Principal Case Manager - Whanganui Prison at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Manawatu-Whanganui

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Be a key point of contact for Case Management with internal and external agencies and providers, including Probation.
• Play a critical role in implementing our Hōkai Rangi Strategy
• Join a dedicated and supportive team managing the well-being, health & safety of the people in our care.

The Department of Corrections is New Zealand's largest and most complex government agency. Our purpose is to keep New Zealand safe, to achieve government's goals relating to rehabilitation, and reducing the prison population. Our key organisational priorities include safety, rehabilitation, and the transitioning of our people.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

A Principal Case Manager is a key role within Department of Corrections and is accountable for providing effective leadership and operational management for the functions of the Case Management Team who actively support people in custody to reduce re-offending and keep our community safe.

Through coaching, mentoring and performance support, you will oversee the professional delivery of rehabilitation and reintegration. Ensuring clear and comprehensive pathways are in place for prisoners enter prison through to the preparing of well-considered release and the collaborative execution of individual release plans. Successful reintegration requires co-operation across all operational arms; Probation, Health Services, Intervention and Learning, Prisoner Employment along with external stakeholder, are crucial services encompassed with achieving the accountabilities of the department, and our responsibilities.

Mōu | About you

If you enjoy working in a culture of continuous improvement and someone who is committed to collaborating with colleagues across the Department to ensure opportunities to reduce offending are maximised, this may be just the role you are looking for.  

Leadership in Corrections require the ability to remain positive and resilient in a constantly changing environment. If you manage safe and functionable working spaces, apply diversity, equity, and all-inclusive practices, and can communicate your thinking clearly, we want to hear from you.

We are looking for a talented role model who delivers according to legislative requirements and national quality standards and can utilise resources effectively and efficiently.  

Ideally, you will have proven leadership experience, along with the ability to strengthen relationships with our community partners, to confirm the smooth transitioning from prison to community.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

To be successful in the role you will need to be able to demonstrate the following:

• Proven knowledge and experience of the tasks undertaken by case management and/or Community Corrections, including practice leadership.
• Experience in managing resources, and leading successful teams – articulate; how you lead contributes towards successful outcomes.
• Demonstrated resilience, excellent relationship management, and communication skills.
• The ability to lead with influence, motivate, encourage, support and mentor others with their development of best practices.
• Ability to think critically, be innovative, and able to coordinate and facilitate changes necessary.
• Understand the departments' vision and how you and the staff individually contribute to the department's Hōkai Rangi strategy, Ara Poutama Aotearoa/Department of Corrections Values.
• Knowledge and experience working with Māori and Pacific Peoples, diversity and complex high-risk factors when collaborating with the people under the management of Corrections.
• The ability to create a team environment to effectively deliver high-quality services within individual role accountabilities and responsibilities.

Ngā painga | The benefits

The starting salary for this role is Step 1 $116,286 of Salary scale B1 of the Frontline Managers Collective Agreement.

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: Thursday 26th November 2026, 11.59pm NZST

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact sotuhernrecruitment@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.