Protect communities.
Support rehabilitation. Build a career with purpose.
QCS delivers safe, modern correctional services focused on rehabilitation and crime prevention to keep Queensland safe.
Our diverse team shares a dynamic and rewarding career in corrective services, guided by our values: Professional, Ethical, and Respectful.
We offer varied career opportunities for those committed to making a difference.
Custodial Operations is responsible for the delivery of custodial services across Queensland, including the humane containment, supervision and rehabilitation of people that come into our custody. Prisoners are housed in either high or low security correctional centres based on their assessed risk and needs.
High security correctional centres manage adult male and female prisoners in a secure perimeter to ensure containment. Low security centres, with less physical containment, accommodate prisoners assessed as suitable for a more independent environment, promoting self-responsibility and preparing them for reintegration into the community through similar rehabilitative opportunities.
Workplace benefits
Custodial Correctional Officers are crucial in maintaining community safety and supporting prisoner rehabilitation. The role is designed to be both impactful and rewarding, with a strong emphasis on support, development, and inclusion. Some benefits of the role are:
- 10 weeks paid training including tactical skills, chemical agent exposure and firearms training.
- Certificate III in Correctional Practice fully funded
- Competitive salary with annual increases and overtime paid at 200%
- 31.5% shift allowance after training completion
- 5 weeks annual leave plus 27.5% leave loading
- 12.75% Employer-funded superannuation
- Meals and uniforms provided
- Salary packaging options
- 24/7 roster with predictable scheduling
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellbeing support
- First Nations Support and Diversity and Inclusion
- Career progression opportunities across specialist and leadership roles
- Recognition of relevant prior experience for higher starting pay
- Supportive, safety-focused culture
- Meaningful work contributing to rehabilitation and community safety
- Relocation assistance available for eligible regional locations
- Permanent full-time employment with long-term job security
Current roles
Custodial Correctional Officer
Location: Brisbane Inner City,Brisbane - West,Cairns region,Far North Qld,Ipswich region,Rockhampton region,Toowoomba region,Townsville region,Wide Bay
Position Type: Full-time
At Queensland Corrective Services, we’re not just a team, we’re a community dedicated to creating safer environments and reducing crime. Be part of something meaningful and make a difference.
Meet our people
What we’re looking for
No Experience? No Problem!
You don’t need prior experience or qualifications to apply, just a current open or provisional driver’s licence. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including trades, hospitality, education, finance, Defence, and more.
We’re looking for people with strong character, communication and teamwork skills who demonstrate empathy, resilience, sound judgement and cultural awareness. Successful Custodial Correctional Officers are physically fit, able to work confidently in challenging situations, and committed to building positive relationships that support rehabilitation and community safety.
Our commitment to inclusive recruitment
We’re committed to equity, diversity and disability inclusion at every stage of recruitment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and provide reasonable adjustments so everyone has a fair opportunity to demonstrate their strengths.
Our workforce should reflect the communities we serve, and we value the diverse perspectives and lived experiences people bring. We provide a fair and accessible recruitment experience and make reasonable adjustments to support a positive, barrier‑free process and workplace.
If you would like confidential support to ensure an equitable and barrier‑free application process, please contact QCSRecruitment@corrections.qld.gov.au
The role of a Custodial Correctional officer
Become a Custodial Correctional Officer and play a direct role in creating safer communities.
Custodial Correctional Officers (CCOs) play a vital role in maintaining the safety and security of correctional centres while supporting prisoner care, rehabilitation and successful reintegration into the community. As the staff who spend the most time with prisoners, CCOs act as ethical role models, encouraging participation in rehabilitation programs, influencing positive behavioural change, and helping individuals develop the skills needed to live crime-free lives. This is meaningful and rewarding work in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same, with daily responsibilities shaped by prisoner needs and operational requirements.
