Correctional Officer

Correctional Officers are responsible for supervising offenders in correctional centres.

They also actively participate in offenders' work and program pursuits while monitoring and maintaining the security of the correctional centre.

Role of the correctional officer
Attributes necessary for success as a correctional officer
Core accountabilities
How to apply
Correctional Officer Video
Guidelines on previous criminal history (Word 35KB)

1. Role of the correctional officer

The role of a correctional officer includes:

supervise the behaviour and activities of offenders on a daily basis in accordance with the centre's routine or structured day.
assist in the rehabilitation of offenders by actively participating in and overseeing their work and program activities.
interact with offenders and respond to their needs through the provision of services in an appropriate manner within relevant guidelines and rules.
encourage offenders to participate in programs and other activities which maximise the opportunities for self-directed rehabilitation.
report details or incidents and behaviour of clients for the purpose of the sentence management process.
participate in the reception, induction and discharge of offenders in accordance with relevant policies and guidelines.
act at all times in accordance with the Agency's Code of Conduct (PDF 868KB).
undertake searches and perform escort duties of offenders both within the centre and externally when required.
work in a 24 x 7 environment and provide a timely response to any emergency or breach of security.
prepare and submit accurate incident reports/statements/records concerning notifiable incidents.
perform surveillance to identify and respond appropriately to potential security risks and illegal activity.
provide reports concerning equipment damage, defects or loss and maintain accurate administration records.
develop productive relationships with staff, management, professionals, Police and other agencies.
create public confidence by personally promoting the Agency with a positive image.
ensure personal conduct is highly professional and appearance conforms to official uniform standards at all times.
ensure one's own decisions are timely, well considered and that actions taken are fair and accountable.
enforce compliance of relevant policy, procedures and legislation.

2. Attributes necessary for success as a correctional officer

Thinks creatively and solves problems effectively

understand the Agency's direction and how it does business
link your own work to the Agency's priorities
apply creative approaches to issues and problems
show judgement, intelligence and commonsense

Demonstrates personal drive and integrity

demonstrate public service professionalism and act ethically
be aware of risks and show personal courage and resilience
demonstrate self awareness and a commitment to personal development

Achieves results

respond to client needs and organise resources
share expertise and use technology effectively
adapt to and participate in change
deliver on intended results

Communicates effectively

communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing
listen, understand and adapt to audience
negotiate effectively

Work productively with others

maintain internal and external relationships
value individual differences and diversity
work cooperatively

3. Core accountabilities

Code of Conduct

The Agency has a Code of Conduct (PDF 868KB). The principles of the code:

respect for the law and the system of government
respect for persons
integrity
diligence
economy and efficiency

Staff are to maintain knowledge of the Agency's Code of Conduct (PDF 868KB) and comply with the code in relation to actions and relations with other staff, clients, offenders and the public.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Discrimination

The Agency is an equal opportunity employer. EEO ensures that all staff have an equal chance to obtain employment, development and promotion. Also, EEO seeks to eliminate discrimination in employment, ensuring that staff are treated on the basis of their individual talents and capabilities, not on irrelevant characteristics such as race or gender.

Discrimination occurs when a person is treated less favourably than another would be in the same or similar circumstances because of an irrelevant characteristic, for example, age, gender or ethnic origin. The Agency supports and complies with the provisions of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991.

Confidentiality

Staff are required to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of information obtained in the course of their duties. This includes information in relation to offenders, other staff and the activities of Queensland Corrective Services.

Information that is confidential or privileged must not be released without the authorisation of the Director-General or delegate, in accordance with the Corrective Services Act and Freedom of Information legislation.

However staff are not prohibited from disclosing official information which would normally be released to members of the public.

Workplace Health and Safety

The Agency promotes a safe work environment and encourages staff to identify unsafe work practices.

It is a requirement of the Workplace Health & Safety Act 1995 for staff to comply with workplace health, safety and injury management policies and procedures. Furthermore, staff are encouraged to contribute to relevant programs and initiatives.

How to apply

Visit the Government's Smart jobs and careers website to access all jobs advertised by Queensland Corrective Services in the Queensland Government Gazette and newspapers. (Please note all jobs appear in the gazette and Smart jobs and careers before advertising in newspapers.)

Correctional Officer Video

A video (Windows Media 12MB - this is a large file) is available for viewing, of one of our Correctional Officers on the job at the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre.

Last updated: 29 May 2009