Corrections Officer - Arohata Prison

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Join us at Arohata Women's Prison in 2024!

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

Ko wai mātou | Who we are:

Ara Poutama Aotearoa is more than just a name; it's a responsibility to help those in our care and management reach their potential while ensuring the well-being and safety of our people, whānau, and communities. We're passionate about reducing re-offending and fostering community safety.

Arohata Women's Prison: Arohata Women's Prison is one of three women's prisons within the network in New Zealand. At Arohata, we've been working hard to better serve the unique needs of women. Our Women's Strategy, "Wāhine: E Rere Ana Ki te Pae Hou," Wāhine: E Rere Ana Ki te Pae Hou Women's Strategy 2021 - 2025 | Department of Corrections sets the stage for a gender-specific, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach.

Do you have a passion for working with our Wahine?

At Arohata Women's Prison you will join a dedicated and supportive team managing the well-being, health and safety of the women at our site. 

We recognise the women we manage have different needs to men and we have set an approach that will give our women the care, treatment, encouragement, counselling, skills and support required to shape better futures for themselves, their tamariki and their whanau.

Utu ā-Tau | Salary and Benefits:

• Starting Out: Begin your journey with a starting salary of $59,519, which increases as you achieve national qualifications (Level 3 at $64,197, and Level 4 at $69,363).
• Career Progression: Opportunities include career paths leading to Senior Corrections Officer, Principal Corrections Officer, and Tier 5 Manager positions.
• Collective Agreement: Our collective agreement ensures fair compensation with overtime rates and shift allowances.
• A culturally significant role: Immerse yourself in a Te Ao Māori worldview and a Kaupapa Māori approach to your work.
• Meaningful Work: Join a dedicated team where every day you make a tangible difference in our community.
• Community & Belonging: Engage in numerous events and support networks that offer a strong sense of belonging.
• Professional Growth: Attain NZQA qualifications at Levels 3 and 4 as an integral part of your role.
• Uniform Provided: You'll receive a full uniform for the job.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As part of your training, you'll acquire the skills and knowledge to excel within a custodial environment. By collaborating positively with your team, you'll have the chance to influence positive change in the lives of women and their whānau. Your role involves assisting and empowering the women we serve to make better choices, take timely actions, and support their individual journeys toward offence-free lives.

He Āpiha Whare Herehere - Corrections Officers will:

• ĀRAHI: Supervise daily routines.
• MANAAKI: Respond to questions and help resolve problems, supporting women in their rehabilitation and reintegration.
• WHAKAKIPAKIPA: Motivate and inspire women to make positive changes.
• HĀPAI: Monitor and manage health, safety, and wellbeing.
• MAHITAHI: Work closely with whānau and other key stakeholders.
• MAHI: Be ready to work 12-hour rostered shifts across a 24/7 pattern, including weekends and public holidays.

Ngā Korero Mōu | About you

We're looking for individuals who:

• Can build meaningful relationships, are effective communicators and empathetic listeners.
• Are motivated to create a positive impact in their community.
• Are inspired by the opportunity to change someone's life.
• Value integrity and role-model this every day
• Have experience within a Kaupapa Māori environment (or the openness to learn), this is desirable but not essential.

In addition to your unique skills and perspective, you should:

• The right to work in New Zealand or hold a Visitors Visa enabling you to attend our assessment centre within New Zealand. Then also be available to complete the full recruitment process should you be successful after the assessment day.
• A Full New Zealand Driver Licence (holders of a Full International Licence are also eligible to apply)
• To be medically fit for employment and complete a Medical Assessment and Physical Readiness Assessment

We offer fully paid training, starting with a one-week induction at Arohata Women's Prison, followed by 6 weeks of training at our National Training Centre in Trentham, Wellington, and then 5 weeks back at Arohata before graduating. Your learning journey will continue with professional practice and development support, along with a clear pathway to career progression.

Things to know

Pre-employment checks are part of our process and include a drug test, full disclosure criminal conviction check (Clean Slate Act does not apply), a medical assessment, a physical fitness assessment, and reference checks.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

To apply, please submit your application online describing your motivation for this mahi and outlining your relevant skills, experience and personal qualities.

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

Applications close on 30^th November 2023

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.