- How many prisons are there in Victoria and where are they located?
- What is the organisational structure of a prison?
The Role of a Prison Officer
- Would I make a good Prison Officer?
- What qualifications are required?
- What kind of background do I need to work in prisons?
- Is the role of a Prison Officer only about maintaining the security of the prison?
- Will I be safe working in a prison?
- Do I have to carry a gun / any weapons?
- Do I have to conduct strip searches?
- Can female staff work in a men’s prison, or can they only work in female prisons?
- Will I be required to write reports?
- How many hours do casual Prison Officers work per week?
- Can I work a second job whilst working as a Prison Officer?
Training & Career Development
- What type of training is provided?
- What will I be taught during the training period?
- Do I need to attend the full training period?
- Do I have to sit exams as part of the pre-service training program?
- Will I receive training for working with prisoners from different ethnic backgrounds?
- Do I receive any formal qualifications following the training?
- Does Corrections Victoria encourage further training and career development opportunities following the Pre-Service Training?
Salary & Benefits
- Will I receive any shift penalties working as a Prison Officer?
- What hours / shifts am I required to work as a Prison Officers?
- Can I choose which shifts I work?
- What kinds of facilities are provided for staff at the prison locations?
- Can I transfer from one location to another?
Application and Recruitment Process
- Is there a minimum / maximum age limit for applying to work in a correctional environment?
- If I can’t attend the scheduled information sessions, can I still apply?
- Do I require an email address to apply online?
- Can I apply for a position if I have a disability?
- I am currently living outside Australia, and would like to migrate to Victoria. Can I apply for a job?
- I have a working visa. Can I apply for a position with Corrections Victoria?
- If I want to apply for a Senior Prison Officer, or Supervisor role, do I have to already be a Prison Officer?
- I have worked as a Prison Officer outside of Victoria, do I have to go through the recruitment process?
- How long is the recruitment process?
- Am I required to complete any psychometric testing?
- Will I be required to undertake any medical or physical testing?
Prison & Transitional Services
How many prisons are there in Victoria and where are they located?
Corrections Victoria is responsible for the operational management of 11 public prisons and one transitional centre across the various regions of Victoria.
View a map of Victorian Prison Locations.
Each prison location is classified as maximum, medium or minimum security, and two of these prisons cater solely for female prisoners.
The aim of the transitional centre is to replicate community living as far as possible. It emphasises responsibility on the part of prisoners in their day-to-day lives. Needs are addressed through connecting with mainstream social and support services in the community.
North West Region
- Melbourne Assessment Prison
- Judy Lazarus Transitional Centre
- Metropolitan Remand Centre
- Dame Phyllis Frost Centre
Barwon South West Region
- Barwon Prison
- Marngoneet Correctional Centre
Loddon Mallee Region
- Loddon Prison
- Tarrengower Prison
Hume Region
- Dhurringile Prison
- Beechworth Correctional Centre
Grampians Region
- Ararat Prison
- Langi Kal Kal
What is the organisational structure of a prison?
Find out more about the organisational structure of a prison.
The Role of a Prison Officer
Would I make a good Prison Officer?
Corrections Victoria values people with maturity, professionalism, dedication and personal integrity who can work in a team
Prison Officers work in a challenging, rewarding and demanding environment and are expected to be positive role models for prisoners. High personal ethical standards are absolutely essential and you will be required to undertake a medical assessment, as well as a number of checks and security clearance processes in accordance with Victorian Government Policy.
If you believe you have these attributes and demonstrate skills including: ability to work as a team, strong communication, strong people management skills and the ability to work under pressure, a career as a Prison Officer may suit you.
Why not Take the Test to find out more?
What qualifications are required?
Formal qualifications or previous experience in a similar role is not required to become a Prison Officer.
Corrections Victoria is looking for people who are mature, able to reserve judgement and an ability to act as positive role models.
Life experience is a critical prerequisite also, as well as an ability to display the following skills and personal attributes:
- verbal and written communication, and interpersonal skills
- conflict management and problem solving
- influencing and negotiation
- self-confidence
- initiative and accountability
- empathy and cultural awareness
What kind of background do I need to work in prisons?
