Probation Officer

Permanent position
- Based in Dargaville

“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini" - Success is not the work of an individual, but the work of many.
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 Probation Officer is one of those opportunities.
Mō te tūnga | About the role
We won't try and fool you into thinking working as a Probation Officer does not have its challenges, it's an extremely busy, time pressured and administration heavy role, however working as a Probation Officer for Ara Poutama Aotearoa, means working with people in our care and their whānau to address criminogenic behaviours and reduce reoffending. You will use our values of manaaki, kaitiaki, wairua, rangatira, and whanau, and will manage community-based sentences and orders, whilst also preparing reports for the Courts and New Zealand Parole Board.
You will contribute to public safety, viewing this through the lens of manaaki, positive relationships, and the uplifting of wellbeing of people in our care. By focusing on the wellbeing of the person who has come into our care and management, you will help reduce the chances of them returning to the justice system. You will treat those in our care and management with respect, upholding their mana and dignity.
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.
If you have the following skills and attributes, you could make a great Probation Officer:

- The ability to relate to people from a range of cultures and backgrounds
- Excellent spoken and written communication skills
- Able to work in a team and motivate others
- The ability to remain positive and resilient in difficult situations
- Critical thinker who can quickly assess information before them
- Previous experience with large caseloads an advantage
- Empathy

We provide fully paid on the job training and ongoing personal development
Pre-employment checks are required and include drug test, full disclosure criminal conviction check (Clean Slate Act does not apply), and reference checks. You will also need Full New Zealand Driver's License and a legal right to work in Aotearoa.
Utu ā-Tau | Salary and Benefits
- Starting salary $64,359 - $67,648. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

We offer a professional and progressive environment, continuous learning and development opportunities, access to Regional Staff Welfare Coordinators, Cultural support, Maori & Pasifika Networks, insurance and banking packages, selected retail store discounts, and free yearly health checks.
Ko wai mātou | About us
Ara Poutama Aotearoa is a name that has been gifted to us and is our commitment to improving the oranga and safety of the people, whānau, and that of the communities we serve across the motu.
As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship) and whānau (relationships) to shape how we work and deliver the outcomes in our strategy - Hōkai Rangi.
We're also bringing in new ways of working to help us deliver Hōkai Rangi, with a range of new roles being formed as part of The Pathway Forward Te Ara Whakamua.
It is an exciting time to join us, and we continue to seek out talented individuals who are committed to an inclusive, vibrant workplace. We recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of individuals, and that of the collective talent in our whānau.
If you share the same passion for our work but feel this opportunity may not be the perfect fit for you, we encourage you to click here. We look forward to discovering more about you and exploring potential opportunities that align with your interests and skills.

To apply, please submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience. Alignment to our kaupapa is critical to our success - we ask that you provide examples which reflect and demonstrate our organisation values.