This guide has been compiled using the current National Standards for all industry and service areas and lists the most relevant trade or certificate requirements for a position at each classification level, where applicable.
To be eligible to apply for a position, you will be required to have the minimum qualification as listed below.
- Vocational Support Officer (VSO) positions in the list below are found across the prison estate and differ depending on the types of industries and services the prison site provides.
- It is important to note that vacancies may not be currently available for all positions or in all locations. You will find a list of current vacancies in the VSO Information Booklet (PDF) attached to the advert.
If an applicant is successful to the appointment pool, they will be eligible for consideration for permanent or fixed term contract positions, that arise over the life of the pool. It is important to note that appointment to the pool is not a guarantee of a position.
Farming and Food
Show more* verified industry or trade certificates will be considered
| Industry/Service | Description | Level | Minimum qualification* |
|---|---|---|---|
Abattoir Location: | The Abattoir Instructor operates a meat processing plant to produce products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3
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Abattoir Location: Karnet Prison Farm | The Abattoir Meat Inspector is an ‘authorised officer’ under the Food Act 2008 and is responsible for ensuring all meat products are clean, safe, wholesome, and fit for human consumption at the time of processing, and carries out inspections of plant facilities, equipment, and transportation systems. This position will also act as a relief Abattoir Instructor and provide on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. | VSO3
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Abattoir Location: Karnet Prison Farm | The Abattoir Manager operates a meat processing plant to produce products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. The position holds a management role which involves coordination of strategic operations for the specific industry for which they are responsible. | VSO5
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Bakery Location: | The Bakery Instructor operates a bakery to produce products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3 |
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Bakery Location: | The Bakery Supervisor operates a bakery to produce products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO4 |
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Catering Location: | The Chef Instructor operates within a commercial kitchen to produce products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3 |
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Catering Location: | The Chef Supervisor operates within a commercial kitchen to produce products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO4 |
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Catering Location: | The Catering Coordinator is responsible for the daily operational management of the prisons’ catering, cafeteria, canteen, supermarket and stores services. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in these areas. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VS04 |
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Farming – Dairy Location: | The Dairy Instructor operates a dairy within a farm operation to produce products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3
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Farming – General Location: | The Farm Instructor operates within a commercial farm to produce products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3
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Farming – General Location: | The Farm Supervisor operates within a commercial farm to produce products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO4
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Farming – Poultry Location:
| The Poultry Instructor operates an egg production facility within a farm operation to produce products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3
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Gardens and Grounds Location: | The Gardens and Grounds Officer provides the maintenance of the grounds, gardens and turf to produce products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. | VSO2 |
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Gardens and Grounds Location: | The Gardens and Grounds Instructor provides the maintenance of the grounds, gardens and turf to produce products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3 |
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Gardens and Grounds Location: | The Gardens and Grounds Supervisor provides the maintenance of the grounds, gardens and turf to produce products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO4 |
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| Market Garden Location: Various | The Market Garden Instructor operates a primary production operation to produce products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3 |
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| Market Garden Location: Various | The Market Garden Supervisor operates a primary production operation to produce products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO4 |
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Relief – Catering Location: | The Catering Relief Instructor will provide relief assistance to manage, organise and control aspects of, and operate in, the kitchens, food processing and bakery industries, to maintain routine of the area while an officer is absent and/or on leave, to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3 |
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Vegetable Preparation Location:
| The Vegetable Preparation Instructor operates vegetable processing workshop producing products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3 |
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Vegetable Preparation Location:
| The Vegetable Preparation Supervisor operates vegetable processing workshop producing products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO4 |
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Trades
Show more* verified industry or trade certificates will be considered
| Industry/Service | Description | Level | Minimum qualification * |
|---|---|---|---|
Beauty Shop Location: | The Beauty Shop Instructor operates a hair and beauty salon to provide services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3 |
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Cabinet Shop Location: | The Cabinet Shop Instructor operates a timber industry workshop incorporating building, assembly and repairing products to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3 |
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Cabinet Shop Location: | The Cabinet Shop Supervisor operates a timber industry workshop incorporating building, assembly and repairing products to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO4 |
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Construction and Maintenance Location: | The Construction Maintenance Officer provides assistance in the maintenance workshop performing building, assembly and repairing functions to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. | VSO2 |
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Construction and Maintenance Location: | The Construction Maintenance Instructor operates a maintenance workshop performing building, assembly and repairing functions to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3 |
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Construction and Maintenance Location: | The Construction Maintenance Supervisor operates a maintenance workshop performing building, assembly and repairing functions to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO4 |
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Mechanical Shop Location: | The Mechanical Shop Instructor operates an auto workshop for the repair and maintenance of mobile plant to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3 |
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Mechanical Shop Location: | The Mechanical Shop Supervisor operates an auto workshop for the repair and maintenance of mobile plant to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO4 |
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Metalwork Shop Location: | The Metalwork Shop Instructor operates a metal fabrication workshop incorporating repair, manufacture and maintenance of products to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3 |
