Want a job where you can make a difference?
Looking for a change…become a Prison Officer
We are recruiting people with the right attributes to join our team as Prison Officers! There are positions across the state, with a particular focus on recruiting for Greenough Regional Prison, Eastern Goldfields Regional Prison, West Kimberley Regional Prison and Metropolitan Women’s Prisons.
The Department is also seeking female applicants for women’s prisons in the Perth Metropolitan area to ensure the gender balance requirements in the workforce are met at these facilities.
The Department of Justice respectfully acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land as being the first peoples of this country. We embrace the vast Aboriginal cultural diversity throughout Western Australia and understand the importance of fostering respectful partnerships with Aboriginal colleagues, clients, and those in our care. We are committed to building a workplace culture that values inclusion and diversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply as we want you and the cultural knowledge you possess to help us build and shape the Department’s service capability.
As a measure to achieve equality in these areas, the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 applies as follows:
Female applicants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants may be prioritised to ensure the gender balance and cultural diversity required in our workforce. This action is permitted under Section 27 (2) and Section 51 respectively.
We encourage you to attend one of our virtual information sessions where you can interact online with experienced staff and ask questions about the role and the recruitment process. To book your free ticket see below under Further Information.
About Us
When you join the Department of Justice, you become part of a people-focused organisation working hard to make our community a fairer and safer place to live. We offer many different employment opportunities in locations around Western Australia. You will have a chance to make a real difference to your local communities and to the lives of those you work with.
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team in a challenging yet rewarding role within the Adult Correctional Facilities.
A Prison Officer role with the WA Department of Justice is more than a job. It becomes a lifelong rewarding career for many people due to the many benefits and career progression opportunities, which includes on-the-job training, receiving a nationally accredited qualification (paid by the Department), a competitive salary, attractive rosters, generous leave entitlements and supplied uniforms.
There are eight (8) regional locations in Western Australia that offer a diverse range of facilities and interactions with minimum to maximum security prisoners. You are further supported on the job by experienced staff and management as you work together as a team to keep everyone, including the community safe. If you are resilient, energetic and want a rewarding career where you can make a difference this may be the role for you.
About You
Do you like variety in your work? Are you an active person? Do you have transferrable skills from your previous work experience that enables you to think on your feet, motivate and coach people, and de-escalate conflicts? This could be the job for you.
We are looking for resilient people who can use their life skills experience to coach and model behaviours that have a positive impact on prisoners, to assist with their rehabilitation and reintegration back into the community as law-abiding citizens.
To be successful in the role of a Prison Officer you are required to demonstrate;
- Great communication skills to ensure you build positive relationships with a diverse prisoner population
- A practical and common sense approach to solving problems and the ability to adapt to a wide range of challenging situations
- Excellent team working skills to work with colleagues and prisoners to achieve personal and professional goals
- A desire to help people work through difficult life experiences by being respectful and showing compassion
- An awareness and understanding of Aboriginal people and their culture
Eligibility to Apply
You can apply to be a Prison Officer if you have:
- Australian citizenship or permanent residency, or New Zealand citizenship
- A current C class driver licence (automatic licence is accepted)
- Possess a first aid qualification from an accredited training provider (or be willing to undertake and/or renew necessary accreditation prior to appointment).
All employees are required to undergo employment screening, which includes a National Criminal History Check and other checks that may be relevant to the position requirements.
COVID-19 Advice
Applicants are advised that all employees who are required as part of their employment to enter any Department of Justice correctional facility (prisons, work camps, Banksia Hill Detention Centre or the Corrective Services Academy) will need to be fully vaccinated.
To be considered for employment in a role that requires entry to Department of Justice correctional facilities, applicants will need to provide evidence of their up-to-date vaccination status. You can find more information in relation to the requirement for Department of Justice staff to be vaccinated at: Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for WA workforces.
Further information
There are various aspects to this multi-faceted role which is best explained in an Information Session. Information sessions will be conducted virtually due to current COVID restrictions. For people considering a role as a Prison Officer these sessions are a valuable way to learn more about the Department, and you will also have an opportunity to ask questions about the role and the selection process.
If you are interested in finding out more information about Eastern Goldfields Regional Prison, West Kimberley Regional Prison and Greenough Regional Prison, please register your interest on those particular dates.
To reserve your free ticket and receive the link to attend, please click here.
- Tuesday, 26 April 2022 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm | Eastern Goldfields Regional Prison | Virtual session only
- Wednesday, 27 April 2022 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm | West Kimberley Regional Prison | Virtual session only
- Thursday, 28 April 2022 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm | Greenough Regional Prison | Virtual session only
- Wednesday, 4 May 2022 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm | Virtual Session only
Contact Recruitment by email recruitment@justice.wa.gov.au if you experience difficulties with booking online.
For more detail about the process, requirements and other benefits please refer to the Job Applicant Information Guide. Prior to submitting your application, it is important to read the Information Guide and Job Description Form (JDF) attached to this advertisement.
How to Apply
Please ensure you review the attached Job Description Form (JDF), Applicant Information Booklet and it is recommended that you sign up for a virtual information session. This information will assist you with the preparation of your application.
We require you to submit:
A current comprehensive resume/CV that highlights your suitability for this position in the context of the job-related requirements (selection criteria) contained in the Job Description Form
Please include details of two referees, with one being your current direct line supervisor or Manager.
During the online application process, you will be asked to respond to the three online application questions outlined below, up to 250 words, regarding your skills, knowledge and abilities.
- A Prison Officer’s communication skills are key to being successful in the role. How have you used your communication and interpersonal skills to resolve an issue? What was the desired outcome?
- Describe a situation at work or in your personal life, where it was beneficial to demonstrate cultural awareness. Explain the circumstances, and what did you do to achieve a result?
- Safety is an important aspect of any job environment. Please provide an example of actions you took that ensured the safety of others, and what teamwork skills you used to achieve an effective outcome?
Please ensure you allow sufficient time to submit your application, as late applications will not be accepted.
To submit your application, click the “Apply for Job” button at the bottom of this page. Emailed applications will not be accepted.
Pool Recruitment
This pool will be open for a period of twenty-four months from the date of the first appointment from the pool. Permanent, full time appointments may be offered as vacancies arise.
The Department of Justice uses recruitment pools to build a bank of talent for future opportunities. When part of a pool you may be offered a permanent position, however an appointment is not guaranteed. Applicants found suitable in this pool, may be considered for subsequent, similar vacancies at similar locations, with the Department of Justice for the duration of the pool.
Equity and Diversity
The Department of Justice is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to growing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce as a part of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Management Plan and its Aboriginal Workforce Development Strategy. We embrace diversity and encourage applications from people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, women and youth.
For all enquiries related to the selection process contact the Bulk Recruitment Team by email: recruitment@justice.wa.gov.au or phone: 1800 974 199 during business hours.
Aboriginal job seekers may contact the Aboriginal Workforce Development Team by email: aboriginalworkforcedevelopment@justice.wa.gov.au or phone: (08) 9264 1700 for culturally appropriate application advice.
We’d like to meet you. Take the first step to make a difference by applying now!
