Custody Officer

Role overview

This is a full-time Custody Officer opportunity based in Willetton, Western Australia, with work across Metro Perth. The position supports custodial services delivered for the WA Department of Justice and is designed for people seeking stable conditions, meaningful work, and a long-term career path in the justice sector.

Custody Officers are responsible for helping maintain the safety, dignity, and welfare of people in custody while contributing to the smooth running of justice-related operations. The work involves a variety of environments, including courts, prisoner transport, and secure medical escorts, so the role is varied and purpose-driven.

Training and pay

The role includes structured entry-level training and no prior custodial experience is needed. Successful candidates will complete a fully funded Certificate III in Correctional Practice and take part in five weeks of fully paid training before moving into operational duties.

Training pay is $27.35 per hour. After training, the rate increases to $29.50 per hour, and after 12 months plus completion of the Certificate III, the rate becomes $30.93 per hour.

A Western Australian State Government Pay Contribution Allowance of $256 per fortnight before tax is also provided. Guaranteed minimum hours are available under the Enterprise Agreement.

Additional pay, allowances, and conditions

Overtime applies when shifts run beyond 7.6 hours in a day, start before 5:00am, or finish after 7:00pm. Penalty rates are 175% of base pay on Saturdays and 200% on Sundays.

Other available allowances include meal payments when working more than 9.6 hours or staying overnight, an on-call allowance of $25.73 per day where applicable, and an Officer In Charge allowance of $3 per hour when carrying out additional duties. Approved regional secondments may include paid travel time and allowances, and parking reimbursement may also be available where applicable.

Employees receive uniforms and footwear, paid breaks, time off in lieu options, five weeks of annual leave for shift workers, and ongoing paid training and refresher sessions.

Career growth

The role offers a long-term pathway with structured progression through accredited classifications. There are also opportunities to move into senior, specialist, or supervisory positions over time.

Key duties

In this role, you will work as part of a supportive team and take responsibility for secure, calm, and professional custodial operations.

You may be involved in court security, custody supervision, prisoner transport, escorting people in custody, and secure hospital or medical duties. You will also complete welfare checks, respond appropriately to challenging situations, maintain order during court proceedings, prepare accurate reports, and work closely with your operational team.

What the employer is seeking

Applicants should be ready to attend full-time training from Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, and must be willing to commit for 12 months to complete the Certificate III.

Australian citizenship or permanent residency is required. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a respectful, resilient, and professional attitude, and must be able to pass pre-employment medical, fitness, and background checks.

About the employer

The hiring organisation is a major services provider operating across Australia and New Zealand, supporting essential infrastructure and services with a large workforce across many sites. The organisation places strong emphasis on fairness, inclusion, respect, and career development, and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Application note

If you are looking for secure employment with strong conditions and work that has real purpose, this role offers a meaningful pathway into custodial services. For more information, the contact person listed is Meg Petsa.

Position reference number: 167601.