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Metalwork Shop Location: | The Metalwork Shop Supervisor operates a metal fabrication workshop incorporating repair, manufacture and maintenance of products to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO4 |
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Paint Shop Location: | The Paint Shop Instructor operates a painting and decorating workshop incorporating facilities maintenance and the finishes to manufactured products to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area | VSO3 |
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Paint Shop Location: | The Paint Shop Supervisor operates a painting and decorating workshop incorporating facilities maintenance and the finishes to manufactured products to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO4 |
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Print Shop Location: | The Print Shop Instructor operates a commercial printing workshop producing products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3 |
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Print Shop Location: | The Print Shop Supervisor operates a commercial printing workshop producing products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO4 |
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Relief – Industrial Location: | The Industrial Relief Instructor will provide relief assistance to manage, organise and control aspects of, and operate in, various services or industrial workshops, including but not limited to, metals, cabinet and construction industries, to maintain routine of the area while an officer is absent and/or on leave, to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3 |
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Section 95 Location: | The Section 95 Officer coordinates and delivers reparation activities and programs in the community covering general construction, building maintenance, landscaping, conservation and land management to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. | VSO2 |
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Section 95 Location: | The Section 95 Instructor coordinates and delivers reparation activities and programs in the community covering general construction, building maintenance, landscaping, conservation and land management to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3 |
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Section 95 Location: | The Section 95 Supervisor coordinates and delivers reparation activities and programs in the community covering general construction, building maintenance, landscaping, conservation and land management to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO4 |
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Signage Shop Location: | The Signage Shop Instructor operates a graphic signage workshop producing products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3 |
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Signage Shop Location: | The Signage Shop Instructor operates a graphic signage workshop producing products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO4 |
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Textiles Shop (includes garments and upholstery) Locations:
| The Textiles Shop Instructor operates a textile production workshop producing products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3 |
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Textiles Shop (includes garments and upholstery) Locations:
| The Textiles Shop Supervisor operates a textile production workshop producing products and services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO4 |
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Services
Show more* verified industry or trade certificates will be considered
| Industry/Service | Description | Level | Minimum qualification * |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessments Location: | The Assessments Officer is responsible for undertaking individual prisoner assessments by collating information from various sources including interviews with staff, prisoners and external agencies to assist in the sentence planning process, support prison operations and assist in the prisoner’s reintegration to community. | VSO2 |
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Canteen Location: Various | The Canteen Officer operates and coordinates the canteen store to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. | VSO2 |
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Canteen Location: Various | The Canteen Supervisor operates and coordinates the canteen store to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO2A |
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Cleaning Location: Various | The Cleaning Officer operates facility cleaning services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. | VSO2 |
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Cleaning Location: Various | The Cleaning Supervisor operates facility cleaning services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO2A |
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Cleaning Location: Various | The Cleaning Instructor operates facility cleaning services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3 |
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| Despatch (includes Domestic Services and Stores) Location: Various | The Despatch Officer coordinates all aspects of daily operations relating to the collection/receipt and delivery/distribution of goods and services to/from prison sites, units and external locations, together with overseeing the recycling processes. This position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. | VSO2 |
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| Despatch (includes Domestic Services and Stores) Location: Various | The Despatch Supervisor operates and coordinates all aspects of daily operations relating to the collection/receipt and delivery/distribution of goods and services to/from prison sites, units and external locations, together with overseeing the recycling processes. This position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO2A |
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| Education Support Location: Albany | The Education Support Officer is responsible for the security and daily operations of the education facility to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. | VSO2 |
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| Industry Support Location: Karnet Prison farm | The Industry Support Officer will provide support to manage, organise and control aspects of various industrial workshops and/or workplaces to maintain routine of the area to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. | VSO2 |
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| Laundry Location: Various | The Laundry Officer operates laundry services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. | VSO2 |
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| Laundry Location: Various | The Laundry Supervisor operates commercial laundry services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO2A |
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| Laundry Location: Various | The Laundry Instructor operates commercial laundry services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3 |
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| Laundry Location: Various | The Laundry Supervisor operates commercial laundry services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO4 |
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| Library Location: Various | The Library Officer operates library services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. | VSO2 |
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| Library Location: Various | The Library Instructor operates library services to support prison operations. This position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision of prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3 |
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| Library Location: Various | The Library Supervisor operates library services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO4 |
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Life Skills Location: | The Life Skills Instructor is responsible for providing assistance and instruction to prisoners on multiple essential living skills. Liaises with education to source relevant classes and prison industries to source productive work to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, mentoring, supervision and guidance to prisoners in the development of basic life skills to assist in their return to community. | VSO3 |
