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?
• Contribute to help making our communities safer
• Templeton location, fulltime permanent roles available

Mō te tūnga | About the role

In Canterbury, there are residential facilities (Matawhāiti and Tōruatanga) that are run by the Department of Corrections for people who have a history of high-risk offending behaviour and are subject to sentences or orders (including extended supervision orders, intensive monitoring orders or public protection orders) when released from prison.  These facilities are operated by Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) and designed to assist individuals to develop important life skills within a supportive, supervised and secure environment. 

These residences are a vital part of the rehabilitative journey for our residents to help support them to live in a community setting while also ensuring safety for the wider 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 daily routines and life skills is 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 a structured day with supported and supervised activities for residents with complex profiles and backgrounds.
• Supporting residents to come up with solutions on any issues that may arise for them when navigating day to day activities.
• Supervising residents on community outings (this will include driving and taking them out)
• Promoting public safety through the safe planning, management and supervision of each individual resident
• Supporting and participating in an individual's management plan and working with them to achieve their goals and aspirations
• Assisting with each resident's rehabilitative and reintegrative activities
• Modelling pro-social behaviour and upholding Ara Poutama's organisational values at all times
• Ensures operational standards are upheld, completing site checks and audits to ensure compliance with all aspects of security and staff safety
• Maintain residence documentation, completing case and file notes as well as plan updates when required
• Participate in training to ensure that skills are constantly developed (some training will be of a physical nature)

We are looking for individuals 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 a diverse range of people, particularly with complex needs and offending profiles.
• 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 commitment to safety and wellbeing, yours, a residents and that of your peers
• Flexibility to work 12-hour shifts on a cyclic roster, including nightshifts, 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.

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, 4th November 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.

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.