Correctional Officer training

CSC30122 Certificate III in Correctional Practice (Adult Custodial)

Eight weeks of classroom training – full time

This is a formal classroom training environment which covers theoretical knowledge to facilitate understanding and performance in:

  • roles and structures of the department
  • prisoner management – including reducing re-offending, rehabilitation and re-integration
  • personal safety
  • institutional security
  • records administration
  • report writing
  • communication and practical workplace skills
  • use of computerised database systems.

Four weeks in-service roster ‘on the job’ training – full time

Skills
  • learn to use a case management model which assists prisoners’ care, rehabilitation and skill development
  • gain experience in safe, secure and humane control of prisoners
  • observe custodial interactions and practice skills prior to commencement of duties
  • opportunity to see practical application of learnt theory.

Two weeks of classroom training – prior to 12-month probationary period – full time

This is a formal classroom training environment conducted towards the end of the initial 12-month period which covers:

  • mental health first aid
  • Incident response and Emergency Contingency Testing
  • situational awareness and incident management
  • further specialist presentations in areas such as disability, mental health, neurodiversity, and trauma informed practice.

Expectations

Trainee and Probationary Correctional Officers will:

  • interact closely and communicate directly with prisoners
  • receive training, assistance and direction from qualified Correctional Officers
  • perform a range of duties related to the security, safety and welfare of prisoners
  • contribute to the reduction of re-offending and rehabilitation outcomes of prisoners.

Formal testing

As part of gaining the nationally accredited Certificate III in Correctional Practice (Adult Custodial) qualification, Trainee Correctional Officers (TCO) will be required to complete various formal competency-based assessments including written and practical assessments. These assessments will be conducted at appropriate times throughout the initial 12-week off-job course.

Two formal performance reviews will also be conducted throughout the initial 12-weeks.

Supervision after training

On successful completion of the 12-week off-job course, the TCO will commence work within their assigned prison.  During this period, they will work with experienced correctional officers and be provided opportunity to apply and develop their learned skills and knowledge, with additional on-job assessments to be completed by arrangement with  Workplace Assessors. Evidence of competency for Certificate III in Correctional Practice is also gathered during the 12-month probationary period.

Another two formal performance reviews will be conducted during this period.

Graduation

Trainee Correctional Officers who successfully complete their training and assessments, demonstrate competence and satisfy their performance reviews will be eligible for the Certificate III in Correctional Practice (Adult Custodial).

This qualification is issued by the Department’s Registered Training Organisation (RTO), VTEC-SA under the Australian Qualification Framework and is recognised Australia wide.

Specialist or further career roles

Becoming a Correctional officer is not the end of your career journey.

There are many paths open to you including:

  • Advanced Correctional Officer
  • Operations Supervisor
  • Dog handler
  • Case Management Co-ordinator
  • Assistant General Manager
  • General Manager.

Training opportunities

DCS supports our staff by providing training and development opportunities such as:

  • Tomorrow's Senior Manager program
    An Executive initiative to identify future senior operational managers and unlocking their potential so that the Department has the right people, in the right place, at the right time.
  • Emergency Warden training

  • Study Assistance
    We assist with appropriate training and development with a range of options to study and gain work related qualifications. The level of support will be on a case-by-case basis.

Further information

For further information contact our recruitment consultants on (08) 8226 9150 or (08) 8226 9048 Email: DCSTCORecruitment@sa.gov.au