The role
Support rehabilitation
Probation officers work with people on community-based sentences to understand their rehabilitation needs and connect them with supports that will help reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
Their work often involves working with whānau, as well as social service agencies.
Motivate positive decision making
As a probation officer, you’ll encourage people on community based sentences to make positive changes in their lives, such as seeking help for addiction problems or finding employment.
You’ll motivate people to follow the conditions of their order or sentence and address non-compliance.
Contribute to justice system decision-making
Probation officers prepare reports and recommendations for the courts and the Parole Board, helping them to make key decisions.
As well as addressing rehabilitation needs, they also assess, manage, and respond to risk.
What you need to know
Time off
5 weeks annual leave
Salary
Salary range of $67,359 to $86,608
Hours of work
40 hour working week either Monday to Friday or Tuesday to Saturday
Career development and training
Induction in Upper Hutt, then 25 weeks Pou Hapori Iho (Probation Officer initial learning pathway)
Progression opportunities to Senior Practitioner, Practice Lead, Management and Advisory positions
Skills and experience
People skills, life savvy, critical thinking, resilience, integrity, writing and analysis
Full NZ Drivers Licence
Tertiary qualification preferred but not essential
Environment
Working in the community, courts, at prisons and at Community Corrections offices
Recent stories
Gardens help feed the community
A community garden in Tauranga is thriving thanks to the hard work of the local community.
Make a difference with your degree
Whether you’ve completed your degree or are close to graduating, there could be a place for you here at the Department of Corrections.
Probation Officer: The Real Job
At its core, being a probation officer is more than skills and qualifications. It’s about how you show up for people.
Thinking about working for Corrections?
We asked our staff to share real stories, insights and advice on what it’s like working at the Department of Corrections.
Punk attitude translated into te reo Māori
Probation Officer Angelo Munro features in a documentary produced by Waiata Anthems about his experience translating his music into te reo Māori and his work as a probation officer.