Job Description

The Tasmania Prison Service (TPS) is seeking applications from motivated individuals who are looking for a rewarding and challenging career to work across our facilities located at Risdon Vale, Hobart and Launceston.

Correctional Officers come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. They join us because the work is meaningful, varied and rewarding. While the role can be challenging, it offers significant job satisfaction and the opportunity to make a positive impact on the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners while contributing to the safety of the Tasmanian community.

In the role of correctional officer, you will:

• Supervise detainees and prisoners through regular observation and monitoring and interaction.
• Apply appropriate security measures to ensure the safe custody of detainees and prisoners, including conducting searches and monitoring property and equipment.
• Respond effectively to emergency situations, including conflict, injuries and medical incidents.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records, reports and case notes relating to prisoner behaviour, welfare, incidents, disciplinary matters and security issues.
• Escort detainees and prisoners within correctional facilities.
• Transport and supervise detainees and prisoners outside correctional facilities when required.
• Work collaboratively with other staff to support safe management of detainees and prisoners.
  
  

Prior training, experience and qualifications in corrections are not required. However, you will be required to demonstrate attributes in the following areas:

• The ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong personal qualities including resilience, integrity, honesty, impartiality, discretion, respectfulness and courage.
• The ability to assess people and situations, think critically and solve problems, while under pressure.
• Resilience, maturity and flexibility in challenging and dynamic environments.
• High levels of literacy, numeracy, computer skills and digital literacy.
• Physical fitness, medical suitability and psychological attributes appropriate to the role.
• Good character and a commitment to demonstrating the Department of Justice values of integrity, respect and accountability within inclusive and collaborative workplaces.
• Maintain professional boundaries and exercise sound judgment in complex situations
  
  

If successful you will complete a compreh ensive 13 week paid training program with the Tasmania Prison Service at our Risdon Vale site. This program will provide you with the knowledge, skills and practical experience required to become an effective Correctional Officer and includes obtaining a nationally recognised Certificate III in Correctional Practice (Custodial).

Salary and Benefits

During the initia l 13-week training period you will be paid a salary of $66,520 per annum plus 12% superannuation.

Note: Continued employment is subject to successfully completing and graduating from the training program.

Upon successful graduation from the training program, the salary range for:

Shift workers is $92,677 - $102,092 per annum plus 12% superannuation, with annual salary increases in accordance with the Correctional Officers Agreement 2023

In addition to above salary and superannuation, you will be eligible for:

• A 4-week leave block at the end of each 26-week period.
• Access to salary sacrifice and salary packaging arrangements.
• Purchased leave, leave without pay, and the State Service Accumulated Leave Scheme.
• Regular paid training and professional development opportunities.
• Career progression opportunities across Tasmania.
• Uniforms provided through a points-based system.
• Relocation assistance for eligible intrastate, interstate and overseas applicants.
• Experienced Correctional Officers may be eligible for recognition of prior service, including a higher commencing salary and reduced training requirements.

Hours of work

Correctional Officers work 76 hours per fortnight, on a fully rotational roster. This includes day and night shifts, public holidays and weekends.

During training, start and finish times will vary in accordance with training requirements however can expect to be day shifts Monday to Friday.

The Recruitment process
Our recruitment process is designed to assess your suitability to perform the duties of a Correctional Officer. To progress, you must successfully complete each stage:

1. Online Testing – assesses literacy, numeracy and general aptitude.
2. Conviction Check and Association Declaration – includes criminal history checks and declaration of relevant associations.
3. Assessment Centre – attend our Risdon Vale site to participate in individual and group assessment activities.
4. Interview and Referee Checks – further assessment of your suitability, skills and experience.
5. Medical and Fitness Assessment – successful candidates must meet the required medical and fitness standards for the role. See here for more information

Essential Requirements

• Physical fitness, medical suitability and psychological characteristics appropriate to the duties of Correctional Officer.
• Pre-employment checks.

Desirable Requirements

• Current unrestricted driver’s licence

Pre-employment Requirements

The Head of State Service has determined that the person nominated for this vacancy is to satisfy a pre-employment check before taking up the appointment, promotion or transfer. The following checks are to be conducted:

1. Pre-employment checks:
   Arson and fire setting; Violent crimes and crimes against the person; Sex-related offences; Drug and alcohol related offences; Crimes involving dishonesty; Crimes involving deception; Making false declarations; Malicious damage and destruction to property; Serious traffic offences, Crimes against public order or relating to the Administration of Law and Justice; Crimes against Executive or the Legislative Power; Crimes involving Conspiracy.
2. Disciplinary action in previous employment
3. Identification check

Download the Statement of Duties and any Associated Documents

Statement of Duties (Generic) Correctional Officer.docx

Statement of Duties (Generic) Correctional Officer.pdf

About the Department of Justice (Tasmania Prison Service) November 2024.docx

About the Department of Justice (Tasmania Prison Service) November 2024.pdf

How to apply

Please apply online by clicking the 'Apply Now' button

Upload your current resume/curriculum vitae and complete the required application form. A response to the selection criteria is NOT required.

You must provide a mobile phone number and an email address, as these will be used as the primary forms of communication throughout the recruitment process

For more information

Visit the Tasmania Prison Service Careers website
or contact TPS Recruiting
1800 233 911 or (03) 6165 7394
correctional.officerrecruiting@justice.tas.gov.au