Āpiha Matakana

Probation Officer

Probation officers (Āpiha Matakana) motivate people on community based sentences to make positive changes in their lives, as well as ensure they comply with the orders of their sentence.

The role

Staff member stands in Community Corrections Office holding a large binder of notes

Support rehabilitation

Probation officers work with people on community-based sentences to understand their rehabilitation needs and connect them with supports that will help reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

Their work often involves working with whānau, as well as social service agencies.

Probation Officer listening to person and taking notes 2

Motivate positive decision making

As a Probation Officer, you’ll encourage people on community based sentences to make positive changes in their lives, such as seeking help for addiction problems or finding employment.

You’ll motivate people to follow the conditions of their order or sentence and address non-compliance.

Person taking notes on paper with a laptop next to them

Contribute to justice system decision-making

Probation Officers prepare reports and recommendations for the courts and the Parole Board, helping them to make key decisions.

As well as addressing rehabilitation needs, they also assess, manage, and respond to risk.

What you need to know

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Time off

5 weeks annual leave

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Salary

Salary range of $64,359 to $81,909

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Hours of work

40 hour working week either Monday to Friday or Tuesday to Saturday

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Career development and training

Induction in Upper Hutt, then 25 weeks Pou Hapori Iho (Probation Officer initial learning pathway)
Progression opportunities to Senior Practitioner, Practice Lead, Management and Advisory positions

wellbeing

Skills and experience

People skills, life savvy, critical thinking, resilience, integrity, writing and analysis
Full NZ Drivers Licence
Tertiary qualification preferred but not essential

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Environment

Working in the community, courts, at prisons and at Community Corrections offices

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Recent stories

Read stories from our probation team. 

Corrections Officers, Case Managers, Probation Officers - what’s the difference?

One of the questions that we get asked from applicants is around the differences between some of our key roles - in particular, Case Managers, Probation Officers, and Corrections Officers.

What makes a great probation officer? Insights from a Service Manager and District Manager

With the majority in the corrections system being managed in the community, probation officers play an important role at Corrections, motivating change, ensuring compliance and helping people to access support…

Punk attitude translated into te reo Māori

Probation Officer Angelo Munro features in a documentary produced by Waiata Anthems about his experience translating his music into te reo Māori and his work as a probation officer.

Full Probation services on prison grounds a first

By working together, Community Corrections and Case Management staff can strongly influence a person’s successful reintegration.