Corrections Officer - Waikeria

Department of Corrections; Waikeria; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Staff gym

5 weeks annual leave

Shift allowance

Extended training (10 weeks)

Job summary

Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections is seeking Corrections Officers for Waikeria Prison. The role focuses on maintaining security, safeguarding prisoners and remand detainees, and supporting them to navigate life in custody.

Training is provided through an intensive program, with ongoing learning on site. We value diversity and require applicants with strong communication, integrity, and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Solid interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly.
• High integrity and professional conduct.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Ability to operate in a culturally diverse setting with understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Responsibilities

• Ensure security and wellbeing of people in custody.
• Induct inmates into units and supervise daily routines.
• Support opportunities for professional development and learning.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Clear communication

Integrity

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Culturally aware

English proficiency

Job description

‘My strength is not that of my own but that of many.'

• Help to shape futures & make a difference in people's lives!
• Embark on a challenging & rewarding career
• Free onsite parking and staff gym

Mōte tūnga | About the role

Corrections Officers work inside our prisons and are responsible for ensuring the security and wellbeing of people serving sentences or on remand. They induct people into their unit, help them to navigate life in prison, and supervise daily routines. By being prosocial role models, our Corrections Officers also play a significant part in creating change and making our communities safer.

The role of a Corrections Officer varies, including tasks across specialised units, security levels and site-specific activities.

All new officers attend an intensive, fully paid training programme to equip them with necessary skills required for the job. This involves an initial week-long induction at your allocated prison site, five weeks at our National Learning Centre in Upper Hutt, then a further five weeks back on site before graduating. From there the learning journey will be ongoing.

Our Corrections Officers are all part of a wider custodial team, and there is plenty of support and guidance available. You'll get opportunities for professional development, promotion, and the ability to gain a recognised qualification in Offender Management.

This role is based at Waikeria Prison.

We are looking for a diverse range of candidates, from different cultures with varied backgrounds and experience. We are interested to hear from people who:

• Possess solid interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly
• Can operate with high levels of integrity
• Have excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically
• Can operate effectively in a culturally diverse setting and have an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Be able to work rostered shifts across a 24/7 pattern including weekends and public holidays
• You must have the ability to confidently understand, speak, read, and write English.

To be eligible you need:

• The legal right to work in New Zealand or a Work Visa with at least24 months remaining*
• AfullNew Zealand Driver Licence (or be eligible to obtain one)
• To declare any conflicts of interest and previous convictions**
• The ability to pass a drug test
• To be medically fit for employment and complete a Medical Assessment and Physical Readiness Assessment

Our prisons operate 24/7 - applicants must be able to work shifts on a rotating roster.

In line with our Strategy Hōkai Rangi, we are prioritising applications from people who have experience in a Kaupapa Māori or Pasifika environment and/or a willingness to learn. Please highlight any relevant experience and/or language skills in your application.

Our standards are high so should you apply to join us you will undergo a comprehensive selection process that will assess you against our core requirements.

* Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. In line with Immigration New Zealand requirements, we are required to give priority to candidates who already hold this right.

**Note: The criminal history check is exempt from The Clean Slate Act. In other words, The Clean Slate Actdoes notapply to this position. Please declarealloffences in your application.

The starting salary for this position is $70,019 per annum.Once in the role there are opportunities to increase your salaryas you achieve national qualifications (Level 3 at $74,697, Level 3+ at $76,697, Level 4 at $80,213 and Level 4+ at $82,213).

We are also able to offer:

• 5 weeks annual leave
• $4000 shift allowance per annum, in addition to your salary
• 10 week fully paid training programme
• Clear pathway for career progression and continuous learning and development
• Free parking and on-site gym facilities
• A supportive team-environment
• Rosters provided 12 months in advance so you can plan your leave
• Health and well-being benefits including access to EAP, eye-care benefits, health checks and more

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.

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