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- Tasks: Support defendants in navigating the justice system and prepare bail plans.
- Company: Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa, a values-led organisation focused on community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, fitness discounts, medical insurance, and staff support networks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and help people achieve positive change.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a non-judgemental attitude.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 67000 £ per year.
## About this role* Help make positive change in your community now!* Exciting opportunity to utilise your justice sector experience* Permanent 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 role**The 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 experience**Key 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 benefits**The 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 membership* Eye exam & eyewear reimbursement for eligible staff (conditions apply)* Access to EAP & Staff Support Networks* Subsidised medical insuranceJoin 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 strategy.We value 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 Now**To 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 2025**If 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.**| Location: | Canterbury (Waitaha) || Attachments: | (PDF, 308KB) Position Description | #J-18808-Ljbffr
Bail Support Officer - Canterbury employer: Department of Corrections NZ
Contact Detail:
Department of Corrections NZ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bail Support Officer - Canterbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Ara Poutama Aotearoa. Understanding their values and how they operate will help you connect your experiences to what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a mate or in front of the mirror. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! When you’re chatting with the interviewers, let them know why you want to be a Bail Support Officer. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a positive change.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows you’re keen and professional, plus it gives you another chance to reiterate your interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Bail Support Officer - Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Bail Support Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in the justice sector and any skills that align with the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your motivation for joining us and how your background makes you a great fit for the team. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a BSO, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to connect with diverse individuals. Use clear and concise language to show us you can effectively convey important information.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, all applications must be submitted through our careers site. This ensures transparency and gives us a fair chance to review your application. So, head over to our website and get your application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department of Corrections NZ
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Bail Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like preparing bail plans and assessing accommodation suitability. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a BSO, you'll be working with a diverse range of people. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially in challenging situations. Highlight your ability to adapt your communication style to suit different audiences, as this is crucial for building rapport.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Being organised is key in this fast-paced environment. Bring examples of how you've managed your time and prioritised tasks in previous jobs. You might even want to discuss any tools or methods you use to stay on top of your workload, as this will show you're ready for the demands of the role.
✨Emphasise Your Resilience
The role can be high-pressure, so it's important to convey your ability to remain calm and composed. Share specific instances where you've successfully navigated stressful situations, and explain how you maintain your focus and effectiveness under pressure. This will reassure them that you can handle the challenges of the job.
