Probation officers have a unique job in the Justice Sector as the team responsible for managing community-based sentences or orders.

Their role involves working with people on community-based sentences to support their rehabilitation and reintegration, as well as managing risk and providing recommendations to the wider justice system. 

We asked our Probation Officers what they would like New Zealand to know about their role, and their advice for new probation officers starting out. Here’s what they told us:

Be realistic

“Keep an open mind when you join us. You’ll see, hear, and experience all sorts of perspectives on life. Always have hope. We deal with people that come to us broken and have no hope – we have to have hope for them.”

“The people we manage are not here because they have made good decisions or had great opportunities in life, but we are here to guide them through. We cannot expect them to have all the tools in their kete (basket), that’s where we need to make that assessment and assist. Being flexible within reason and acknowledging the potential for change. If you treat them with respect and listen to their needs, you will see change, but it can be a slow process.”

“You have to come into the job without rose-tinted glasses on. Probation Officers have a hard job. We need to have excellent people skills as we are working face-to-face with offenders.”

“New staff need to know they will not be superheroes who can save everyone. Change happens when a person commits to making a succession of positive choices that depart from their previous lifestyle. This means they have to shift away from a way of living that has the comfort of familiarity. This is something which takes not only insight but also commitment and courage. It often comes with sacrifices such as the loss of friends and family members who remain committed to the lifestyle they are trying to move away from.”

“It is not just about helping people, there is also a real purpose that we serve in risk mitigation and keeping the community safe.”

Keep learning and have an open mind

“The advice I would give to anyone new that was starting here, would be to have an open mind, be prepared to stay long enough to learn the entire role. Be honest with where you are at. Try to learn from many different people, so you are exposed to a broad range of ideas."

“Input from experienced staff /mentors is important.”

“Be open to change. Be open to stepping way outside a comfort zone. Be open to understanding other points of view.”

“Corrections is one of the largest government departments, with multiple career growth opportunities.”

"There are endless opportunities within the department and it isn't always about 'climbing the ladder'. It can be about
'branching out'."

“There is definitely more to know about the job than you think. It's not one size fits all - keep an open mind.”

Small wins can mean a lot

“You cannot ‘save’ everyone and progress looks different across individuals - acknowledge the small wins!”

“My advice to new staff members is that if you are passionate about this job, then the sense of fulfilment you'll receive at those little wins is immense.”

It’s truly an opportunity to make a difference

“It is essential for people to be aware of the work we do on the ground because, like me before I applied for this job, they may not fully comprehend the successful stories that emerge from challenging situations. People should understand how this profession can be a life-changer for many individuals. While we may not be able to change everyone, transforming even one person's life means we have added an extra layer of protection to our society. We have also contributed to the well-being and improved the lives of more individuals within their families and communities. Most importantly, we have not given up on someone who made a mistake in the past.”

“Our whānau is a tight-knit community of dedicated and talented professionals committed to motivating, rehabilitation, accountability, and fostering a safer society. If you are passionate about making a lasting impact and believe in the potential for positive change, this is not just a career—it's a meaningful journey. Our work goes beyond the confines of an office - it touches lives and helps build stronger, more resilient, and safer communities.”

“Our mahi is not as straightforward as people think - it has so many layers to it. A prime example of this is a woman I managed on an Extended Supervision Order (ESO) and all the agencies we had to tie in, all of the meetings, visits, etc. that go into just one person to try and inspire change. Our mahi goes beyond compliance, it’s long term and impactful work. We look at the bigger picture and try to give people hope and the tools to change.”