Correctional Officer (TAS)
Education and Training:
You can become a correctional officer without formal qualifications, but employers usually require at least Year 10. You will need to complete an initial assessment, which includes literacy and numeracy tests, a psychological questionnaire and an interpersonal skills assessment activity. Applicants who progress to the interview stage must undergo a medical test, a fitness assessment and police clearance.
If your application is successful, you will join the Tasmania Prison Service and undertake an 11-week induction training course covering correctional practice, case management of prisoners, prison rules, regulation and procedures, legal obligations, use of defensive equipment and prison safety and security. You will then begin working as a correctional officer under the supervision of an experienced correctional officer. Contact the organisation to discuss your circumstances.
Additional Information:
You must pass a National Police Check to become a correctional officer.
Once appointed, correctional officers are on probation for one year.
Related Courses:
While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.
*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.
Employment Opportunities:
Officers are employed by the Tasmania Prison Service to work in various prisons near Hobart and Launceston. The number of applicants for vacancies exceeds the number of positions available. Demand is partly dependent upon the number of prisoners within the penal system and the replacement of staff who have resigned.
Correctional officers commence at base-grade officer level. Once trainee correctional officers achieve full correctional officer status, further opportunities for advancement exist as operational supervisors, case management coordinators, custodial specialists and unit managers.
For Further Information:
The Tasmania Prison Service
(03) 6216 8156
correctional.officer.recruiting@justice.tas.gov.au
www.justice.tas.gov.au/prisonserviceInformation for other states and territories: