Corrections officers at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Auckland (Tamaki Makaurau)

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Ko wai mātou | Who we are

Ara Poutama Aotearoa is a name that has been gifted to us and conveys the responsibility for those in our care to reach their potential and our commitment to improving the oranga and safety of the people, whānau, and that of the communities we serve. 

Ask those who work in our organisation about what it's like, they will often say; the passion for making a difference is incredible, the work is highly stimulating, and you're exposed to a wide range of challenges and exciting opportunities. A Corrections Officer is one of those opportunities. 

We currently have opportunities available at our Mt Eden Corrections Facility (MECF) and Auckland Prison sites.

Mt Eden Corrections Facility (MECF) is based in Auckland CBD.  MECF is a male Remand facility housing 11 per cent of the national prisoner population, Not only is it Aotearoa's largest remand facility it is also the busiest for prisoner movements.

Auckland Prison, located at Pāremoremo on Auckland's North Shore contains New Zealand's only specialist maximum-security prison unit.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As a Corrections Officer you will be working in a challenging environment supported by a team of experienced professional colleagues and as part of your training you will learn how to stay safe. You will engage with people in a positive way and will have the opportunity to not only change the lives of whānau but also influence change through your interactions.  You will spend much of your time working within the unit(s) supervising those in our care with their daily routines, escorting them to work/training/education programmes and other appointments. You will monitor, assess and manage behaviour and safety, help control, and lessen any conflict within the unit and monitor sentence plans.

Ngā Korero Mōu | About you 

Our team come from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences which all come together to support the fabric of our mahi and our unique purpose: 'Kotahi anō te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi' – ‘There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of our people.

If you have the following skills and attributes, you could make a great Corrections Officer:

• A positive mindset 
• Ability to engage with whānau, iwi and hapū
• Motivated to make a positive impact in your community
• Inspired by having the opportunity to change someone's life
• Be able to work rostered shifts across 24/7 pattern including weekends and public holidays
• Experience within a Kaupapa Māori or Pasifika environment, while not essential is desirable

Along with your unique skills and perspective we also need you to have the following:

• Current and full New Zealand driver licence or Restricted Licence with the ability to sit your full licence within the next 6 months.
• Legally able to work fulltime in New Zealand (work visa must have a remaining period of minimum 12 months)

Pre-employment checks are also required and include: Drug test, full disclosure criminal conviction check (Clean Slate Act does not apply), medical assessment, a physical fitness assessment and reference checks.

We provide full paid training which involves an initial 11 week in-house and online schedule.  Then on-going professional practice and development support along with a clear pathway to progression.

Utu ā-Tau | Salary and Benefits

• Starting salary $59,519, increasing as you achieve National Qualifications Level 3 ($64,197) and Level 4 ($69,363).

We offer a professional and progressive environment, continuous learning and development opportunities, access to Regional Staff Welfare Coordinators, Maori & Pasifika support Networks plus much more.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

To apply, please submit your application online describing your motivation for this particular mahi and outlining your relevant skills, experience and personal qualities which align with the focus areas of these roles.  Alignment to our kaupapa is critical to your success

All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency. Applications received via email will not be considered. 

If you want to find out more about a career with us, visit careers.corrections.govt.nz or email our team at careers@corrections.govt.nz.