In recruiting new Prison Officers, Corrections Victoria looks for people with appropriate work experience which hopefully includes supervising others. Some staff, for example, have previously worked as supervisors, customer service personnel, tradespeople, teachers or nurses. <<Back to top
Life experience is a critical prerequisite along with meeting checks with the Victorian Police and VicRoads. VCE or Year 10 and/or a trade/TAFE certificate is helpful but not essential. <<Back to top
Corrections Victoria values people with maturity, professionalism, dedication and personal integrity who can actively contribute to teamwork and learning across the organisation.
Prison Officers work in a challenging, rewarding and demanding environment and are expected to be positive role models for prisoners. High personal ethical standards are absolutely essential and applicants must meet Victorian Police and VicRoad checks, and medical requirements.
If you believe you have these attributes, are reliable, with good communication skills, a career as a Prison Officer may suit you. <<Back to top
Newly recruited Prison Officers receive almost two months pre-service training, which includes time in the classroom and on-the-job experience in a prison.
This is followed by a period of close supervision combined with further self-paced and on-the-job training. Typically, as new officers acquire more complex skills and training, they are given more challenging duties.
Corrections Victoria expects new Prison Officers to continue learning and achieve a Certificate III in Correctional Practice (Custodial Corrections) within twelve months of being employed. <<Back to top
No, you are not required to sit formal examinations, but you are required to demonstrate what you have learnt throughout the duration of the course. Weekly and daily assessments during your pre-service training period will occur. <<Back to top
No, you may have gained excellent supervisory or case management skills from another organisation in a completely different field, which may make you the most suitable candidate for the role. If you are successful, you will be required to complete the pre-service training course, as this is a condition of employment. <<Back to top
Staff working in prisons come from a variety of employment backgrounds which may include service industries (hospitality/tourism, hairdressing, retail, call centres etc), other Government departments, teachers, healthcare professionals and tradespeople prior to accepting a job with Corrections Victoria.
To view some experiences of current staff, please visit the Testimonials page. <<Back to top
While there is no minimum age requirement to work in a correctional environment, maturity and appropriate life experience are highly regarded. <<Back to top
Attendance at an Information Session is not compulsory - however it is highly recommended that you attend to speak to staff currently working in prisons. You are able to apply for the vacancies using the online application available on this website. <<Back to top
If you would like to confidentially discuss your medical situation and/or eligibility with a doctor, please call Human Resources on (03) 8684 0017. <<Back to top
Searching is an important part of security in a prison environment, and sometimes involves strip searching prisoners, particularly when prisoners have direct contact with visitors. <<Back to top
Male and female staff are employed to work in all prisons. <<Back to top
You will be working in an environment which operates 24 hours per day. This requires you to work shift work. Rostering is varied and flexible and you will be required to work some weekends. You can apply for annual leave and state your preferred times in a calendar year, but for operational reasons, at times, some leave is scheduled at each location. <<Back to top
You are paid fortnightly by electronic funds transfer directly into a bank account nominated by you. <<Back to top
Every effort is made to ensure a safe working environment. This environment includes full training in safety and security, advanced monitoring of all prisoner and staff movements, comprehensive emergency management and working as part of a team at all times. <<Back to top
You are only required to carry weapons systems when escorting prisoners to locations outside the prison. This is a specialised skill for selected staff with additional training. <<Back to top
You will work in the location that you chose on employment. Later, with suitable experience, you can apply for a transfer or promotion. <<Back to top
The facilities vary by location. The two new prisons at Lara and Ravenhall have lunch rooms, recreation rooms, lockers and gymnasium facilities as well as free parking on-site. <<Back to top
It is possible to salary sacrifice to a nominated superannuation fund, or to the Victorian Public Service’s preferred health care providers (HBA Health Insurance and NIB Health Funds). <<Back to top
As part of the pre-service training program, staff participate in cultural awareness training. <<Back to top
All staff, in some aspect of their role, will be required to write reports. Prison Officers are required to complete various reports for the prisoners that they work with. Documentation can include information about the prisoner, or incidents that have occurred. <<Back to top
No, security is a major component of the role, but you are also involved in liaising with prisoners’ families, assisting prisoners to achieve their rehabilitation goals, prisoner escorts and writing reports. <<Back to top
You must have a valid visa to work in Australia for employment. To obtain information about migrating to Australia, and applying for the appropriate visa, please visit the Australian Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) website www.dimia.gov.au. <<Back to top
Yes you can apply. If, after interview, Corrections Victoria believes you may be employed, you will be required to complete an 'authority to obtain details of work rights status from DIMIA' form.
Corrections Victoria will not employ a candidate who is on a time-related visa into an ongoing (permanent) position.
For further information on visas, please visit the Australian Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) website www.dimia.gov.au. <<Back to top
