Correctional Officer
Ensure the security of inmates, staff and facilities in a prison setting.
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be a Correctional Officer?
- How to become a Correctional Officer
- Latest Correctional Officer jobs
- Top skills and experience for Correctional Officers
- Is Correctional Officer the right role for you?
- Correctional Officer role reviews
What's it like to be a Correctional Officer?
Correctional Officers enforce rules and regulations inside prisons, maintain the security of inmates, staff and facilities, and supervise daily activities. Correctional Officers may specialise in offender diversion programs, prison industrial programs, dog squads and field supervision of offenders on worksites outside a prison setting.Did you find this video helpful?
Tasks and duties
- Maintaining order and ensuring rules are complied with.
- Supporting rehabilitation and counselling of inmates.
- Supervising the activity of inmates and report on conduct.
- Searching inmates for illegal items or contraband.
- Inspecting and maintaining safety and integrity of prison facilities.
- Responding quickly to incidents.
How to become a Correctional Officer
You can become a Correctional Officer without formal qualifications, but they may be preferred by some employers such as state prisons. The application process to enter this role varies between states and territories, so check with the justice department in your local area for specific details.
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident 18 years of age or older. Completion of Year 10 is recommended.
- Consider completing a formal qualification. While not essential, relevant qualifications can increase your chances of entering this role and progressing your career. You could study a Certificate III in Correctional Practice (CSC30120) or Bachelor of Criminology.
- Apply to become a Correctional Officer through the justice department in your state or territory.
- If your application is successful, you’ll join a training program. This takes around 10 weeks to complete and allows you to be employed as a Correctional Officer. Check the website of your local justice department for specific information on application processes, training programs and additional requirements that may apply.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Correctional Officers.Latest Correctional Officer jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Correctional Officer jobs on SEEK right now.Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Correctional Officer employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Community Safety
Correctional Services
Integrity
Rehabilitation
Accuracy
Drivers Licence
Medium Rigid Licence
Empathy
National Security
Service Industry
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Correctional Officer reviews
Aug 2019
Corrections challenging but rewarding. Working in a team that becomes your family.
Reviewer's QualificationCompleted Year 10
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
SpecialisationCorrectional officer
The good thingsVery challenging, on your mind and body
The challengesMust be fit and ready for anything as the day go from 0 to 100 in a blink of the eye
Read more
Nov 2018
Corrections is a tough but forefilling Job that gives you change every day
Reviewer's QualificationCertificate IV in Security Operations
Experience10+ years
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
Specialisationoperation officer
The good thingsWorking in the corrections environment is very demanding and only a small amount of people are suited to doing this job.
It has demanding hours working shift work ( 12 hour shifts) working on average ...
The challengesyou can expect offenders that don't comply with the system, long hours of work and working weekends and nights.
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SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through au.seek.com
