Do you want to be a...

Correctional Officer

Also known as Custodial Correctional Officer and Prison Officer.

Correctional officers are responsible for the custody, care, supervision, welfare and rehabilitation of prisoners in prisons and correctional centres.

Correctional officers can be required to work shifts, including weekends and public holidays, and may be transferred anywhere within their state or territory. In some states, case management is an important aspect of their work.

This gives individual officers the chance to work with small groups of 10 to 15 prisoners within a re-education and rehabilitation programme.

Correctional officers may specialise in areas such as dog squads, prison industries, offender programmes and field supervision of offenders on worksites outside the prison.

TASKS

Correctional officers may perform the following tasks:

search prisoners and cells for illegal/prohibited items
lock prisoners in cells
observe the conduct and behaviour of prisoners to maintain control, discipline and security within the correctional centre
advise if prisoners need special care, such as a visit to a psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker
inspect doors, gates, grilles, locks, window bars and other security equipment, ensuring they are secure and functional
supervise prisoners at all times of the day, including meal times, recreation periods, sport and work assignments
patrol assigned areas and report to supervisors or other workers any breach of rules, unsatisfactory attitudes or adjustment problems of prisoners
serve meals to prisoners confined to cells
organise clothing, reading material, toiletries or other items needed by prisoners
participate in the reception, induction and discharge of prisoners in accordance with procedures
process, direct and observe visitors
perform escort duties of prisoners, both within the prison and externally when required
prepare a variety of reports, including admission and incident reports
assist with the risk/needs assessment of prisoners and provide input into their case and sentence management
provide leadership and act as a positive role model to assist the rehabilitation process
help offenders seek rehabilitation and return to the community by providing basic case management support and supervision
provide a timely response to emergencies or breaches of security
provide first aid

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy working with people
normal vision
good interpersonal skills, including being fair, sensitive and patient
assertiveness and self-confidence
good written and verbal communication skills
empathy and cultural awareness
a mature, responsible attitude towards managing people
able to resolve conflict and problems
able to cope with the physical demands of the job
able to stay calm in stressful situations
Australian citizenship or permanent residency

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a correctional officer without formal qualifications, but employers usually require Year 10. To gain employment, you will need to complete an initial assessment, which includes literacy and numeracy tests and a psychological questionnaire. In the ACT, you will also have to sit a computer skills test. Applicants who progress to the interview stage must undergo a medical test and pass a National Police Check.

If your application is successful, you will join ACT Corrective Services or Corrective Services NSW and undertake a 9-week training course at the Corrective Services Academy covering correctional rules and procedures, law, weapons handling, social issues and human relations. Contact the relevant organisation to discuss your circumstances.

Additional Information

Applicants will need to hold a valid drivers license and a Provide First Aid Certificate.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Although the number of applicants generally exceeds the number of training positions available, there is a need for more women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those with special knowledge of particular ethnic, social and cultural groups.

Correctional officers commence at base-grade officer level. Once trainee correctional officers achieve full correctional officer status, further opportunities for advancement exist.