Probation Officer

Probation Officer

• Permanent, full-time role
• Based in Te Awamutu/Te Kuiti
• Address criminogenic behaviours and reduce reoffending

Mo te tunga | About the role

As a Probation Officer for Ara Poutama Aotearoa, you will work closely with people in our care and their whanau to address criminogenic behaviours and reduce reoffending. Using principles of manaaki, kaitiaki, wairua, rangatira, and whanau, you will manage community-based sentences and orders, whilst also preparing reports for the Courts and New Zealand Parole Board.

You will contribute to public safety, viewing this through the lens of manaaki, positive relationships, and the uplifting of wellbeing of people in our care. By focusing on the wellbeing of the person who has come into our care and management, you will help reduce the chances of them returning to the justice system. You will treat those in our care and management with respect, upholding their mana and dignity.

As an employer, the Department of Corrections offers personal and professional development, clear career progression and job security. We embrace diversity and are committed to an inclusive workplace. We recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of individuals and celebrate the collective talent of all employees.

To learn more about this opportunity from one of our current staff, click here:

https://careers.corrections.govt.nz/home/probation-officer/

Mou | About you

We are looking for people who:

• can relate to people from a range of cultures and backgrounds
• have excellent spoken and written communication skills
• can work in a team and motivate others
• can remain positive and resilient in difficult situations
• can think critically and assess information

If you have worked with large caseloads, this is a distinct advantage.

You will also need Full New Zealand Driver's Licence and a legal right to work in New Zealand without restriction for a minimum of 24 months.

Being a Probation Officer is an incredibly exciting opportunity to make a real difference in your community. You'll have the chance to connect with people, build strong relationships, and do something which really makes a difference and improves public safety.

If you are a current Probation Officer, please see the transfer policy on Tatou to submit an expression of interest for this position.

Nga painga | The benefits

The starting salary for this role is $70,956, with the potential to earn $91,307. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Mo matou | About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Maori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whanau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hokai Rangi strategy.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

Tono inaianei | Apply Now

To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency - applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.

Applications close on: Sunday 1 March 2026.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact madeleine.stapleton@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.