Staff working in prisons come from a variety of employment backgrounds which may include service industries (hospitality/tourism, hairdressing, retail, call centres etc), other Government departments, teachers, healthcare professionals and tradespeople. Find out about the varied backgrounds our staff come from on the Testimonials page.
Is the role of a prison officer only about maintaining the security of the prison?
No. Although security is a major component of the role, you will also be required to undertake case management tasks and support a range of services that contribute to the rehabilitation of offenders. Prison Officers work in a multi-disciplinary team environment with other professionals and are responsible for appropriate note taking, documentation and report writing.
Will I be safe working in a prison?
Corrections Victoria ensures every effort is made to ensure a safe working environment. This includes full training in safety and security, advanced monitoring of all prisoner and staff movements, comprehensive emergency management and working as part of a team at all times.
Do I have to carry a gun / any weapons?
You are only required to carry weapons systems when escorting prisoners to locations outside the prison. This is a specialised skill for selected staff with the appropriate training.
Do I have to conduct strip searches?
Searching is an important part of security in a prison environment, and can involve conducting strip searches of prisoners, particularly when prisoners have direct contact with visitors.
Can female staff work in a men’s prison, or can they only work in female prisons?
Male and female staff are employed to work in all prisons.
Will I be required to write reports?
All staff are required to write reports. Prison Officers are required to complete various reports for the prisoners that they case manage. Documentation can include information about the prisoner, or incidents that have occurred.
How many hours do casual Prison Officers work per week?
Casual Prison Officers do not have a fixed roster, and work on an ‘on call’ basis. There is not minimum number of shifts a casual Prison Officer will be asked to work per week, and it will depend on the operational requirements of the prison.
Can I work a second job whilst working as a Prison Officer?
If you are applying for a casual Prison Officer position and intend to keep on a second job outside the prison, please note that the Department of Justice has a policy on outside employment. Review the Outside Employment Policy and ensure you understand the requirements involved.
Training & Career Development
What type of training is provided?
Newly-recruited Prison Officers are required to undertake Corrections Victoria’s Prison Officer Pre-Service Training. It is a prerequisite that all Trainee Prison Officers successfully complete the full training period before they commence as Prison Officers.
The training takes place over 35 days and includes both classroom based learning and on the job training.
The formal training period is followed by a period of close supervision combined with further self-paced and on-the-job training. Typically, as you acquire more complex skills and training, you will be given more challenging duties.
What will I be taught during the training period?
Programs covered during the 35-day training period include:
- indigenous awareness
- professional boundaries
- fire awareness
- tactical options
- substance abuse / detection
- human rights awareness
- offender management
- prison programs
- conflict management
Do I need to attend the full training period?
Yes. All Trainee Prison Officers are required to be available to attend the full training period. A number of critical modules are delivered during the training period which trainees must complete in order to be deemed as competent in the role of Prison Officer.
Do I have to sit exams as part of the pre-service training program?
No. You are not required to sit formal examinations, but there are sessions that include formal assessments that you must be deemed competent. Your performance will be monitored throughout the 35 days with progress interviews at key stages of the program.
Will I receive training for working with prisoners from different ethnic backgrounds?
As part of the Pre-Service Training program, staff participate in cultural awareness training and indigenous awareness training.
Do I receive any formal qualifications following the training?
The Prison Officer Pre-Service Training contributes to accreditation in the Certificate III in Correctional Practice (Custodial). Following the completion of the training, Prison Officers are encouraged to work towards completing the Certificate III qualification.
Does Corrections Victoria encourage further training and career development opportunities following the Pre-Service Training?
Corrections Victoria, Department of Justice, encourages all staff to continue their learning and development throughout their careers. To support this, all prison locations offer staff the opportunity to undertake additional training, on-the-job learning and opportunities for advancement.
Salary & Benefits
Will I receive any shift penalties working as a Prison Officer?
All full-time, ongoing or fixed-term Prison Officers are entitled to the following shift penalties in addition to their salaries (excluding public holidays)
Afternoon shift and night shift performed Monday to Friday is paid at 15%
Rostered duty on Saturdays is paid at 50%
Rostered duty on Sundays is paid at 100%
What hours / shifts am I required to work as a Prison Officers?
