Become a prison officer
Enjoy flexible working conditions, generous leave entitlements and a competitive salary.
You will have the opportunity to achieve a nationally recognised qualification and will be provided with ongoing training and support to set you up for success.
People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
For more information about the role or the recruitment process, call 1800 974 199 during business hours.
As a Prison Officer with the Department of Justice, you will:
- support the Department in achieving its mission of a fair, just and safe community for all Western Australians
- contribute to the safe, secure and efficient operation of our prisons
- play a key part in the rehabilitation process by helping prisoners address the issues that are relevant to their offending behaviours.
The role
Prison Officers act as role models for prisoners, to motivate and encourage them and put structure into their lives.
Your biggest challenge will be building rapport with prisoners in your care while maintaining professionalism and good conduct. Balancing authority and understanding with a non-judgemental and compassionate approach is essential.
Your tasks will vary according to the security level of the prison and may include:
- induction of prisoners
- staffing various units in the prison including the gatehouse, accommodation wings and other strategic areas
- helping prisoners develop a plan to make the best use of their time in prison
- assisting with vocational training of prisoners
- escorting prisoners and supervising prison activities including recreation, industry and training
- writing daily reports
- responding to incidents and complying with all policies and procedures.
The benefits
Show moreOur Prison Officers enjoy a range of great benefits including:
- employment security
- flexible working conditions - prisons operate on a 24 hour roster system, 7 days a week
- generous leave entitlements including:
- up to 6 weeks of annual leave
- personal leave
- parental leave (paid and unpaid)
- study leave
- long service leave after 7 years
- purchased leave
- salary for Prison Officers on shift work: $75,637 - $87,543 per annum plus superannuation
- opportunities for promotion and career development
- supplied uniforms
- regional incentives including a regional incentive allowance of $2,280 or $4,557 per annum paid fortnightly (depending on the location)
- the ability to utilise your life experience to help a prisoner turn their life around.
If you are interested in working in a Regional area you may be eligible for a number of additional benefits as outlined below. These vary per location and will be explained further to you throughout the selection process.
- Additional annual leave
- Annual leave travel concessions
- Subsidised rental (not applicable to local recruits)
- Home ownership scheme
- Subsidised utilities
Recruitment and selection process
Show moreThe selection process for Prison Officers usually incorporates a range of assessments. Some of these may include:
- written application
- employment profile assessment, which includes:
- verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning tests
- personality questionnaires
- in some cases, an interview with a psychologist
- selection panel interview
- reference checks
- medical assessment
- fitness assessment
- criminal history and integrity screening
- any other assessments or checks as noted in the job advertisement.
Eligibility
Show moreTo be eligible for appointment as a Prison Officer position, you must:
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or hold Australian permanent residency
- possess a current and unrestricted C-Class (Manual) driver's licence
- possess, or be willing to obtain, a current Provide First Aid qualification which at the time of appointment must have 9-months validity remaining
- receive clearance through a National Criminal History check and the Department’s Integrity Assessment
- successfully complete all relevant pre-employment medical, fitness, psychological, and any other selection assessments as determined by the Department.
Training
Show moreAll Prison Officers initially complete an 11-week (paid) Entry Level Training Program (ELTP). During the ELTP, you will cover topics such as communication skills, the judicial system, welfare skills, cross-cultural awareness, addiction studies, writing skills, offender management, prisoner programs, self-defence, security and emergency procedures and communicable diseases.
Successful graduates continue learning on the job and complete a nationally recognised qualification, CSC30115 Certificate III in Correctional Practice (Custodial). After 9 months of probation, officers can be recommended for permanency pending satisfactory performance and attainment of the qualification.
During the initial training component of the ELTP you will be required to complete physically demanding activities essential to providing a safe work environment. To ensure you are ready for this physical work you will be required to complete a physical fitness assessment during your pre selection, and again at the beginning of the ELTP course. All participants must pass this assessment to progress.