FromAll Black to Probation Officer
If youwant a career thatmakes a difference, come and join us at Corrections.
AProbation Officer is key to supporting offenders in achieving change, guiding them to succeed and not come back into the system.
This involves meeting with offenders regularly, either at community corrections sites or the offender’s residence to help them meet the requirements of their sentence and have the support they need to do so. Probation Officers also prepare reports and recommendations for the courts and the New Zealand Parole Board.
Probation Officers motivate and encourage offenders to make positive changes in their lives, and this often means working closely with friends, family/whanau, programme facilitators and community work supervisors as well as other agencies such as Work and Income, the Salvation Army and Child, Youth and Family. Probation Officers will make referrals to programmes that may assist offenders with an issue or problem specific to their offending type, or that may have contributed to their offending.
Paul says that in his Corrections role he likes the way he can help influence and instill a positive change in offender’s behaviors, helping them succeed, from completing their Community Work hours to gaining employment.
“It’s taking the time to get to know each person on a personal level, relate to them, and understand the difficulties they may be facing. Once you gain the rapport and respect, it becomes easier to guide them through their sentence and other issues that may be going on in their life.”
“I talk to offenders about the importance of integrity. This means we always strive for doing the right thing – even when nobody is watching. Integrity plays a big part in my role, and offenders’ success in maintaining a crime free life.”
In his role, Paul is part of the Youth Champions team in Dunedin and says he would like to see more of the young men he works with, reconnect with sport.
“Many of these young people live quite chaotic lives. They have the best intentions and ambitions but unfortunately they struggle to maintain their good intentions and reach their goal. That’s where I found the fundamental elements associated with being involved with sport helped. Discussing and planning toward an outcome, taking small steps to help them navigate their journey to an offence free lifestyle.”
Paul is part of the Otago District Community Corrections team which manages around 1,000 offenders on sentence in the community at any time.
“The diversity of the people you work with makes every day different. I love a challenge and with this role, every day is different. It’s a privilege to be involved with Corrections and part of the Corrections team.”