Assistant Residence Supervisor at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Canterbury (Waitaha)

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Do you have experience working with people with complex needs?
• Help make our communities safer now!
• Templeton location, fulltime permanent roles available

  Mō te tūnga | About the role

In Canterbury, there are residential facilities for people who have a history of offending behaviour and are subject to sentences or orders (including extended supervision orders, intensive monitoring orders or public protection orders). These facilities are operated by Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) and designed to assist individuals to develop important life skills within a supportive and supervised environment in order to successfully reintegrate back into the community.

As an Assistant Residence Supervisor, you will be part of a team supervising and monitoring residents while also ensuring the smooth running of the facility. Working with residents to develop work and life skills is also a key part of your role while overseeing the safety and wellbeing of each individual in our care and that of your colleagues. Some of the key tasks will include but are not limited to the following:

• Providing advice to residents on any issues that may arise as well as assisting with resolutions
• Supervising residents on community outings (this will include driving and taking them out)
• Promoting public safety through the safe management and supervision of each individual resident
• Supporting and participating in an individual's management plan and working with them to achieve their goal
• Assisting with each resident's rehabilitative and reintegrative activities
• Modelling pro-social behaviour and upholds Ara Poutama's organisational values at all times
• Ensures operational standards are upheld, completing site checks and audits to ensure compliance
• Maintains residence documentation, completing case and file notes as well as plan updates when required

We are looking for indivduals to join our team to supervise, motivate and positively influence the reintegrative journey for those in our care.

Mōu | About you

To be successful for this role, you will need to demonstrate the following:

• Sound decision making ability along with good problem solving skills
• Resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure
• Experience working with people from all walks of life, particularly with complex needs
• Good time management and organisational skills
• A team focus, working together with other staff to achieve goals and complete day to day tasks
• An inclusive and non-judgemental approach
• An ability to maintain clear and professional boundaries at all times
• A committment to safety and wellbeing, yours, a residents and that of your peers
• Flexibility to work 12 hour shifts on a cyclic roster, including night-shifts, weekends and public holidays

If you pride yourself on your ability to provide a high standard of care, you have strong written communication skills, solid experience managing individuals with challenging and complex needs and you want to make a positive difference to community safety, then we want to hear from you!

Ngā painga | The benefits

The salary range effective is split across 3 levels ranging from level 1 at $65,843 - level 3 at $73,149 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

• Fitness Passport offering discounted gym membership (subject to availability in the area)
• Eye exam & eyewear reimbursement for eligible staff (conditions apply)
• Access to EAP & Staff Support Networks
• Subsidised medical insurance
• $400 annual clothing allowance
• Annual Shift Allowance of $2000 paid fortnightly (for rostered staff as per the terms of the Collective Agreement)
• 1 week/40 hours additional leave eligible after 12 months when working on the assigned roster (criteria applies)

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: Wednesday, 18th February 2026.

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