Probation Officer - Feilding

New Zealand Government; Manawatū-Whanganui; On-site; NZD 71,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections in Feilding is seeking a Probation Officer. You will work with people and their whānau in the community to address behaviours and reduce reoffending, under manaaki, kaitiaki and rangatira principles.

The role is full-time (40 hours per week) and focuses on public safety, wellbeing, and respectful engagement with clients. Applicants should have NZ work rights and a valid driver’s licence, with emphasis on Kaupapa Maori or Pasifika experience.

Qualifications

• Excellent spoken and written communication skills.
• Ability to relate to people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Capacity to work in a team and motivate others.
• Experience with large caseloads is advantageous.
• Must hold a Full New Zealand Driver's Licence and have right to work in NZ.

Responsibilities

• Work with individuals and whānau in the community to address criminogenic behaviours and reduce reoffending.
• Prepare reports for the Courts and the New Zealand Parole Board.
• Contribute to public safety by focusing on wellbeing and manaaki.
• Maintain professional practice, respect mana and dignity, and build positive relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written English

Teamwork

Resilience

Critical thinking

Caseload management

NZ Driver's Licence

Right to work in NZ

Job description

We need positive role models with a passion for empowering othersThis is a challenging role that can have a positive impact on your communityThis is a full-time, permanent opportunity based in FeildingMo te tunga | About the roleAs Probation Officer for Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), you will work with people we manage in the community 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 we manage in the community. By focusing on the wellbeing of the person who has come into our management, you will help reduce the chances of them returning to the justice system. You will treat those under our management with respect, upholding their mana and dignity.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.This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week.Mou | About youWe are looking for people who:Are able to relate to people from a range of cultures and backgroundsHave excellent spoken and written communication skillsCan work in a team and motivate othersCan remain positive and resilient in difficult situationsAre able to think critically and assess informationIf you have worked with large caseloads before then this is a distinct advantage.You'll also need a Full New Zealand Drivers Licence, and 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. As a result, we may not be able to support visa applications for this role.In line with our Strategy Hokai Rangi, we are prioritising applications from people who have experience in a Kaupapa Maori or Pasifika environment and/or a willingness to learn. Please highlight any relevant experience and/or language skills in your application.Nga painga | The benefitsThe full salary range (Level 1 - 5) is $70,956 to $91,307. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.Mo matou | About usJoin 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 NowTo 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: Tuesday, 24th November 2026.If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact [e-mail], or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.We are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this role. Unsolicited CVs submitted by agencies will not be accepted and no agency fees will apply.