Bail Support Officer - Hawke's Bay
Department of Corrections
About this role
- An exciting opportunity to be part of a new service that is making a positive difference in your community.
- Located in our Service Centre in Hastings.
- Full-time, permanent position available. January 2027 start date
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 has been established to ensure courts are given the best information about safe and timely bail proposals.
A key part of the role is gathering, analysing and presenting information to support judicial decision-making. Bail Support Officers prepare high-quality written reports, including Electronic Monitoring Bail Suitability Reports and Bail Information Reports, ensuring courts receive accurate, balanced and well-reasoned information within strict timeframes.
If granted, Bail Support Service provides the support necessary for defendants to succeed on bail. Bail Support Officers use a holistic, defendant and whānau centric approach. They work alongside defendants and whanau and with defence counsel and a range of community and government social service providers to prepare bail proposals and develop bail support plans for defendants.
Due to training timeframes, and the lead up to Christmas, the successful applicant for this role will begin in January 2027.
Mōu | About you
We're looking for people who are passionate about making a real difference for defendants and their whānau and are comfortable working in an often dynamic and fast paced environment. You'll be motivated and willing to learn, adaptable and a team player.
If you think you have what it takes, but your experience doesn't align 100%, we still want to hear from you and would encourage you to apply.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
To be successful you'll:
- Be a team player, with great communication skills, initiative and drive.
- Be non-judgemental, and see potential in people, as well as help them use their strengths to make positive life choices.
- Work across many social, cultural and ethnic communities to effect positive change.
- Have good attention to detail, be able to gather a wide range of information and demonstrate sound risk analysis and professional decision making
- Have an understanding around the justice system, although this is not essential.
- Follow Health and Safety practises and protocols.
- Maintain the highest level of confidentiality and integrity.
- Be able to work to strict timelines, being flexible and adaptable within a dynamic environment
- Be able to work efficiently under pressure, maintaining a calm and focused demeanour
- Be a highly motivated problem solver with excellent time management and organisation skills.
- Be able to write high-quality, well-structured and evidence-based reports, including assessing information, articulating key issues clearly, and presenting balanced recommendations within strict timeframes.
- Have excellent computer skills and quickly pick up new systems and processes.
- Candidates must hold a Full New Zealand Drivers License
Ngā painga | The benefits
The midpoint of the salary range is $76,228 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $66,934 - $84,484 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills 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 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 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 13th October, 2026
Note: for successful applicants, an assessment centre for this position will be held in the first week of November.
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.
