Rotorua - Probation Officer

Department of Corrections NZ; Rotorua; On-site; NZD 71,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Corrections NZ invites applications for a Probation Officer role in Rotorua. You will work with people in the community and their whānau to address criminogenic behaviours, support wellbeing, and reduce re-offending, guided by manaaki, kaitiaki, and whānau values.

You will prepare reports for Courts and the NZ Parole Board, build positive relationships, and contribute to public safety. A full NZ driver’s licence and right to work are required.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated empathy with diverse communities
• Excellent spoken and written communication
• Ability to work in a team and motivate others
• Ability to stay positive and resilient in difficult situations
• Strong critical thinking and assessment skills

Responsibilities

• Work with people in the community and their whānau to address behaviours and reduce reoffending.
• Prepare reports for Courts and the NZ Parole Board.
• Contribute to public safety through respectful, manaaki-based engagement.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Teamwork

Resilience

Critical thinking

Job description

## About this role**Probation Officer*** We need positive role models with a passion for empowering others* This is a challenging role that can have a positive impact on your community* Full-time, permanent opportunity based in Rotorua - 40 hours per week**About the role | Mō te tūnga**As Probation Officer for Ara Poutama Aotearoa, 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.**About you | Mōu**We are looking for people who:* Are able to 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* Are 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.****\\*\\*Note: The criminal history check is e*xempt* from The Clean Slate Act. In other words, The Clean Slate Act does not apply to this position. Please declare all offences in your application.**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 applicatiion.**Ngā painga | The benefits**The salary for this position starts at $70,596 per annum. Once in the role we have 5 step competency framework where you are able to increase your salary over time up to $91,307 per annum.**Mō mātou | 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.**Tono ināianei | 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 4th October 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.**## Job details| | || --- | --- || Job reference: | APA/1946342 || Location: | Bay of Plenty (Te Moana a Toi) || Date posted: | 16-Sep-2026 || Application close date: | 04-Oct-2026 || Attachments: | Probation\\_Officer.pdf (PDF, 54KB) |