The recruitment process

Applications are to be submitted through the Jobs ACT website. To be considered for these opportunities, you will be required to submit a one-page pitch. Your pitch should tell us why your life experience would make you perfect for this role. Applications must also include:

• An ACT Government Application Cover Sheet (online document available on the Jobs ACT website);
• Updated curriculum vitae with contact details of at least two referees, one of which should ideally be a current or immediate past supervisor. Candidates who are self-employed may use two customers to whom they have provided a service in the last 18 months;
• A copy of your Driver’s Licence; and
• A completed Association Declaration form.

IMPORTANT: Applications that do not provide all documentation including the documentation listed above may not be considered for the role.

The Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment is an online assessment that measures applicants’ LLN levels and is used to ensure that you have the required skills to meet the competency levels needed to complete the Certificate III in Correctional Practice. The Written Assessment assesses applicants’ observation skills and ability to write. Applicants that reach this stage of the process, will be invited to attend an ACTCS office to complete the assessments. You will need to be available to attend the assessment approximately three weeks after the initial advertisement closes. ACTCS will make every effort to accommodate those who are unable to attend the scheduled assessments including providing a virtual option for applicants located interstate or overseas. However, given the strict timeframes to complete the recruitment process, we cannot guarantee an alternative arrangement will be provided.

Psychometric testing provides a robust assessment of an applicant’s potential including their fit for the role and any potential risks to be considered. Applicants that reach this stage of the process, will be invited to complete an online psychometric test, and will be provided a deadline to have the assessment completed. You will need to have access to a computer/laptop and be available to undertake the assessment approximately four weeks after the initial advertisement closes. ACTCS will make every effort to accommodate those who are unable to undertake the scheduled assessments. However, given the strict timeframes to complete the recruitment process, we cannot guarantee an alternative arrangement will be provided.

The interview process is the opportunity for the interview panel to get a better understanding of you as an applicant. Applicants that reach this stage of the process, will be invited to attend an in-person interview. You will be interviewed by a three-member Selection Committee panel, consisting of a Chair and two other members. The Selection Committee will represent a combination of industry and recruitment expertise and will be involved in each stage of the recruitment process. The interview process will include a series of questions for you to provide responses that will satisfy the panel that you are the right person for the job. This may include scenario and role-play-based questions.

You will also be required to provide two written referee reports to the panel. This will allow the panel to consider independent information regarding your skills, experience, and knowledge. You will need to be available to attend the interview approximately two months after the initial advertisement closes. ACTCS will make every effort to accommodate those who are unable to attend their scheduled interview including providing a virtual option for applicants located interstate or overseas. However, given the strict timeframes to complete the recruitment process, we cannot guarantee an alternative arrangement will be provided.

Before being considered suitable for a Correctional Officer role, applicants will be required to undertake a medical assessment. This will determine whether any medical conditions will limit your ability to perform the role safely and effectively. Applicants that reach this stage of the process, will be invited to attend a scheduled medical assessment with an independent medical assessment provider. You will need to be available to undergo the medical assessment approximately two to three months after the initial advertisement closes. ACTCS will make every effort to accommodate those who are unable to attend their scheduled medical assessments. However, given the strict timeframes to complete the recruitment process, we cannot guarantee an alternative arrangement will be provided.

Given the nature of our work, we expect a high standard of integrity and conduct from our Correctional Officers. As such, before being offered a Correctional Officer role, applicants will be required to undergo a National Police Check as well as declare any associations with current or former detainees/offenders. Failure to declare any relevant information may result in your application being considered unsuccessful.

If you have made it this far, you have progressed through one of the most rigorous Correctional Officer recruitment processes in Australia. Successful applicants will be offered the opportunity to complete a 12-week Custodial Recruit Training (CRT) program as a Trainee Correctional Officer or be placed on the order of merit. Those placed on the order of merit may be offered a place in a future CRT course subject to the delegate’s approval.

Following the successful completion of CRT, you will automatically become a Correctional Officer Grade 1.