Townsville – unlock a new career in community safety
Queensland Corrective Services is actively recruiting for 25 new custodial correctional officers to fill Townsville positions.
Applications are now open, with visiting recruitment specialists conducting assessments and interviews in Townsville on 17-18 May.
Townsville Correctional Complex, Chief Superintendent Louise Kneeshaw encouraged locals to apply to join the top tier public safety agency and make a real difference to the safety of the Townsville community.
“Queensland Corrective Services officers work hard to improve public safety, striving to ensure prisoners and offenders are less likely to return to crime,” Ch Supt Kneeshaw said.
“Working at the frontline is deeply meaningful work – we transform lives, and communities, every single day.
“Our officers are highly valued, they come from a range of different backgrounds to create a strong, diverse and empowered workforce and we equip them with the highest level of training, skills and support to perform their roles safely and effectively,” Ch Supt Kneeshaw said.
Queensland Corrective Services offers a progressive career path across a range of exciting roles in prisoner management and rehabilitation, including:
- custodial correctional officers in prisons, courts and escort security vehicles
- trade instructors
- dog squad officers
- psychologists and social workers
- administrative officers
Andrew Browning was running a small plumbing business when he was looking for a career change with better work life balance and new challenges.
He was used to working long hours in his business, but the security of shift work, rosters, the opportunity for additional time off in between shifts, and the prospect of doing something completely different, attracted Andrew to QCS.
Andrew joined Townsville Correctional Complex in 2017 as a custodial correctional officer and is now acting as a supervisor, undertaking a diverse range of duties across both the men’s and women’s prisons.
“My role as acting supervisor is to enhance the safety of Queenslanders by providing safe, modern and responsive services which assist in the rehabilitation of prisoners,” Andrew said.
“I manage, lead, support and mentor officers tasked with ensuring the ongoing effective management and supervision of prisoners in our care.
“The role also involves problem solving, thinking on your feet and making quick decisions, and working as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
“Prisoners can be unpredictable which is why safety is always front of mind in everything we do – there is no room for complacency within our workplace.
“My previous work experience and skills I’ve gained over the years have provided me with the skills to work within such a diverse agency as QCS.
“If you are looking for a career change that is challenging, offers excellent work life balance, a great working environment, ongoing training and mentoring, QCS could be for you.
“General life skills, including good communications skills, common sense, and being an open minded are all advantageous qualities in this line of work.”
Successful applicants complete a paid 10-week Custodial Officer Entry Program at Townsville Correctional Complex to prepare for the many challenges of working in a correctional centre.
For information on how to apply to join Queensland Corrective Services, visit corrections.qld.gov.au/careers
A Queensland Corrective Services’ Assessment Centre involves a half-day session to consider the suitability of applicants using panel interviews, group and computer assessments.
The Townsville Assessment Centre will be held at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, 334 Flinders Street, Townsville on 17 and 18 May.
