Skills and experience for correctional officers
Details of the qualities sought after in a correctional officer.
Skills and attributes
Being a correctional officer requires a range of skills and attributes.
Life experience
You can handle difficult situations, relate to people from a diverse range of backgrounds and see things from a different perspective.
Communications skills
You are good at communicating with a range of people in a respectful manner that gives others the opportunity to be heard too.
Resilience
You stay calm under pressure and can adapt to challenging situations and behaviour.
Integrity
You are honest and consistently uphold strong moral and ethical principles and values.
Critical thinking
You can make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment using available facts, evidence, and observations. This includes having great awareness, ability to remain objective, to analyse information and be decisive.
Positive role modelling
You are motivated to help others, have an interest in community safety and are willing to encourage detainees to make positive changes. This can influence the choices detainees make and ultimately, make a positive difference to not only their lives but also their families and the community.
Reliability
You are a team player, trustworthy and dependable. You work with others to provide a safe and secure environment for everyone in a correctional environment.
Eligibility
To be eligible to become a correctional officer you must
- be able to work in Australia
- have a full driver’s licence
- have a Working with Vulnerable People registration
- be medically fit
- undergo a police check
- declare any associations or conflicts of interest.
While no specific experience or qualification is needed, correctional officers are required to complete a Certificate III in Correctional Practice as part of the mandatory training.
Availability
Officers at the Alexander Maconochie Centre need to be willing to work a 24/7 rostering arrangement on a 12-hour shift pattern.
Officers at the Court Transport Unit need to be willing to work a Monday to Friday staggered rostering arrangement on an 8-hour shift pattern.