What type of training is provided for Community Corrections Officers?

As a newly recruited Community Corrections Officer, you are welcomed to the organisation and supported through a structured 12 month induction program which combines five weeks of formal classroom based learning with on-the-job supervision and support and self paced and location-based group learning.

The initial Community Corrections Officer training program, coupled with the 12-month induction allows you to gradually develop the key skills and knowledge required to perform the role effectively.

A key component of the induction program is the completion of the Certificate III in Correctional Practice (Community).  The entry-level qualification assists you to become confident and competent in the role whilst completing a nationally recognised qualification.  Many staff members who have completed the Certificate III have commented that they felt better equipped to handle the responsibility of the Community Corrections Officer (CCO) role.

What are the benefits of completing the Certificate III in Correctional Practice (Community):

• Rapidly increase knowledge of your role as a CCO
• Professionalism
• A salary increment for base grade staff
• Gain a nationally recognised qualification

A Community Corrections Officer is always learning.  Staff aspire to become Leading and Senior Community Corrections Officers, and take part in training at all levels, relevant to our business, and specialist functions, including court services, prosecutions, sex offender management and community work.

While work as a Community Corrections Officer is diverse and may entail a number of different duties on any given day, training cannot prepare you for every possible situation that may arise in the corrections environment. In these situations you will be guided by senior staff and trained specialists, as well as Corrections Victoria legislation, standards and procedures.

How is training conducted?

The various learning modules are delivered in an interactive way, and will include presentations, individual and group activities, role playing and on-the-job placement, plus assessments and feedback on your progress.

Staff new to the role take part in the formal Community Corrections Officer training program which consists of 5 weeks of training, and an element of work placement.

• 2 weeks classroom learning at Carlton Justice Service Centre
• 2 weeks work placement at work location
• 2 weeks further classroom learning
• 2 months online at location
• 1 week classroom learning
• Ongoing learning at location for staff completing qualifications.

What is covered in training?

A wide variety of topics are covered including:

• Overview of the Criminal Justice System
• Introduction to the Department of Justice
• CCS Policy and Legislation
• Offender Induction
• Offender management
• Case management
• Managing Non-compliance
• File management
• Effective Report Writing
• Court Assessment and Advice
• Managing conflict
• Professional Boundaries
• Values and Ethics
• Interviewing skills
• Cultural Awareness
• IT systems training
• Occupational health and safety
• Occupational Violence
• Incident reporting and management
• Infection Control
• Sex Offender Programs
• Support Services