Secure your future and make a meaningful impact in a role where “No two days are the same”. You will play a vital role in keeping community safe. 

Sheriff’s Officers will undertake a 6-week paid Initial Training Course with generous leave entitlements, job security and promotion and career development opportunities.  

This process is to fill five (5) permanent, full time vacancies.

About the roles

The Court Security & Custodial Services Act 1999 provides for the management, control and security of court custody centres, including the protection of property and persons who work at, or attend, court premises.

The Sheriff’s Officers (CS&CS) contribute to maintaining a safe, secure, and orderly court environment by delivering frontline security, custodial and courtroom services.

These roles work as part of a team to maintain a visible security presence, and apply established procedures to:

• Protect judicial officers, staff, court users, and persons in Court Custody.
• Support court operations and public safety.
• Monitor and respond to security and custodial incidents.

The Sheriff’s Officer and Assistant Senior Sheriff’s Officer have different focusses within the team, requiring different skillsets:

As a Sheriff’s Officer (Level 3)

You will work in a fast-paced operational environment and may be assigned across security screening, custodial management, and courtroom functions according to business needs. This is a rewarding opportunity for individuals who are committed to public service, demonstrate sound judgement under pressure, and can communicate confidently with a diverse range of people. Through your professionalism, vigilance, and commitment to safety, you will help ensure court facilities remain secure, orderly, and accessible for all who attend.

As an Assistant Senior Sheriff’s Officer (Level 4)

You will work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, providing leadership and guidance to Sheriff’s Officers, responding to operational incidents, and contributing to the effective day-to-day operation of court security and custodial services. You will also build and maintain productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including court users, judicial officers, law enforcement agencies and other government representatives. This role is suited to a proactive and resilient leader who can exercise sound judgement, communicate effectively and support a culture of professionalism, accountability and continuous improvement.

Sheriff’s Officers will perform any non-contracted court security and court custodial services required at each court location. Depending on the specific court premises, these duties may include security screening, custodial management, courtroom functions, or a combination of these responsibilities.

For more detailed information, please refer to the attached Job Description Forms.

Suitability Requirements

Through the recruitment process, we will be looking for candidates who can demonstrate skills, experience and attributes in relation to the following:

Common requirements across all positions:

• Communication and interpersonal skills - An ability to structure messages clearly and succinctly both orally and in writing, adapting communication style to fit diverse audiences as circumstances require and build relationships through collaboration and courtesy to foster trust and achieve positive outcomes.
• Awareness of your environment – maintain awareness of surroundings and working environment; whether it be situational awareness of physical surroundings to identify potential risks, awareness of available resources to make informed and balanced decisions supporting service delivery, or awareness of business processes and organisational objectives to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Personal integrity and accountability - behaving in an honest, professional and ethical manner and maintaining organisational standards; treating people with dignity and respect, taking responsibility for decisions and operational outcomes, and addressing issues appropriately.

Sheriff’s Officer (L3) specific requirements:

• Resilience and Composure – remains calm, professional and focused when managing challenging situations, conflict, or competing priorities.
• Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team – the capacity to comprehend and follow instructions consistently and through to completion; and to network effectively in order to build and sustain relationships with team members and other staff in the agency.

Assistant Senior Sheriff’s Officer (L4) specific requirements:

• Leadership and staff coordination skills -  ability to lead, supervise and coordinate staff; leading by example, providing clear direction, and supporting staff performance.
• Demonstrated skills in risk management and compliance - evaluates available information, considers risks and applies legislation, policy, and procedures to make sound decisions.

Eligibility

Special conditions

• Permanent positions - To be eligible for permanent appointment to the public sector, you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia.
• WWC positions – In accordance with the National Child Safety Principles, people who work directly with children and young people, you must have a current Working with Children Check or be able to successfully apply for one to be eligible for appointment to this position.
• It is a requirement of the Assistant Senior Sheriff’s Officer (L4) role that the position holder is successful in obtaining a Negative Vetting Level One security clearance as a condition of employment and maintain the clearance for the duration of their employment in the position. 
  Only Australian Citizens are eligible to hold the Negative Vetting Level One security clearance.
• A current and valid “C” class driver’s licence.
• A current and valid Provide First Aid (HLTAID003) accreditation or (equivalent eg Senior First Aid).

Benefits and opportunities

• Generous Leave Entitlements
• Regional Allowances (if applicable)
• Uniforms Provided (including shoes, socks, jackets and hats)
• Salary Packaging
• Deferred Salary Scheme
• Graduated Salary Increments
• Higher Duties Allowance
• Other allowances subject to awards and agreements
• Job Security
• Rewarding careers
• Work life balance
• Promotions and Career Development Opportunities
• 6- week Paid Training (New Sheriff Officers will undertake an Initial Training Course).
• Health and Wellbeing Programs including Fitness passport providing a wide range of gym, pool, and fitness Centre discounts available for employees and their families.
• Check out the attached Applicant Information Pack to find out other benefits of working for Justice.

Application process

How to apply

Please ensure you review the attached Job Description Form (JDF) for further information about the requirements of the position. This information will assist you with the preparation of your application.

We require you to submit:

1. A comprehensive Resume / Curriculum Vitae, that clearly outlines your transferable skills, experience and highlights your key achievements in relation to above Suitability Requirements.
2. Contact details of two (2) work related referees, one (1) of whom should be your current/ most recent supervisor.

Your application will be considered across all levels based on your skills, experience and suitability. You are not required to submit a separate application for each level.

Subsequent Vacancies

Applicants found suitable but not recommended for this vacancy, may be considered for subsequent similar vacancies for a period of twelve (12) months, in accordance with section 7d of the Commissioner’s Instructions No.48 – Recruitment, Selection and Appointment to Permanent Vacancies, and section 9d of the Commissioner Instructions 49 - Recruitment, Selection and Appointment to Fixed Term Vacancies. Permanent, fixed term, full time and part time appointments may be offered at Geraldton during this period.

For further job-related information

If you would like further information regarding the vacancy please contact Ben Leadbeatter on (08) 9425 7410 for a confidential discussion.

Equity and Diversity

The Department of Justice is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and accessible workplace that reflects the community we serve. We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants can access support by following this link. 

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. For a confidential discussion about support or adjustments, please contact the person listed above or email workforcediversity@justice.wa.gov.au. 

Submitting your application

To submit your application, click the “Apply for Job” button at the bottom of this advertisement.

Please ensure you allow sufficient time to submit your application, as late applications will not be accepted.

If you are having difficulty submitting your online application, please telephone RAMS Helpdesk ramshelpdesk@bigredsky.com on 1300 733 056 for assistance.

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