Bail Support Officer - Canterburyat Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) - - Timaru

apartmentAra Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) placeTimaru calendar_month 
Help make positive change in your community now!Exciting opportunity to utilise your justice sector experiencePermanent position, Christchurch CBD location Kōtahi anō te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi |There is only one purpose to our work:
  • the wellness and wellbeing of people.Mō te tūnga | About the roleThe Bail Support Service (BSS) provides people remanded in custody, or at risk of being remanded in custody with greater opportunities to achieve positive change early on in their journey through the justice system. Bail Support Officers collaborate with other justice sector partners to promote safe alternatives to remand in custody that strengthens justice and social outcomes while also improving public safety.As a Bail Support Officer (BSO), you will provide support for defendants by preparing a bail plan at the request of defence counsel while also verifying accommodation options and its suitability. The BSO is also responsible for offering continued support including facilitating access to services that address social needs.This position is based at the Justice Precinct in the Christchurch CBD where you will join a collaborative supportive team environment that includes a full induction into working at Corrections. The Christchurch based BSS teamwork in a dynamic environment that can change quickly and is fast paced. Some of the responsibilities include:Preparation of bail plans at the request of defence counsel.Completing EM Bail suitability assessments.Assessment and verification of accommodation including a visit to the home/address to determine suitability.Supporting, navigating and linking defendants and their whānau to key services and support e.g. housing, social needs, healthcare, income support etc.Issue lawful instructions (within delegations) and provide advice within legislative boundaries (i.e.
Privacy Act 1993 and Bail Act 2000).Mōu | About you This role requires you to be:A great team player, at the ready to pitch in and help out a colleague when needed.An organised individual with well developed time management skill.Detail oriented with sound observation skills and data information accuracy.Resilient, easilty adapting to changing situations and maintaining composure in a high pressure environment.Interpersonally savvy, able to adapt your style to suit your audience and a diverse mix of people.Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experienceKey areas we are seeking you to show your skills in are:Be a skilled communicator with proven ability working with a wide variety of people effectively.Sound computer skills with experience using databases and strength across MS Word, Excel and Outlook.Ability to work with a te ao Māori perspective in mind and be open to upskilling your own cultural capability.Excellent written capability, able to prepare and compose formal reports to support bail applications.Be non
  • judgemental, see potential in people and have experience supporting a wide range of often challenging people to leverage their strengths to make positive life choices.Experience and knowledge of the justice sector and/or a related field would be beneficial.Eligibility to work in New Zealand with Residence or Citizenship or a minimum of 24 months eligibility on an appropriate work visa.A full NZ Drivers Licence is essential as you will drive pool cars regularly to assess suitable accommodation.Ngā painga | The benefitsThe salary range is $64,359
  • $81,909 per annum across 5 levels.
Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.Fitness Passport offering discounted gym membershipEye exam & eyewear reimbursement for eligible staff (conditions apply)Access to EAP & Staff Support NetworksSubsidised medical insuranceMō mātou | About us Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa
  • Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities.

As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve.

We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.Tono ināianei | Apply NowTo submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link.

All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency
  • applications received via email will not be considered.When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.Applications close on: Tuesday, 4th November 2025If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact southernrecruitment@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.
apartmentAra Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections)placeTimaru
and challenging work environment, possess adaptable clinical skills, and demonstrate strong organisational and communication abilities, a career in nursing at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) might be the right fit.Working in our prison health...
apartmentAra Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections)placeTimaru
Staff Support NetworksSubsidised medical insuranceMō mātou | About us Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori...
apartmentAra Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections)placeTimaru
and experience relevant to the role. Mō mātou | About us Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional...