Custody Officers are skilled and trained to provide safe accommodation and/or movement of people between custody centres, courts and hospitals for medical treatment.

They operate a control room to keep the facility operating safely and securely, search people in custody and ensure their welfare, conduct patrols in and around the facility, and report on occupational health and safety, risks mitigations and intelligence.

Custody Officers are paid $29.94 an hour, with a 25% loading paid to casuals.  Trainees are paid $22.80 an hour during their initial 4-week training program.

Various shift patterns are available between Monday and Sunday.

The first step is to apply online.  A member of the Talent Acquisition Team will then guide you through the recruitment process below.  If you require assistance, please email recruitment@au.g4s.com.

Our recruitment process is extremely robust and includes:

• An initial one-way video interview. This involves logging into a secure system and sharing your interview responses by video. 
• A virtual or face-to-face formal interview onsite at Melbourne Custody Centre plus a tour of the facilities
• High level physical and mental health assessment conducted in-person by Recovery Partners
• A Police Check including fingerprinting, conducted in-person at Victoria Police, Docklands
• Verification of your most recent 3 years of employment history

• Consent form and medical history review
• Height, weight and extrapolated BMI
• Blood pressure and heart rate
• Drug and alcohol test
• Neural Lumbar assessment
• Review range of motion
• Kneeling x 5 | 5 second hold
• Unilateral lift and carry
• Step test

See our flyer for information on How to prepare for a Medical Assessment. 

G4S uses a platform called Vervoe to run candidates through a Virtual Job Preview.  When you log in, you will see a video from the recruiter managing your application.  During your Virtual Job Preview, you’ll gain information on the role, site and culture.  You’ll learn about who we are as an organisation and how we like to work, which will help you determine if the job might be right for you.  You’ll also be asked some questions from our side to check you have what’s required to succeed in the role.

In around 15-30 minutes, your recruiter will present you with on-screen scenarios and questions.  By answering the questions via video, text or uploading a file, you’ll get to show us your skills and tell us who you are in a way a CV can’t.

It’s a chance to:

• Explain how you would handle real-world scenarios
• Show us who you really are
• Differentiate yourself from other candidates

Your Virtual Job Preview will fast track your application.

Other benefits include:

• The convenience of responding from anywhere with no need to commute
• Short videos and quick questions, rather than multiple pages on our website to read through
• A fairer recruitment process where you show us your personality and explain your transferable skills

Your Virtual Job Preview doesn’t replace a face-to-face interview. If it goes well, your recruiter will still organise for you to have a face-to-face interview - and if you secure the job, the time you invest now will help you settle in.

We’ll get you into the custody centre before your first day so you can collect your uniform and meet some of your team.

On your first day, you will meet the other recruits and your Training Officer, who will guide and support you through the 4-week induction program.  You’ll meet the General Manager of the Custody and Escort Services contract and learn about your role and how you fit in.

Your induction is a 4-week, fully paid, purpose-built training program.  To equip you with the skills and knowledge to excel, it includes a mix of classroom learning, on-the-job training, shadowing, and practical skill development.  You will be guided and supported by an experienced squad leader who will mentor you through the entire 4-week program.  There are plenty of opportunities for you to ask questions and get hands on experience to ensure you feel confident and capable to step onto the floor after you complete your initial training.  

The first week of your training is classroom-based and will give you the foundational knowledge of the justice system, the custodial and court environments, and the kinds of tasks and duties you will undertake in your role.  You will learn to manage, support and care for different cohorts of prisoners, applying trauma informed care principles every day.

After your first week and some time familiarising yourself with the facility, you will spend a week learning defensive tactics.  This program is designed to give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to keep yourself and others safe in a multitude of situations, including how to effectively communicate and manage a range of behaviours you might see from prisoners.  The final two weeks of your induction is spent shadowing experienced staff on the floor and learning how the various areas of the custody centre work. 

You will be offered ongoing training to further develop your skills and knowledge in your role, and professional development that meets your needs to grow during your career with us.

• Highly competitive pay and benefits
• Penalties and overtime available for evenings and weekends
• Fully paid comprehensive training programs
• Uniforms provided
• Work closely with Victoria Police
• A new, state-of-the-art building for staff located in Bendigo

• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to build rapport with people from all different backgrounds
• Demonstrated conflict resolution and negotiation skills
• Experience in dealing with and respect for confidential, sensitive information

To apply, please visit our Careers Centre, search for the role and follow the prompts. A member of our Talent Acquisition team will then contact you.

If you need help with your application, please email the team at recruitment@au.g4s.com.

G4S Justice Services support the Australian justice system by helping government and law enforcement agencies to mitigate the impact of crime on resources, infrastructure and the economy.  These staff work in correctional facilities, courts, police custody, electronic monitoring, prisoner transport, and offender rehabilitation, as Correctional Officers, Prisoner Transport Officers, Nurses, Clinicians, Support Officers and Custody Officers.

By managing people in prison and delivering safety, security and respect for people in custody, including transporting and escorting offenders, G4S keeps communities safe and reduces re-offending.  Clients include State Government Departments for Justice and Community Safety, Corrections, Police, Social Services and Forensic Health, in Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia.

G4S celebrates and supports diversity and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity workplace.  Our culture is one of inclusiveness and our goal is to welcome and retain staff who represent the whole community.  People from diverse backgrounds bring valuable perspectives, experiences and knowledge.  We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. 

G4S is committed to ensuring our workforce is not only reflective of the communities in which we operate but is equipped and capable of providing the best support for our employees, those in our care and their families.  This includes respecting and supporting First Nations employees at G4S and working to increase their representation in our workforce.  To improve employment outcomes and increase First Nations recruitment and retention, our jobs for Aboriginal people include access to a Cultural Mentoring Program, Aboriginal Employee Network, and Professional Development.