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We're Recruiting Correctional Officers

Explore a career in Corrections at Port Phillip Prison, where safety, security and programs for offender rehabilitation keep the community safe and reduce reoffending.

About Port Phillip Prison

Port Phillip Prison is the largest maximum-security prison in Victoria, with over 1000 inmates, 650 employees, and multiple specialist units that provide employment, health, education and medical programs and services.  G4S has managed and operated Port Phillip Prison on behalf of Corrections Victoria since it opened in 1997.

G4S is responsible for ensuring all people in our care, including sentenced prisoners and those on remand are supervised and managed in a secure, safe and humane manner.  We provide programs to support prisoners and reduce reoffending, plus services to support the wellbeing of prisoners and their families.

The role of a Correctional Officer
Correctional Officers uphold the safety and security of all staff, partners, visitors and offenders within the prison, plus the prison facility itself, by offering a high standard of dynamic security in conjunction with support for those in our care.

They are skilled and trained to supervise offenders, monitor and report on prisoner rehabilitation activities, conduct daily searches and musters, undertake administration duties, manage inductions and prisoner transfers, assist with visits, and write comprehensive reports. 
Remuneration

G4S Trainee Correctional Officers earn $62,290 plus super during their initial 8-week training program.  Upon successful completion of the training, this increases to $80,365 plus super.  With further work experience and accreditation, this increases to $83,237.95 plus super, then $85,825.43 plus super.

In addition, overtime is paid to officers who work additional hours/shifts, including:

  • working more than 38 hours per week on average over the roster cycle
  • working more than 5 rostered shifts in any 7 consecutive day cycle, or
  • working more than 12.75 hours in a shift.

Overtime is 150% of the hourly rate for additional hours.  By the hour, Correctional Officers earn $40.67, Accredited Level 1 Correctional Officers earn $42.12, Accredited Level 2 Correctional Officers earn $43.43, and Supervisors earn $52.15 per hour.

How to Apply
The first step is to register and apply online via careers.au.g4s.com.  You will receive a confirmation email once you have successfully submitted your application.  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.
Recruitment Process

The G4S Talent Acquisition team runs a thorough recruitment process for Correctional Officers (up to 16 weeks) to provide as much exposure to and understanding of the role as possible.

You will be guided through each step in the process and must complete each step in order to progress.

  • Step 1 - Register and apply online at careers.au.g4s.com
  • Step 2 - Complete an online, self-paced Virtual Job Preview.
  • Step 3 - Attend a Group Information Session onsite at Port Phillip Prison.
  • Step 4 - Attend a face-to-face formal interview onsite at Port Phillip Prison.
  • Step 5 - Complete compliance checks, including fingerprints and Police Check, a high-level physical assessment conducted in-person by Recovery Partners, a 30-minute psychological and mental health assessment, and verification of your most recent 3 years of employment history.  You will be asked through this process to provide information on disclosable outcomes, prior employment and residential history for the purposes of clearance through Corrections Victoria.
About the Virtual Job Preview

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.

What to expect on the first day

We’ll get you into the prison before your first day so you can collect your uniform, meet the training team, and get your IT set up ready to go for your first day.

On your first day, you will meet the other recruits and your squad leaders, who will guide and support you through the 8-week induction program.  You’ll meet the General Manager of the prison and other support functions who will explain their roles, how they will support you during your career, our vision and values and how you fit in.

The first week of your training is classroom based and will give you the foundational knowledge of the corrections system, the prison environment and the kinds of tasks and duties a Correctional Officer does.  After that, you will spend 3 weeks shadowing experienced staff on the floor and learning how the prison works.

Weeks 5-8 will see you learn about pathways to offending, trauma-informed care and case management, how to write reports and how to look after your own mental and physical health in a correctional environment.  You’ll also undertake some physical skill development to keep you safe, including first aid, fire awareness, using breathing apparatus and tactical options.

What training is provided?

As a Correctional Officer, you'll have access to an 8-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 experienced squad leaders who will mentor you through the entire 8-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.

In addition to this, a Certificate III in Correctional Practice from Gordon TAFE is offered during the first 2 years of employment.

When is the next intake?
There will be multiple intakes for Port Phillip Prison's 8 week Initial Training Course commencing in 2024, the next being in January and February 2024.
Benefits of the role
  • Comprehensive training
  • Full-time employment from day 1
  • No correctional or security experience required
  • Work 7 days a fortnight and enjoy work life balance
  • Up to 7 weeks annual leave
  • Make a positive impact on people’s lives and help create safer communities
  • Contribute to offender rehabilitation and reintegration
Eligibility Criteria
  • Available to work 24/7 shift work, including nights and weekends
  • Hold a Victorian Driver’s Licence
  • High level of both physical and mental fitness (See our flyer for information on How to prepare for a Medical Assessment). 
  • Life experience - we look for applicants who show maturity in their attitudes and decisions
  • Diversity - we recognise and value having a diverse workforce and welcome applications from people of all different backgrounds, industries, experience levels and qualifications
  • Communication skills - excellent written skills, clear and concise verbal skills, the ability to listen, build rapport and adapt to people from all different walks of life
  • Negotiation skills - proven ability to resolve conflict and make good judgements
  • Discipline and commitment to ongoing health and wellbeing
  • Resilience - an ability to succeed under pressure without compromise
Apply Now
To apply please visit careers.au.g4s.com, search for Correctional Officers then follow the prompts. 

If you require assistance, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team by emailing recruitment@au.g4s.com.

About G4S

About G4S Operating Portfolios

G4S operates two distinct operating portfolios, Justice Services and Integrated Security Services. 

Our Integrated Security Services support major government, industry and corporate clients.  In every contract, we tailor security solutions for individual operating environments to protect critical assets, infrastructure, services and people.  These staff work in various settings, from government, education and health, to retail, telecommunications, resources and energy, as Court Security Officers, Concierge/Corporate Security, Maritime Security Officers, Control Room and Speed Camera Operators.

By managing risk, we help governments, business, judiciary and community services operate with peace of mind and efficiency.  Clients include State Government Departments, Courts and Tribunals, Youth Justice Centres, Police, and banks and energy companies, in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia.

Our 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.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
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. 
Jobs for First Nations People
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.
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