Custody Officer

Role overview

Ventia is hiring motivated, resilient people to join its custody officer team in Geraldton Courthouse, Western Australia, delivering custodial services for the WA Department of Justice. This is a meaningful full-time role in a secure justice environment with structured training, predictable conditions under an Enterprise Agreement, and a pathway to a long-term career.

In this position, you will help protect the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of people in custody while supporting the day-to-day functioning of the justice system. The work is varied and may include courts, prisoner transport, and secure medical escorts, so each shift brings different responsibilities and a clear sense of purpose.

Training, pay, and conditions

This role includes fully funded training leading to a Certificate III in Correctional Practice, along with five weeks of paid pre-operational training. No previous custodial background is needed.

• $27.35 per hour during the five-week training period
• $29.50 per hour after training
• $30.93 per hour after 12 months and completion of Certificate III
• Western Australian State Government Pay Contribution Allowance of $256 per fortnight before tax
• Guaranteed minimum hours under the Enterprise Agreement
• Overtime applies for work beyond 7.6 hours in a day, before 5:00am, or after 7:00pm
• Saturday overtime is paid at 175% of base rate
• Sunday overtime is paid at 200% of base rate
• Meal allowances are paid when working more than 9.6 hours or when staying overnight
• On-call allowance of $25.73 per day where applicable
• Officer in Charge allowance of $3 per hour when carrying out extra duties
• Paid travel time and allowances for approved regional secondments
• Parking reimbursement where applicable

Working life and benefits

• Uniforms and footwear are supplied
• Paid breaks and TOIL options are available
• Shift workers receive five weeks of annual leave
• Ongoing paid training and refresher sessions are provided
• There are opportunities to gain experience through regional secondments
• The role offers structured development into accredited classifications
• Career progression may lead to senior, specialist, or supervisory positions

About the work

• Safely supervise and transport people in custody
• Maintain security during court hearings and related proceedings
• Carry out welfare checks and ensure duty of care is upheld
• Respond calmly and professionally to difficult situations
• Prepare accurate reports and records
• Work closely with a supportive operational team

What Ventia is seeking

• Availability for full-time training from Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
• Willingness to commit for 12 months to complete the Certificate III
• Australian citizenship or permanent residency
• A respectful, steady, and professional manner
• Ability to complete pre-employment medical, fitness, and background checks

About Ventia

Ventia provides essential services across Australia and New Zealand, with more than 35,000 employees and subcontractors operating across 400 sites. The company focuses on supporting people, building careers, and helping teams achieve their full potential.

Ventia promotes Fairness, Inclusion and Respect in the way it leads, recruits, collaborates, and supports its people. Applications are welcomed from candidates of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, genders, identities, sexual orientations, beliefs, and caring responsibilities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Accessible recruitment support is available, and applicants are encouraged to request adjustments at any stage.

Application note

Reference number: 167399.