Custody Officer

About the Role

Join Ventia as a Custody Officer, where you will contribute significantly to maintaining the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of individuals in custody while ensuring the effective functioning of the justice system. This role involves working across various professional justice settings including courts, prisoner transport, and secure medical escorts, with each shift offering unique challenges and meaningful work.

Training and Career Progression

• Receive comprehensive and fully funded training with a Certificate III in Correctional Practice.
• Attend a five-week fully paid training program before starting operational duties.
• No prior custodial experience is required to join the team.

Salary and Benefits

• Earn $27.35 per hour during training and $29.50 per hour afterwards.
• After completing 12 months and obtaining the Certificate III, hourly pay increases to $30.93.
• Benefit from a government-endorsed Western Australian State Government Pay Contribution Allowance of $256 per fortnight before tax.
• Guaranteed minimum hours with additional overtime pay, including premium rates for early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• Receive allowances such as meal payments for extended shifts, on-call allowance, Officer In Charge allowance, travel reimbursements for regional assignments, and parking reimbursements when applicable.

Work Environment and Conditions

• Experience varied work including court security, prisoner transportation, and secure hospital/medical duties.
• Uniforms and footwear are provided.
• Enjoy paid breaks and time off in lieu options, along with five weeks of annual leave specifically for shift workers.
• Ongoing paid training and refresher courses encourage continued professional development.
• Long-term career paths are structured with accredited classifications, enabling progression into senior, specialist, or supervisory roles.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and transport people safely while in custody.
• Maintain security and order during court proceedings.
• Perform welfare checks and uphold a strong duty of care.
• Handle challenging situations calmly and professionally.
• Complete accurate documentation and reports.
• Collaborate effectively within a supportive operational team environment.

Candidate Requirements

• Availability to complete full-time training hours Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
• Willingness to commit for 12 months to complete Certificate III qualifications.
• Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Exhibit a respectful, resilient, and professional attitude.
• Ability to successfully pass pre-employment medical, fitness, and background checks.

Additional Information

Ventia values diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages people of all backgrounds, ages, abilities, genders, identities, and cultural groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to apply. The recruitment process is accessible and candidates can request necessary adjustments. The role is based in Northam Courthouse, Western Australia.

This is an opportunity to build a secure career within the justice system that balances meaningful work and lifestyle needs, underpinned by strong contractual conditions and clear career development pathways.