Custodial Correctional Officer
Duties:
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- Maintain the safety, security and good order of correctional centres
- Supervise and monitor prisoners in a range of operational environments
- Build professional relationships that encourage positive behavioural change
- Respond to incidents and challenging situations confidently and professionally
- Apply legislation, policies and procedures accurately
- Support prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration activities
- Work collaboratively within a safety-focused team environment [smartjobs.qld.gov.au]
Qualifications required:
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- No formal qualifications are required
- Successful applicants must complete the 10-week Custodial Officer Entry Program (COEP)
- Successful applicants are required to enrol in and complete a Certificate III in Correctional Practice (Custodial) during employment
Workplaces across Queensland
QCS operates eleven high security and six low security correctional centres, as well as 35 probation and parole district offices and over 140 reporting locations across the State. These ensure that prisoners and offenders are provided with appropriate classification, supervision and access to programs, education and vocational training to maximise their chance of successful reintegration into society.
How to apply
Ready to take the next step? All positions are advertised on the Queensland Government Smart Jobs and Careers website.
To apply, create a free My SmartJob account, click ‘Apply Online’ on the relevant job advertisement, upload your CV and cover letter, and complete the online questionnaire. Your My SmartJob account allows you to track your application and receive updates throughout the recruitment process.
If you do not have internet access, contact the QSS Customer Support Team on 1300 146 370 (Monday to Friday, 8:00am–4:00pm) to discuss alternative arrangements. Please note that hand-delivered applications are not accepted.
Once submitted, your application will remain active for 12 months and may be considered for vacancies during this period. If you have questions about the process, our Talent Acquisition team is available to assist.
CCO Applicant Guide
Thinking about applying for a Custodial Correctional Officer role? Our Applicant Guide provides an overview of Queensland Corrective Services, what the role involves, employment conditions, and each stage of the recruitment process. It’s designed to help you understand the role and prepare a strong application.
CCO Information Booklet
Want to know what to expect throughout your recruitment journey? The CCO Information Booklet contains practical information on salary and benefits, training requirements, rostering, uniforms, criminal history checks, reference requirements, and the Custodial Officer Entry Program (COEP). It’s a useful resource to help you prepare for a career with QCS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does the recruitment process take?
Timelines vary, but applicants enter a 12month suitability pool once assessed.
What qualifications do I need?
The Custodial Correctional Officer role is an entry level role with the requirement of a current First Aid certificate (HLTAID011) and an open or provisional driver licence.
Do I need to apply separately for ESB?
No. ESB is staffed by CCOs, but duties and hours differ from centre-based roles.
What are the fitness requirements?
All applicants must complete the Respond to Medical Emergency (RTME) test within 5 minutes.
Do I need to pay for my medical or criminal history checks?
No. QCS covers the cost of both.
Do you offer sponsorship or visas?
Queensland Corrective Services does not offer visa sponsorship for Custodial Correctional Officer roles. Applicants must already have unrestricted working rights in Australia (citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder) to be considered.
How do I get a pay point increase?
Pay point progression occurs annually, provided performance and conduct requirements are met. You may also be eligible for a higher starting pay point if you hold relevant qualifications or have previous custodial or policing experience. This is assessed through the Recognition of Skills, Knowledge and Abilities (RSKA) process before your start date
What happens if I fail part of the recruitment process?
Depending on the stage, you may be able to reattempt after a set period or reapply in a future intake.
What if I have visible tattoos?
Tattoos are permitted except on the face/neck/jawline or if they are offensive, obscene, or culturally inappropriate.
Can I bring my phone into the centre?
Personal phones cannot be taken into secure areas and must be stored in designated lockers.
Can I choose my shift preference (earlies or nights)?
No. Shift preferences cannot be selected, as rosters are built to meet operational requirements across a 24/7 environment. However, the rotating roster provides a balance of early, late and night shifts, and many officers enjoy the lifestyle flexibility it offers (weekday availability, fewer peakhour commutes, and predictable roster cycles).
What hours will I work?
Centrebased Custodial Correctional Officers work a 24/7 rotating roster, which includes day shifts, night shifts, weekends and public holidays. Typical shift patterns include 6:00–18:00, 7:00–19:00, 18:00–6:00 or 19:00–7:00. Rosters are designed to ensure safe staffing levels and provide predictable scheduling.