All Prison Officers are required to work across a roster that is made up of a variety of shifts (please note that Casual Prison Officers do not have a fixed roster, and work on an ‘on call’ basis). Prisons are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and shifts are allocated according to the operational requirements of each prison location.
Shifts will vary from 8 hours to 12 hours in length and comprise of morning, afternoon and evening shifts.
Can I choose which shifts I work?
You will be working in an environment which operates 24 hours a day. This requires you to work shift work. Rostering is varied and flexible and you will be required to work some weekends. You can apply for annual leave and state your preferred times in a calendar year, but for operational reasons, at times, some leave is scheduled at each location.
What kinds of facilities are provided for staff at the prison locations?
The facilities vary by location. Most locations have a variety of staff amenities including lunchrooms, recreation rooms, lockers and gymnasium facilities, many also provide free on-site parking for staff.
Can I transfer from one location to another?
Prison Officers are required to work at the location for which they have been recruited, however, all staff are entitled to apply for transfer or promotion when opportunities arise. All decisions are merit based, or reflective of operational requirements.
Application and Recruitment Process
Is there a minimum / maximum age limit for applying to work in a correctional environment?
Due to the operational environment in which the positions are located, you must be 18 years or over to apply for the role of a Prison Officer.
While there are no additional age restrictions, candidates are required to meet the medical and physical requirements for the Prison Officer position, as well as the criteria outlined in the Prison Officer position description.
If I can’t attend the scheduled information sessions, can I still apply?
Attendance at an Information Session is not a compulsory component of the application process. However, the sessions can be highly beneficial for candidates, providing an opportunity to speak with current prison staff and the recruitment team about the Prison Officer role and recruitment process.
You can apply for Prison Officer vacancies using the online application.
Do I require an email address to apply online?
Yes – you will need a personal email address that you can access regularly outside business hours. If you do not have a personal email address, you can set up a free email account at www.hotmail.com or www.yahoo.com.
Can I apply for a position if I have a disability?
If you would like to confidentially discuss your medical situation and/or eligibility with a doctor, please contact the Volume Recruitment and Projects Team on (03) 8684 0035.
I am currently living outside Australia, and would like to migrate to Victoria. Can I apply for a job?
You must have a valid visa to work in Australia. To obtain information about migrating to Australia and applying for the appropriate visa, please visit the Australian the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.
I have a working visa. Can I apply for a position with Corrections Victoria?
To be considered for these positions you must hold suitable working rights for Australia. Some of these working rights are:
- Australian Citizen: A birth certificate, citizenship certificate or current passport is proof of eligibility.
- Australian Permanent Resident or a New Zealand citizen with working rights in Australia: A passport with a permanent visa or certificate of evidence of resident status is proof of eligibility.
- Non-citizens with a valid visa that provides work rights that meet the role requirements: A current passport containing the visa is proof of eligibility.
You will need to provide original documents at the assessment centre stage of the recruitment process as evidence of your right to work.
Please refer to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website for further details/clarification regarding your working rights if you are currently on a visa.
If I want to apply for a Senior Prison Officer, or Supervisor role, do I have to already be a Prison Officer?
No. You may have gained excellent supervisory or case management skills from another organisation in a completely different field, which may make you the most suitable candidate for the role. If you are successful, you will be required to complete the Pre-Service Training course, as this is a condition of employment.
>I have worked as a Prison Officer outside of Victoria, do I have to go through the recruitment process?
All candidates interested in obtaining a position as a Prison Officer within Corrections Victoria must apply via the external recruitment process and complete the Pre-Service Training Period. The recruitment process has been designed to assess the inherent requirements of the Prison Officer role within Victoria.
How long is the recruitment process?
From your application submission to training commencement, you will need to allow for approximately 12 weeks to complete the recruitment process. You cannot move from one stage of the recruitment process to another until your application has successfully passed or met the benchmark criteria for that stage.
Am I required to complete any psychometric testing?
Yes, it is a requirement that all Prison Officer candidates complete the suitability testing stage of the recruitment process. Find out more about the recruitment process.
Will I be required to undertake any medical or physical testing?
Yes. All Prison Officer candidates must meet the medical and physical requirements of the Pre-Service Medical and Physical Assessments to ensure they are able to undertake the inherent requirements of the Prison Officer position safely.
Browse locations :