Custody Officer

Role overview

This position sits within custodial services delivered for the Western Australian Department of Justice at the Kalgoorlie Courthouse. It is suited to people seeking stable employment, reliable conditions, and a long-term career path in the justice sector. The work includes structured preparation, training supported under an Enterprise Agreement, and the chance to operate in several professional justice settings.

About the role

Custody Officers are responsible for helping protect the safety, dignity, and welfare of people in custody while supporting the efficient running of the justice system. The job involves close collaboration with a supportive operational team and may include court duties, prisoner movements, and secure medical escorts. Each shift offers variety and a clear sense of purpose.

Key duties

• Safely supervise and move people in custody.
• Support security and order during court proceedings.
• Carry out welfare checks and maintain duty-of-care standards.
• Respond to difficult situations in a calm, composed, and professional manner.
• Prepare accurate written records and reports.
• Work cooperatively with the wider team on operational tasks.

Training, pay, and conditions

The role includes fully funded Certificate III in Correctional Practice training and five weeks of paid pre-operational training. No previous custodial background is required. Pay progresses through structured stages: $27.35 per hour during training, $29.50 per hour after training, and $30.93 per hour after 12 months and completion of the Certificate III. A Western Australian State Government Pay Contribution Allowance of $256 per fortnight before tax is also provided.

Guaranteed minimum hours apply under the Enterprise Agreement. Overtime is paid when work exceeds 7.6 hours in a day, or when shifts fall before 5:00am or after 7:00pm. Penalty rates include 175% of base rate on Saturdays and 200% on Sundays.

Additional allowances may include a regional allowance of $5,943 per year paid through fortnightly instalments, meal allowances for shifts longer than 9.6 hours or overnight stays, an on-call allowance of $25.73 per day where applicable, an Officer in Charge allowance of $3 per hour for extra duties, paid travel time and allowances for approved regional secondments, and parking reimbursements where applicable.

Work environment and benefits

The role offers a mix of court security, custody duties, prisoner transport, secure hospital and medical work, and possible regional secondments. Uniforms and footwear are supplied, paid breaks and TOIL options are available, and shift workers receive five weeks of annual leave. Ongoing paid training and refresher learning are also part of the package.

Career development

There is a clear pathway for progression through accredited classifications, with opportunities to move into senior, specialist, or supervisory positions over time.

What the employer is seeking

Applicants should be available for full-time training from Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, and must be willing to commit for 12 months in order to complete the Certificate III. Australian citizenship or permanent residency is required. The ideal candidate will be respectful, resilient, and professional, and must be able to pass pre-employment medical, fitness, and background checks.

About the employer

The employer is a major services organisation operating across Australia and New Zealand, with more than 35,000 employees and subcontractors working across 400 sites. The organisation focuses on essential infrastructure and promotes fairness, inclusion, and respect. Applications are welcomed from people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all genders, identities, sexual orientations, beliefs, and caring responsibilities. Accessible recruitment support and adjustments are available on request.

Additional information

Position reference number: 167602.

For more information, contact Meg Petsa at meg.petsa@ventia.com.