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| Life Skills (Work Camp Based) | The Life Skills Instructor is responsible for providing assistance and instruction to prisoners on essential living skills such as cooking, nutrition and hygiene. Liaises with education to provide support for prisoners to acquire vocational and work skills to enhance their capacity to gain and retain employment on release. The position provides on the job instruction, mentoring, supervision and guidance to prisoners in the development of basic life skills to assist in their return to community. | VSO3 |
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| Medical Support Location: Hakea | The Medical Support Officer is responsible for the security and daily operations of the medical facility to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. | VSO2 |
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| Movements Location: Various | The Movements Officer is responsible for the collation, completion and distribution of paperwork to facilitate prisoner transfers, movements and discharges in accordance with prison operations. | VSO2 |
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| Movements Location: Various | The Movements Supervisor is responsible for the completion and distribution of paperwork to facilitate prisoner transfers, movements and discharges in accordance with prison operations. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area | VSO2A |
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Official Interviews
| The Official Interviews Officer is responsible for the security and coordination of the official visitor’s service to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. | VSO2 |
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Official Interviews
| The Official Interviews Supervisor is responsible for the security and coordination of the official visitor’s service to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO2A |
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| Orientation Location: Bunbury | The Orientation Officer delivers and coordinates the orientation services to prisoners to support prison operations. The position provides awareness and information to prisoners on prison life, prisoner rights, responsibilities, entitlements, programme opportunities, disciplinary process and prison routines. The orientation process assists in the establishment of a safe environment for staff and prisoners | VSO2 |
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| Packaging Location: Hakea | The Packaging Officer is responsible for the packaging of goods for internal distribution and maintaining production deadlines. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. | VSO2 |
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| Prisoner Employment Location: Bunbury | The Prisoner Employment Officer assesses and coordinates the placement and movement of prisoners into constructive activities to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. | VSO2 |
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| Reception - Intake Location: Various | The Reception Officer – Intake is responsible for the security and coordination of the Reception facility and service to support prison operations. Assist with prisoner searches and other security related matters during the intake process. May be required to assist with strip searches and showering of prisoners. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. | VSO2 |
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| Reception - Sentenced Location: Various | The Reception Officer – Sentenced is responsible for the security and coordination of the Reception facility and service to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. | VSO2 |
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| Recreation Location: Various | The Recreation Officer coordinates and delivers recreational activities including group sport, individual fitness and passive activities to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. | VSO2 |
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| Recreation Location: Various | The Recreation Supervisor coordinates and delivers recreational activities including group sport, individual fitness and passive activities to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area | VSO2A |
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| Recreation Location: Various | The Recreation Instructor coordinates and delivers recreational activities including group sport, individual fitness and passive activities to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3 |
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| Relief - General Location: Various | The General Relief Officer will provide relief to assist, organise and control aspects of various services or workplaces to maintain routine of the area, while an officer is absent and/or on leave, to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. | VSO2 |
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| Transport Location: Bunbury Casuarina | The Transport Driver will provide internal and external transport systems, together with minor maintenance/ servicing of vehicles, to provide goods and supplies for prison industries and consumable products for other areas and/or the transport of offenders in support of prison operations. | VSO1 |
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| Video Link Location: Casuarina | The Video Link Officer is responsible for the operation and coordination of video link services to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. | VSO2 |
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| Vocational Skills Location: Casuarina | The Vocational Skills Instructor operates a training workshop/classroom delivering culturally appropriate vocational and industry-based training to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO3 |
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| Vocational Skills Location: Casuarina | The Vocational Skills Supervisor operates a training workshop/classroom delivering culturally appropriate vocational and industry-based training to support prison operations. The position provides on the job instruction, accredited training and supervision to prisoners who work in this area. The position holds a supervisory role over other staff in this area. | VSO4 |
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Special requirements, licenses and accreditations
Show moreApplicants are required to:
- Have demonstrated relevant experience, and where detailed in the list above, a minimum qualification. Applicants are to provide certified copies of their relevant qualifications including an academic transcript of the units or modules completed within that qualification.
- Possess a current valid Construction Induction Training accreditation (White Card) (if applicable).
- Possess a current valid class “C” motor vehicle driving licence (or class required for the position if applicable).
- Possess a current valid Provide First Aid (HLTAID011) accreditation (or equivalent eg Senior First Aid) received from an accredited training provider with a minimum of 12 months validity remaining.
Note
- Applicants that have completed a relevant trade pathway (ie apprenticeship) or relevant overseas qualifications may be considered. Nationally recognised Australian qualifications or overseas qualifications that have been verified in Australia for equivalency will be accepted.
- Applicants who have overseas, or older Australian qualifications, will require the academic transcript of units or modules completed within the qualification.
- All documents must be formally translated into English (if applicable) This is to enable an assessment to be carried out against the Role Specific Responsibilities in the Job description Form (JDF) to make a judgement of eligibility of the applicant.
Employee responsibilities
Show moreEmployees will:
- Undertake the three-week paid mandatory Essential Training Program at the Department’s Training Academy, Bentley, WA upon commencement in the role.
- Be willing to undertake skill set(s) and vocational competencies to meet industry standards as trainers and/or assessors (if applicable).
- Demonstrate a commitment to adhere to the Department’s Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics and Equal Employment Opportunity legislation.
- Comply with and work within the Prisons Act 1981, Prisons Regulations 1982, custodial operational instruments and departmental policies and procedures.
- Comply with and work within approved and established Occupational Safety and Health Regulations together with security procedures.
