28 May, 2003
If you are interested in a challenging new career that will make a difference in the lives of others then the Department of Corrections wants to hear from you.
Dave East, Regional Manager Wellington Prisons, says the Department is currently recruiting around 60 corrections officers for prisons in the Wellington Region - Rimutaka Prison in Upper Hutt, Arohata Women's Prison in Tawa, and Wellington Prison in Mirimar.
"Forget about the stereotypes of prison officers seen on TV programmes," Mr East says.
"Being a corrections officer involves actively managing inmates to help them turn their lives around. Each officer has a role as a case manager, overseeing the sentence plans of several inmates.
"The job involves variety and lots of people contact. Naturally, supervising inmates is an important part of the role and you have to be available to work shifts."
Mr East explains that the position has a clear career path that can lead to a senior corrections officer role, principal corrections officer position or becoming a unit manager. Officers may also move into other jobs such as sentence planners or programme facilitators.
Corrections officers come from varied backgrounds. "We value life skills and experience, and leadership qualities. We have employed former teachers, farmers, factory workers, salespeople, labourers and new migrants," he says.
"If you're looking for a career change, or perhaps you've raised your family and want to re-enter the workforce, then why not consider becoming a corrections officer?"
Staff are supported to work towards relevant NZQA qualifications, which are linked to remuneration. Successful applicants receive two weeks induction and six weeks training at the staff college in Trentham. Anyone interested in a career as a corrections officer can call the Wellington prisons human resources team on 04 528 1250.
The recruitment drive is in response to jobs being created by the recently opened 180-bed facility at Rimutaka Prison and natural attrition.