Trainee correctional officers form part of a responsive team to support, manage and rehabilitate prisoners and offenders in the justice system. Officers provide a range of services to improve prisoners’ lives and help them reintegrate into the community.
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 new 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
- Participating in ongoing 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
- work/life balance
- options to work across the Northern Territory
- employment security
- career progression opportunities
- subsidised gym membership
- up to 7 weeks’ annual leave each year (conditional)
- opportunities to be considered for overtime
- opportunity to undertake a CSC30120 Certificate III in Correctional Practice that is fully funded by Department of Corrections.
There are various career pathways for correctional officers in the Northern Territory, beginning with entry-level roles and progressing to advanced opportunities within the correctional system. These pathways are divided into three main streams:
Starting as a Trainee Correctional Officer:
The journey begins with the role of a Trainee Correctional Officer, where individuals undergo comprehensive training to prepare for the demands of the role. Upon successful completion of training, individuals transition to the role of Correctional Officer, where they gain practical experience and develop their skills in managing the safety, security, and rehabilitation of prisoners.
Custodial Stream:
This pathway focuses on leadership and operational roles within the custodial environment. Progression in this stream includes:
- Correctional Officer First Class
- Senior Correctional Officer
- Chief Correctional Officer
- Deputy Superintendent
- 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
- Chief Industries Officer
- 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
- Staff Learning and Development
Additionally, opportunities exist within the Department of Corrections head office in Darwin and regional offices across the Northern Territory.
These streams and roles allow 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.
- Hold an appropriate valid Australian visa with full working rights for fixed period contracts.
- Demonstrate a standard level of fitness through an assessment.
- Demonstrate a good level of fitness.
- Hold a First Aid Certificate (HLTAID011 Provide First Aid) with 6 months’ validity upon job commencement.
- Possess a current Australian C class drivers' licence with the ability to drive a manual vehicle.
- Completed year 10.
- Willingness to complete the CSC30120 Certificate III in Correctional Practice (RTO 1074), which is a nationally recognised qualification.
- Demonstrate the required language, literacy, numeracy and aptitude through testing.
- Ability to work in a cross-cultural environment with strong communication and organisation skills.
- Applicants for positions in the Barkly Work Camp in Tennant Creek must hold a light rigid licence.
The training program
- Complete an 11-week, paid training program to ensure compliance with the safety and the security requirements of our correctional centres.
- Complete a 12-month nationally accredited qualification in CSC30120 Certificate III in Correctional Practice (RTO 1074).
- Successful applicants will initially sign a 12-month contract as a trainee correctional officer. Upon successful completion of all requirements of the trainee correctional officer program, you may be appointed as a permanent correctional officer.
Remuneration scale
| Weeks | Salary | Consolidated allowance | Superannuation | Total Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - 8 | $62,167 | n/a | 11.5% | $67,297 |
| 9 - 11 | $62,167 | 40% | 11.5% | $97,043 |
| 12 onwards | $69,074 | 40% | 11.5% | $107,825 |
To be a Trainee Correctional Officer
Assessed again the job’s criteria
Progress to fitness test, the Language, Literacy and Numeracy test, psychometric test.
View fitness test information
Meet the Department of Corrections
Successful applicants notified about their application
Proof of credentials, criminal history check and disclosure of criminal conviction