared kaupapa (purpose) based around the Circle of Mana; a strengths-based approach to working with young people which focuses on responding to their needs rather than reacting to problems.
Both Alternative Schools are part of Praxis, a faith based, charitable organisation. The “Praxis Ideas” summarise some of our key values as a group and can be found in the Role Descriptions attached to this advert.
Due to the creation of a new programme of work in both Porirua and Newtown, we are looking to employ two Navigators (one at each school) on 20 hours a week or one Navigator working across both schools on 40 hours a week who can work collaboratively with the existing team toward the goal of supporting young people to re-engage with learning
It's about relationship
Building high trust, developmental relationships with our students is at the core of our approach. As a student’s time comes to an end with us this role seeks to continue those relationships to ensure their successes in the classroom translates to success in the real world.
It's about connection
The Ara Hou Navigator will be responsible for achieving these positive transition outcomes for students which are identified through engagement with the wider team, the young person themselves and their family.
It's about development
The role will develop young people in their work readiness which will include coordinating work placements during their time with us and guiding them through the corresponding work readiness workbooks

What we offer...
A supportive workplace with a positive, family team culture
An innovative environment that supports forward thinking
Competitive salary which are tested regularly against the market
Regular opportunities for training and professional development
Support to maintain professional registration
Regular supervision support: both external and internal
The right person(s) will...
Have a strong belief in every student’s inherent ability to learn
Be skilled in connecting with young people and developing trust
Have a full driver’s licence
Be able to break down concepts into smaller, achievable components of learning in an empowering and uplifting manner
A belief in empowering young people to find their own voice and path
Have or be able to develop good networks with employers and educational providers in the Porirua and/or Wellington community
Be self-aware and comfortable working across a range of cultural contexts.
Have a flexible and adaptable approach to meet the needs of each young person
Be well organised with good integrity -especially toward the young people and families you are working alongside
Contribute positively in a team environment.
Preferred: Qualification in youth work, educator/teaching or similar
Applications
If you are interested in any one of these three roles (20 hours in Porirua, 20 hours in Newtown OR 40 hours working across both) then we invite you to apply now
Key Dates
Shortlisting and interviews confirmed: 11th of December
Interviews: 15th of December
Start date of employment: 25th of Jan 2021