A CCO provides offender assessment and advice to courts, works within a broader justice framework which incorporates victims of crime, crime prevention and wider community relationships.
The role
The duties are varied and involve case managing offenders, preparing reports for sentencing and releasing authorities, and working alongside other stakeholders in the community for effective outcomes. If you are resilient and want a rewarding career where you can make a difference this may be the role for you.
As a Community Corrections Officer (CCO) you will report to the Team Leader and operate as part of the Region or Centre case management team. You will have responsibility for case management of offenders and defendants (in accordance with Orders and appropriate standards). Working as a CCO in a community setting you will be involved in:
- Providing written and verbal recommendations to courts, releasing authorities and external agencies.
- Undertaking screening and assessment of offenders to determine risk and develop viable management plans.
- Using culturally appropriate work practices when working with Aboriginal people and other cultural groups.
- Working collaboratively with other agencies, divisions and communities in relation to allocated offenders and defendants.
- Providing offenders with guidance and encouragement to address offending behaviour and to comply with the requirements of their order and be accountable for their actions.
- Regionally based CCOs are required to regularly travel to and work in regional and remote areas and liaise with communities and stakeholders in those areas.
The benefits
Show moreWorking with the Department of Justice you will receive all the benefits attached to a government career:
- job security
- competitive wages
- flexible work arrangements
- generous leave provisions
- a supported work/life balance
- competitive base-grade salary: $79,452 - $83,797 per annum plus superannuation
- regional incentives (depending on the location)
- career development opportunities.
Recruitment and selection process
Show moreThe Department of Justice recruits for Community Corrections Officers on an ‘as-needed’ basis. If you wish to be contacted when the Department is recruiting again, please enter your details on the Community Corrections Officer registry.
The selection stages use a multi-level recruitment process which typically incorporates the following assessments:
- written application
- selection panel interview
- criminal history and integrity screening (this is undertaken by the Department - applicants are not required to obtain a police clearance)
- reference checks
- any other assessments or checks noted in the job advertisement.
Eligibility
Show moreTo be eligible for permanent appointment as a Community Corrections Officer, you'll need to be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen.
At the time of application, please also refer to the relevant job advertisement for any further eligibility requirements at the time.
Training
Show moreTraining
The Correctional Officers Foundation Program provides trainees with foundation skills and knowledge designed to prepare them to commence duties as Community Corrections Officers. The full-time course incorporates nine months of mixed periods of off-the-job and on-the-job training, based at the Department’s Academy in Perth and at the trainee's workplace. Written and practical assessments are conducted during this period.
This training is linked to a nationally accredited qualification. Trainees that have been assessed as competent by experienced field and training staff will be awarded the CSC30115 Certificate III in Correctional Practice (Community). This certificate is a mandatory requirement to work as a Community Corrections Officer and appointees will be required to successfully complete both on-the-job and Academy based training within a prescribed period of time from commencement of employment.
People employed from the pool must be prepared to travel to the Department’s Training Academy located in Bentley in the Perth metropolitan area to attend block training on a fulltime basis.
People employed from the pool who are located in regional areas will not be required to pay for travel or accommodation that is necessary for this required training. Applicants who require leave during training, due to unanticipated matters or obligations, may be eligible at the discretion of the Assistant Director in line with award provisions.
Permanency as a Community Corrections Officer may be confirmed upon the successful completion of all elements of the training, the completion of a satisfactory performance assessment, good conduct and regular attendance. Appointments are made on the basis of business needs.