- Published:
- Sunday 6 January 2019
The Andrews Labor Government is boosting the ranks of our highly trained prison officers with recruitment for a new all-female prison officer training squad kicking off today.
The 30 successful candidates will be put through their paces during a rigorous eight-week training course before starting work – keeping the community safe.
Just over 30 per cent of Victorian prison officers are women and Corrections Victoria is aiming to attract more female staff in 2019 and beyond, with the new recruits forming the first all-female training squad in years.
Once training is complete they will be based at Melbourne’s maximum-security women’s prison, the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, where there is a need for female staff in order to meet the specific needs of female prisoners.
The prison provides a range of services including a Mothers and Children Program, specialist mental health units, vocational training and prisoner employment in industries including textiles, horticulture and food processing.
No two days are ever the same as a prison officer, but general duties and responsibilities include conducting patrols, searches and security-related activities, and helping prepare prisoners to reintegrate into the community.
Prison officer jobs also provide room for progression into a range of managerial positions, or to work in various specialist roles including prison industries, security and intelligence and emergency response.
Victoria’s prison officers come from a range of professional and personal background, with life experience, good community and problem-solving skills highly valued.
To apply for a place in the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre squad and to find out more about the range of careers available in the corrections system, visit correctionsjobs.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Corrections Ben Carroll
“Our corrections officers are highly trained and do a great job - it’s an exciting opportunity leading to a career that makes a real difference.”
“Prison officers do a lot more than just guard prisoners, they play a vital role in preventing reoffending and improving community safety.”
Quotes attributable to Corrections Victoria Commissioner Emma Cassar
“We’re looking for people who will bring integrity, teamwork and emotional intelligence to the job and I encourage women with all kinds of professional backgrounds and life experience to apply.”
“I know from experience that working in corrections is incredibly rewarding and can lead your career in so many exciting and challenging directions.”