Why work for us

As a Trainee Correctional Officer, you will earn over $59,000 per annum (plus superannuation) during your 12-week Custodial Recruit Training. Existing ACT Government employees may be placed on the Correctional Officer Class 1 classification and therefore, earn almost $75,000 per annum, while undertaking the 12-week training. Once your training is completed, as a full-time AMC Correctional Officer on regular rostered hours (including working weekends and nights shifts), you will earn over $95,000 per annum. You will also have the opportunity to work overtime, allowing the potential to earn a six-figure salary.

As an AMC Correctional Officer on regular rostered hours, you will be provided with up to seven weeks annual leave per year. You will also have access to an extensive range of leave options as an ACT Public Servant. This includes 18 days of personal leave per year for permanent employees.

Working rostered shifts as an AMC Correctional Officer, allows you the opportunity to manage your life more conveniently. Whether you are wanting to attend your child’s assembly, go to the gym at a quieter time of the day or attend a personal appointment, shift work provides flexibility to make more time for you and your loved ones. As AMC Correctional Officers generally work 12-hour shifts, you will find you have plenty of days off without having to use your leave.

The ACT Public Service creates jobs to provide necessary services to the public. Correctional Officer positions are an example of this, creating a more ‘secure’ and therefore stable job than potentially other employment opportunities.

From day one you'll be supported to grow and develop. Initial learning for new Correctional Officers will start with the 12-week Custodial Recruit Training. This training program is a combination of classroom-based theory, challenging practical activities/scenarios and two weeks of supervised, on the job training. You will be supported to continue your learning by completing a nationally recognised qualification, the Certificate III in Correctional Practice, in your first 12 months following the completion of the Custodial Recruit Training. This will be fully funded by ACTCS. Throughout your career, you will be provided with mandatory and specialised training to support you to perform your role.

Performing a vital role for the community in an environment like no other will enable you to form a special bond with other Correctional Officers. You will work closely with your colleagues providing each other with support and guidance and giving you a shared sense of belonging.

ACTCS provides a range of wellbeing support for employees. You will have access to the ACTCS Peer Support program established to provide informal and flexible support to employees regarding employment, personal or work-related stress and difficulties. There is also our onsite counselling support service designed to assist employees in meeting the challenges and demands of their work and personal life. Further, as an ACT Public Servant, you and your immediate family will have access to free counselling and support services through the Employee Assistance Program.

The Custodial Recruit Training (CRT) program prepares you for life as a Correctional Officer. The mandatory training will be held for a 12-week period (a total of 480 hours) generally from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

The training program has a combination of theory and practical based sessions that are delivered both internally by training staff and externally by a range of subject matter experts.

During this program you will learn about relevant legislation, working as part of a team, and communicating effectively with colleagues and detainees. You will also learn about the operational components and requirements of being a Correctional Officer.

Trainee Correctional Officers will begin the first part of their Certificate III in Correctional Practice. This is a nationally recognised qualification that is required to be completed within 12 months following the completion of the CRT program.

Finishing the CRT program will require you to pass a mix of classroom and practical assessments. Upon successful completion, you will be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the role of a Correctional Officer in the ACT.

You will have the opportunity to progress up through the ranks into more senior or specialised roles within Custodial Operations. There is also opportunity to move across roles as a Correctional Officer and work within the Court Transport Unit or consider the various non-custodial opportunities within ACTCS.

As a Correctional Officer, every day is an opportunity to motivate and create change through your day-to-day interaction with detainees. Being a positive role model, having a positive impact on the detainee’s lives, and seeing detainee behaviour change for the better can be very rewarding.