Bail Support Officer - Hawkes Bay

New Zealand Government; Hawke's Bay; On-site; NZD 67,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections in Hastings, NZ is seeking a Bail Support Officer to join the new Bail Support Service. The role involves gathering, analysing and presenting information to support judicial decision-making, and producing Electronic Monitoring Bail Suitability Reports and Bail Information Reports within tight timeframes.

You will work with defendants, whānau, defence counsel and social service providers to develop bail proposals and support plans.

Qualifications

• Be a team player with great communication skills, initiative and drive.
• Be non-judgemental, and see potential in people, helping them make positive life choices.

Responsibilities

• Gather, analyse and present information to support judicial decision-making.
• Prepare high-quality written reports, including Electronic Monitoring Bail Suitability Reports and Bail Information Reports within strict timeframes.

Skills

Team player

Communication skills

Initiative

Adaptable

Attention to detail

Risk analysis

Report writing

Computer skills

Driver's license

Time management

Tools

MS Office

Job description

An exciting opportunity to be part of a new service that is making a positive difference in your community.

• Located in our Service Centre in Hastings.
• Full-time, permanent position available.
• January 2027 start date.

Kōtahi anō te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi | There is only one purpose to our work :the wellness and wellbeing of people. Mō te tūnga

About the role

The Bail Support Service has been established to ensure courts are given the best information about safe and timely bail proposals. A key part of the role is gathering, analysing and presenting information to support judicial decision‑making. Bail Support Officers prepare high-quality written reports, including Electronic Monitoring Bail Suitability Reports and Bail Information Reports, ensuring courts receive accurate, balanced and well‑reasoned information within strict timeframes. If granted, Bail Support Service provides the support necessary for defendants to succeed on bail. Bail Support Officers use a holistic, defendant and whānau centric approach. They work alongside defendants and whanau and with defence counsel and a range of community and government social service providers to prepare bail proposals and develop bail support plans for defendants. Due to training timeframes, and the lead up to Christmas, the successful applicant for this role will begin in January 2027.

About you

We're looking for people who are passionate about making a real difference for defendants and their whānau and are comfortable working in an often dynamic and fast paced environment. You'll be motivated and willing to learn, adaptable and a team player. If you think you have what it takes, but your experience doesn't align 100%, we still want to hear from you and would encourage you to apply.

• Be a team player, with great communication skills, initiative and drive.
• Be non‑judgemental, and see potential in people, as well as help them use their strengths to make positive life choices.
• Work across many social, cultural and ethnic communities to effect positive change.
• Have good attention to detail, be able to gather a wide range of information and demonstrate sound risk analysis and professional decision making.
• Have an understanding around the justice system, although this is not essential.
• Follow Health and Safety practises and protocols.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality and integrity.
• Be able to work to strict timelines, being flexible and adaptable within a dynamic environment.
• Be able to work efficiently under pressure, maintaining a calm and focused demeanour.
• Be a highly motivated problem solver with excellent time management and organisation skills.
• Be able to write high‑quality, well‑structured and evidence‑based reports, including assessing information, articulating key issues clearly, and presenting balanced recommendations within strict timeframes.
• Have excellent computer skills and quickly pick up new systems and processes.
• Candidates must hold a Full New Zealand Drivers License.

Ngā painga

The midpoint of the salary range is $76,228 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $66,934 - $84,484 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

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 Māori in correctional facilities. As a values‑led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai 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.

Applications close on : Tuesday 13th October, 2026.

Note : for successful applicants, an assessment centre for this position will be held in the first week of November.