If I get through the assessment process and am offered a position, do I have a permanent job as a Correctional Officer?
Initially you are employed on a 12 month contract and will need to complete various assessments. If you successfully complete all these assessments you will be offered a permanent position.
If I have applied before can I just ask for my previous application to be put into this recruitment round?
No. Each recruitment campaign is totally independent of the previous campaigns, and requirements, policies and procedures may have changed. You must submit a new application.
Who do I contact throughout the process to see if I have advanced to the next stage?
Contact throughout the entire process will be the Administrative Officer, Staff Development and Training Unit (03) 6216 8156 or 1800 233 911.
If I apply and am unsuccessful can I try again?
Yes. However, we are unable to provide you with feedback as to why you have not advanced, therefore applicants need to self assess their own suitability to the role of CO.
If I am successful for selection, how long do I have to wait before I start?
Successful applicants normally commence on the Recruit Induction School within 4-6 weeks of notification. During this time applicants are fitted with their uniforms.
If I am applying from interstate and am offered a position who pays for my relocation?
Relocation costs need to be approved by the Director of Prisons at the time of appointment. Assistance is assessed on a case by case basis.
If I commence in the recruit induction course what will my hours be?
During the 13-week induction training hours will be 8.30-4.30 or 9.00-5.00 Monday to Friday. Once you commence in the prison and if you indicated a preference for shift work you may be placed on a rotational roster including shift and weekend work. If you indicated a preference for day work, you may be placed on the day roster, depending on operational requirements.
Can I transfer from one correctional facility to another?
Staff can submit a transfer request to the Assistant Director of Prisons to transfer to another facility or can forward an expression of interest as positions become available. Transfers occur as operational needs allow.
I currently work in Corrections on the mainland, does that mean I have a higher chance of being successful?
All applicants are assessed equally. Previous experience in a similar role does not guarantee success. The role of CO's in each state and prison can vary significantly. the TPS assesses all applicants against the selection criteria and not on an applicant's current job description.
If I am an experienced Correctional Officer do I need to study the Certificate III in Correctional Practice (Custodial)?
An applicant who was previously employed as a CO in a jurisdiction in another state who has a Certificate II in Correctional Practice (Custodial), or better, will have this qualification recognised. If an experienced CO does not have this qualification they will be required to undergo the training.
I already have the Certificate III in Correctional Practice (Custodial) so do I need to do the entire 13 week induction training or can I just be placed straight onto post?
Experienced CO's from other jurisdictions will be required to undergo the initial 13-week induction training along with inexperienced CO's to familiarise themselves with policies, procedures, protocols, Standard Operating Procedures and Director's Standing Orders specific to the TPS.
Applicants have to pay for their medical assessments, do we also have to pay for our fitness assessments and criminal history background checks?
No. The TPS pays for applicants who have successfully advanced to interview to attend a fitness assessment and obtain a criminal history background check.
I live overseas and am in the process of applying for a working visa, can I still apply?
If you are not an Australian citizen or do not have a permanent residence status we are unable to proceed with your application. Applicants must hold a permanent Australian Working Visa at the time of application.
I advanced to the second stage of the process and then was unsuccessful, can I find out why?
No. We are unable to provide applicants with feedback.. All applicants sign a declaration at written assessment day acknowledging that they will not receive specific feedback about their application.
I already have several qualifications, do I still need to complete the Certificate III Correctional Practice (Custodial) during the recruit induction program?
Yes. It is a mandatory requirement that all Probationary Officers hold this qualification before they can proceed to the next rank. This qualification is completed both in the classroom and on the job once posted. Applicants who already hold formal qualification will be assessed on commencement and advised if they are eligible to apply for Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Applicants who are eligible for RCC or RPL will receive credit transfers towards the qualification. All applicants, regardless of qualifications are required to complete the 13-week induction program.
If I am an experienced Correctional Officer in another jurisdiction, will I maintain my current rank?
No. All new recruits with the TPS commence on probationary level. After recruit induction, if applicants are able to satisfy the essential rank requirements under the Correctional Officer's Award rank may be negotiated on a case by case basis.
I am a permanent State Service employee, can I transfer my entitlements?
Yes. Leave entitlements accrued by permanent Tasmanian State Government employees can be carried over to position with the TPS.
I am a permanent Commonwealth employee, can I transfer my entitlements?
Long service leave entitlements accrued by permanent Commonwealth Government employees and Armed Services employee may also be recognised.
I am unable to work full-time, all the positions advertised as full-time, are there any part-time positions available?
The TPS encourages applicants seeking part-time employment to submit their application. Part-time and flexible working arrangements can be negotiated on a case by case basis.
