Bail Support Officer - Christchurch at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Canterbury (Waitaha)

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Help make positive change in your community now!
• Exciting opportunity to utilise your justice sector experience
• 2 permanent positions, Christchurch CBD location

Kōtahi anō te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi |There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of people.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Bail Support Service (BSS) provides people remanded in custody, or at risk of being remanded in custody with greater opportunities to achieve positive change early on in their journey through the justice system. Bail Support Officers collaborate with other justice sector partners to promote safe alternatives to remand in custody that strengthens justice and social outcomes while also improving public safety.

As a Bail Support Officer (BSO), you will provide support for defendants by preparing a bail plan at the request of defence counsel while also verifying accommodation options and its suitability. The BSO is also responsible for offering continued support including facilitating access to services that address social needs.

This position is based at the Justice Precinct in the Christchurch CBD where you will join a collaborative supportive team environment that includes a full induction into working at Corrections. The Christchurch based BSS teamwork in a dynamic environment that can change quickly and is fast paced. Some of the responsibilities include:

• Preparation of bail plans at the request of defence counsel.
• Completing EM Bail suitability assessments.
• Assessment and verification of accommodation including a visit to the home/address to determine suitability.
• Supporting, navigating and linking defendants and their whānau to key services and support e.g. housing, social needs, healthcare, income support etc.
• Issue lawful instructions (within delegations) and provide advice within legislative boundaries (i.e. Privacy Act 1993 and Bail Act 2000).

Mōu | About you

This role requires you to be:

• A great team player, at the ready to pitch in and help out a colleague when needed.
• An organised individual with well developed time management skill.
• Detail oriented with sound observation skills and data information accuracy.
• Resilient, easilty adapting to changing situations and maintaining composure in a high pressure environment.
• Interpersonally savvy, able to adapt your style to suit your audience and a diverse mix of people.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

Key areas we are seeking you to show your skills in are:

• Be a skilled communicator with proven ability working with a wide variety of people effectively.
• Sound computer skills with experience using databases and strength across MS Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Ability to work with a te ao Māori perspective in mind and be open to upskilling your own cultural capability.
• Excellent written capability, able to prepare and compose formal reports to support bail applications.
• Be non-judgemental, see potential in people and have experience supporting a wide range of often challenging people to leverage their strengths to make positive life choices.
• Experience and knowledge of the justice sector and/or a related field would be beneficial.
• Eligibility to work in New Zealand with Residence or Citizenship or a minimum of 24 months eligibility on an appropriate work visa.
• A full NZ Drivers Licence is essential as you will drive pool cars regularly to assess suitable accommodation.

Ngā painga | The benefits

The salary range is $64,359 - $81,909 per annum across 5 levels. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

• Fitness Passport offering discounted gym membership
• Eye exam & eyewear reimbursement for eligible staff (conditions apply)
• Access to EAP & Staff Support Networks
• Subsidised medical insurance

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, 31st July 2025

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.