We are looking for people with the right attributes to join our team!
We are looking for motivated people who are committed to safety, enjoy a fit and active lifestyle and working in a team centered environment.
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.
We embrace diversity and the important work we undertake requires a diverse team. We welcome applications from those with varying life experiences and backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from women who are interested in joining our team.
About the role
The Special Operations Group (SOG) provides specialist 24/7-armed emergency response and security support services for all correctional facilities within WA. SOG also conducts searching, high-security escorts, surveillance and intelligence gathering, specialist training and exercising.
Working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, SOG Officers are able to recognise, respect and work with gender, social and cultural differences, including with Aboriginal people.
You will receive comprehensive training, before joining a committed, dedicated and disciplined team. You will operate advanced and specialist equipment while protecting our facilities, our people, those in our care and the community.
We encourage you to attend one of our online information sessions where you can interact with experienced staff and ask questions about the role and the recruitment process. To book your free ticket see below under Further Information.
About you
You will be physically capable, psychologically resilient and exemplify behaviours which demonstrate a flexible work ethic, integrity, good judgement, self-discipline, and initiative.
A successful SOG Officer demonstrates excellent communication skills to resolve conflict in a diverse range of contexts and situations, builds positive working relationships, and has sound reasoning and analytical skills.
SOG officers work effectively as a team member by carrying out a variety of routine and dynamic tasks within a structured environment with limited supervision.
SOG Officers prioritise their personal health and fitness, understanding that sound body and mind are critical to providing an effective and safe emergency response service.
Eligibility to Apply
You can apply to be a Prison Officer (SOG) if you have:
- Australian citizenship or permanent residency, or New Zealand citizenship.
- A current manual C class driver licence, and a valid and unrestricted Medium Rigid (MR) class heavy vehicle licence or equivalent (or be willing to obtain this within your first 12 months of employment at your own expense).
- 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.
If appointed, new SOG Officers must successfully complete all mandatory foundation training and assessment requirements upon engagement with the Department. In addition, SOG Officers are required to undertake ongoing learning and development activities to maintain a satisfactory level of skills, knowledge and fitness as required of the position.
Further Information
For more detail about the process, requirements and other benefits please refer to the Information Booklet. Prior to submitting your application, it is important to read the Information Booklet, Job Description Form (JDF) and Pre Selection Test Booklet attached to this advertisement.
If you would like to learn more about the role, then register for one of our information sessions to get a firsthand perspective from some of our current SOG Officers.
To reserve your free ticket, please click here.
Information sessions will be conducted online via MS Teams.
- 5pm AWST Wednesday 07 December 2022
- 5pm AWST Wednesday 14 December 2022
Contact Recruitment at recruitment@justice.wa.gov.au if you experience difficulties with booking online.
How to apply
Your responses to the application questions are important as they will be used to determine your suitability to progress to the next stage of the selection process. It is important that you read the instructions carefully and provide the required documentation, otherwise your application will not be progressed.
We require you to submit:
- A current and comprehensive resume/CV, including the names and contact details of two work-related referees (current/recent supervisors and/or managers are preferred).
- During the online application process, you will be asked to respond to the two application questions outlined below. You are required to provide a specific example to outline your relevant skills and experience. It is recommended that you use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Response) in your responses. There is a 250 word limit for each question.
- Describe a time when you communicated within a team to find a solution?
- Provide an example that demonstrates effective assessment of a serious situation in order to make a sound and reasonable decision?
All remaining job related requirements and/or role specific criteria will be assessed throughout the recruitment process.
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, during which time recommended applicants can be considered for positions if and when they arise. A successful application and placement in the SOG appointment pool does not guarantee an offer of employment.
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
Ts 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.
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.
Please contact Matthew Hatch, Superintendent, Special Operations Group on (08) 9366 6804 for a confidential discussion about the role.
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.
Applications close: Monday 16 January 2023 (4.30 pm WST)
