When people think about careers at Corrections, custodial roles such as corrections officers most often come to mind. But there are many other careers that are meaningful and rewarding.

This article shines a light on some of those lesser‑known roles, exploring what they involve day to day, the challenges and rewards, and the skills that they use.

Administration officer

“I take pride in my role, knowing that I am supporting my team and contributing to a strong, positive workplace.” – Lila, administration officer

Administration officers keep teams across Corrections functioning effectively. Their everyday responsibilities vary depending on their team’s needs and the site they are based at. The role is essential in maintaining organisation and consistency in a busy environment.

They could be part of a team working at a prison or based at a Community Corrections site working with probation officers or bail support. There are also administration officers working with supporting services teams such as procurement, legal services, and IT.

In this role, no two days are the same. Administration officers balance multiple tasks and respond to a wide range of people and needs. While this can be challenging, it is also highly rewarding to be part of a team making a positive difference.

Day-to-day:

Administration officers support teams to function effectively. Here are some examples of their daily responsibilities:

• A mix of general admin tasks, which might include IT requests, processing paperwork, data support, and maintaining vehicle fleets.
• Welcoming and assisting visitors at the front desk and managing the phones.
• Helping to create a friendly, organised and supportive team environment.

Considering this role?

Here are some of the skills that are useful for administration officers:

• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and stay organised.
• Resilience and a positive attitude.
• Teamwork and being friendly and respectful.

“This role is basically the glue that keeps the team functioning. Keeping timelines on track can be challenging when working across a team, but it’s so rewarding when deadlines are met.” – Adrian, administration officer

Candidate coordinator

“Positive change happens when the right people are in the right roles. Knowing that my work helps bring compassionate, capable, and values-driven people into the organisation aligns strongly with my own desire to contribute to meaningful and lasting change in Aotearoa New Zealand.” – Maya, candidate coordinator

A candidate coordinator works behind the scenes, working closely with the recruitment team to schedule interviews, monitor enquiries, and be the main point of contact for candidates. They help people through the application, recruitment, and onboarding journey, focusing on care and responsive communication.

It can be a fast-paced role, balancing multiple vacancies, candidates, and deadlines, while maintaining a consistent, accurate, and fair approach. At times there are delays, unsuccessful outcomes, or difficult conversations to navigate. A candidate coordinator ensures candidates are treated with respect, empathy, and professionalism regardless of the outcome.

Day-to-day:

Here are some examples of their daily responsibilities:

• Reviewing and screening candidates’ applications.
• Keeping candidates up to date with their progress.
• Supporting the interview process.
• Conducting pre-employment checks.
• Tracking onboarding progress.

Considering this role?

Here are some of the skills that are useful for candidate coordinators:

• Strong communication, time management and admin skills.
• Efficiency, accuracy and attention to detail.
• Positive mindset.
• A drive to support others.
• Care, dedication and passion.
• Being approachable, proactive and a people person.

“Knowing that the person I've just supported through their final checks is about to start a career that genuinely matters keeps the work feeling worthwhile.” – Kylie, candidate coordinator

Project manager

“Delivering projects that improve facilities is about contributing to meaningful, long-term outcomes. The rewards are that you see tangible, high-impact results – such as new facilities, upgraded infrastructure, and improved environments that will be in use for many years.” – Callum, project manager

A project manager role at Corrections varies depending on the team and the projects they deliver. It can involve coordinating a variety of teams, budgets, and schedules, making sure that everyone stays informed and aligned.

One of the challenges in the role is delivering complex projects in a Corrections environment, as it has unique security requirements and constraints. Every project requires careful planning and adaptability, particularly when timelines, budgets, or site conditions change. Another challenge is working with a wide range of people who may have different perspectives and priorities. Navigating those differences while staying positive and focused on outcomes can be difficult, but it’s an important part of working in a collaborative environment.

Day-to-day:

Here are some examples of their daily responsibilities:

• Project delivery from initiation to completion.
• Coordinating different teams and schedules.
• Overseeing processes and monitor risks.
• Maintaining accurate documentation.

Considering this role?

Here are some of the skills that are useful for project managers:

• Ability to manage complexity across multiple workstreams.
• Strong communication and project management capability.
• Collaboration and adaptability.
• Resilience and decisiveness under pressure.
• Attention to detail.
• Having initiative and a growth mindset.

“I believe that consistent, incremental effort can lead to significant impact over time. That’s what motivates me to show up and do my best.” – Kaia, project coordinator

Parole Board liaison officer

“It is important to me that each parole hearing is managed thoughtfully, ensuring that all parties involved are supported, informed, and treated appropriately throughout the process. When systems run smoothly, it creates space for real change in people’s lives.” – Molly, Parole Board liaison officer 

A Parole Board liaison officer is the main link between the New Zealand Parole Board and each prison site. They work alongside case managers and the custodial team to ensure clear communication between the Parole Board, site staff, and people in prison. The role is vital in ensuring the smooth and efficient delivery of the parole review process, enabling the parole board to make informed decisions about whether to release someone from prison.

The role can be challenging with layers of responsibility, from meeting legal timeframe obligations, to managing the volume of paperwork. The parole hearings can be delivered in person or online, which requires monitoring schedules, collating information and booking facilities where needed. The responsibilities of the role are wide-ranging and requires effective communication across multiple stakeholders.

Day-to-day:

Here are some examples of their daily responsibilities:

• Liaising with Corrections staff and the parole board.
• Maintaining the correct information on the people in prison.
• Ensuring the timely processing of paperwork for parole reviews.
• Identifying and resolving issues.
• Administrative tasks.

Considering this role?

Here are some of the skills that are useful for Parole Board liaison officers:

• A high level of computer literacy.
• Organisation and the ability to juggle multiple tasks at once.
• Empathy.
• Exceptional time management and documentation management skills.
• Problem solving and remaining calm under pressure.
• The ability to build strong working relationships.

“For me, it’s about contributing to something bigger and helping to ensure each step in the process supports progress, hope, and accountability.” – Jodie, Parole Board liaison officer

Please note: Names have been changed for privacy.