Correctional Officer
- Undertake a front-line role in the prison system ensuring the safety and welfare of prisoners.
- Conduct various duties including observing prisoner conduct, conducting searches, and responding to emergencies.
- Participate in a fully paid 12-week in-house training course leading to a Certificate III in Correctional Practice.
Department for Correctional Services
Job reference: 607195
Location: - VARIOUS -
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone
Benefits
- Average earnings of up to $100,000 p.a with penalties and superannuation.
- Six weeks annual leave.
- Ongoing employment in the SA Public Sector – Full time & Part time positions available.
- No prior correctional experience required.
- Fully paid 12-week in-house training course.
- Career progression opportunities.
- The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working.
- Recruiting for all prison sites.
- Successful completion of training will be accredited with Certificate III in Correctional Practice (Adult Custodial).
About the Role
Correctional Officers undertake a front-line role in the prison system. They are responsible for a wide range of duties relating to the safety, security and welfare of prisoners in our care. They manage day-to-day issues and contribute to ongoing rehabilitation.
Application
We are now taking applications for Correctional Officers. You will need to complete an online application including Correctional Officer Application and attach supporting documentation (e.g. Birth certificate, Drivers Licence, Australian citizenship, resume etc). Any additional documentation or information that you feel can support your application.
As a Correctional Officer your duties can include:
- Observing prisoner conduct, behaviour, and activities
- Conducting prisoner cell searches
- Transporting and escorting prisoners
- Assisting and encouraging prisoners with their individual development programs and case reviews
- Assisting prisoners with matters affecting their welfare, security, behaviours and routines
- Responding to emergency situations, including prisoner conflicts, prisoner injury and medical crisis
- Conducting strip searched of prisoners
About you
To be a great Correctional Officer, you will be:
- Socially responsible with personal honesty and integrity
- Display empathy and cultural awareness
- Mature and self-confident
- Use interpersonal skills and emotional stability which enables supportive and constructive relationships with work colleagues and with prisoners
- Model and foster positive, respectful leadership behaviours
- The ability to use critical thinking, be alert and observant at all times
- A high level of resilience, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence
- Work successfully with the greater team to maintain the safety and security
About us
The Department employs approximately 2,000 staff and has responsibility for nine prisons and sixteen Community Correctional offices across the state.
Our Strategic Focus is:
- Invest in strategic initiative to reduce re-offending.
- Reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal people incarcerated in South Australia.
- Deliver world class correctional services.
- Actively contribute to improving outcomes for all people impacted by the criminal justice system.
- Prioritise the safety of staff, our partners, people under our supervision.
Minimum Requirements
- A current South Australia Driver’s Licence
- An Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident
- 18 years or older
Salary
Trainee Correctional Officer: $64,218 p.a (CO1) plus superannuation (12 weeks only)
Correctional Officer: $67,993 - $75,134 p.a (CO2) plus penalties increasing up to $100,000 p.a
Apply Now!
To find out more about: Correctional Officers, how to apply
Enquiries
Human Resources Consultants
DCSTCORecruitment@sa.gov.au
8226 9151
Application Instructions
Applications can be submitted via our website - how to apply.
Additional Information
There is more than one position available. Positions available at all locations Metropolitan Prisons, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln & Cadell Training Centre.
DCS is an equal opportunities employer, and our workplace reflects the diverse communities that we serve. Safety at Work is central to our mission — emphasising respectful relationships, psychological wellbeing, and the physical and cultural safety of all employees.
We welcome and encourage applications from women, Aboriginal people, people of African heritage, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, LGBTIQA+, neurodivergent people, people living with disability, people of all ages, and other diversity groups. We support flexible ways of working including part-time working arrangements, wherever reasonably possible, and strive to ensure a fair, accessible, and barrier-free recruitment process. We encourage you to share any support or access needs when you apply.
Applications close: 30/06/2027 11:00 PM
Attachments:
- CO1-CO2 TCO JPS May 2026 Final version.pdf
- Code Of Ethics.pdf
- DCS Pre-Employment Declaration - V8.2 - March 2026 (Fillable).pdf
Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.
We vet all employer accounts and do our best to keep job ads safe, but scams can still occur. Be cautious when sharing personal information — never provide financial details or make payments during the application process. For extra security, use the Apply button on our site when proceeding.