Experienced correctional officers play a vital role in teams dedicated to the safe, secure, and humane management of prisoners and offenders. To excel in this role, they must have completed a Certificate III in Correctional Practice and demonstrate qualities such as integrity, maturity, and significant life experience.
Department of Corrections need people who:
- want to make a positive difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable offenders
- respect cultural diversity and are culturally considerate
- contribute to keeping our community safe
- want a career with training and development opportunities
- can work on a 24/7 roster.
- Supervising, monitoring and managing prisoners.
- Employing appropriate security measures to ensure the safe custody of prisoners, including monitoring property and equipment, and conducting random searches for contraband.
- Advising prisoners of their rights and responsibilities while in custody.
- Ensuring prisoners maintain acceptable levels of hygiene and cleanliness by conducting regular cell inspections.
- Assisting in determining a prisoner’s rehabilitation plan and supporting their attendance.
- Providing reports on prisoner rehabilitation, security, welfare and behaviour.
- Undertaking escorts - transport and supervision of prisoners outside the correctional centre.
- Preparing formal reports about incidents.
- Responding to emergencies, including prisoner conflict, injuries and medical crises.
- Training to maintain currency of core qualifications.
You will embark on a career that offers a variety of employment pathways and access to a host of benefits, including:
- flexible working conditions based on a roster system
- a generous salary (see remuneration scale below)
- work/life balance
- options to work across the Northern Territory
- employment security
- career progression opportunities
- subsidised gym membership (terms and conditions apply)
- supplied uniforms
- up to 7 weeks’ annual leave each year (conditional)
- opportunities to be considered for overtime.
- $10,000 attraction and retention paid - $2500 at 3 months, $2500 at 6 months, $5000 at 12 months (for Alice Springs only).
- Retention of $5000 paid after each completed 12-month stint (for Alice Springs only)
There are various career pathways for experienced correctional officers in the Northern Territory. These include a wide range of opportunities to advance and specialize within the correctional system. These paths are divided into three main streams:
- Custodial Stream: This pathway focuses on leadership and operational roles within the custodial environment, progressing from Correctional Officer First Class to Senior Correctional Officer, Chief Correctional Officer, Deputy Superintendent, and ultimately to General Manager or Superintendent.
- Industries Stream: This stream emphasizes overseeing and managing various vocational programs and services, such as horticulture, food services, laundry, metal fabrication, and carpentry. Officers can progress from Senior Industries Officer to Chief Industries Officer and eventually to Principal Industries Officer.
- Other Specialization Opportunities: Officers can branch into specialized roles, including immediate assistance teams, drug dog detection units, intelligence units, sentence management, prisoner security, and staff learning and development. Opportunities also exist at the Department of Corrections head office in Darwin and regional offices in the Northern Territory.
These streams allow experienced officers to pursue diverse career avenues based on their skills, interests, and long-term goals.
The requirements
- Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia.
- Demonstrate employment as a correctional officer within the past 2 years.
- Possess a minimum of 2 years’ experience as a correctional officer.
- Completion of Certificate III in Correctional Practice or equivalent is essential.
- Hold a First Aid Certificate (HLTAID011 Provide First Aid) with 6 months’ validity upon job commencement.
- Possess a current Australian C class driver licence with the ability to drive a manual vehicle.
- Comply with the Northern Territory Chief Health Officer’s Public and Environmental Health Act 2011 COVID-19 Directions.
- Ability to work in a cross-cultural environment with strong communication and organisation skills, and good character.
The training program
- Complete a paid 2-week practical induction to learn about the Northern Territory legislation and work practices.
Remuneration scale
| Requirement | Salary | Consolidated allowance | Superannuation | Total Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate III in Correctional Practice | $69,074 - $75,784 | 40% | 11.5% | $107,825 - $118,299 |
| Certificate IV in Correctional Practice | $75 784 | 40% | 11.5% | $118,299 |
Opportunities to be considered for overtime.
Applicants may apply to negotiate commencement salary during the recruitment process.
After applying on jobs.nt.gov.au
Your application will be discussed and verified with your nominated referees
Progress to abilities and psychometric test
Meet the Department of Corrections
Undertake a medical check
Successful applicants notified about their application
Proof of credentials, criminal history check and disclosure of criminal convictions