Welcome to Western Plains Correctional Centre
Western Plains Correctional Centre (Western Plains) is Victoria’s newest maximum-security correctional facility.
Western Plains is evolving the way prisons operate.
We’re driven by a people-first vision that improves the experience of people in our care, staff, and the community.
We put the well-being of our team and the people in our care at the forefront of everything we do. We use modern techniques to manage people in our care, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration into the community.
We use advanced technology to keep the facility secure and functioning effectively. We’re committed to innovation and constantly seek ways to improve our daily operations.
As Western Plains prepares to receive people in our care, we are looking for the right people to join our team as prison officers.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help us drive meaningful change in the community.
Want to be a part of it?
About the role
Prison officers are essential to the operation of the prison. Your work is dynamic, and every day will be different.
As a prison officer, you will:
- maintain the safety and security of the facility, people in our care, and other prison officers
- perform searches and escorts, operate security equipment, and handle reports and incidents
- monitor the behaviour of people in custody and assist with their rehabilitation through case management
- support work and learning programs, and help people in custody connect with family and community.
Your role as a prison officer is a crucial factor in a person's rehabilitation journey. In your daily interactions, you’ll demonstrate respect and integrity, encouraging people in custody to make better choices. The work you do helps reduce the risk of reoffending and makes the community safer for everyone.
We recommend that you read the Western Plains position description below. This will give you further understanding of the expectations and responsibilities of a prison officer.
Download the position description
$5,000 sign-on bonus
We’re committed to attracting the best talent to join us at Western Plains, so we’re offering a $5,000 sign-on bonus to eligible new prison officers. Six months after commencing, you will receive a payment of $2,500. Then, after one year’s full-time employment, you will receive an additional payment of $2,500.
Conditions apply. Terms and conditions are detailed below.
About you
Who we’re looking for
At Western Plains, we’re looking for people who approach every day with a positive mindset. Your fresh perspective is valued and you will actively support our team and people in our care. You’ll be challenged, but your resilience and dedication will help you thrive.
We look for candidates who are:
- good communicators who enjoy achieving positive outcomes
- action-oriented and driven by strong principles and integrity
- effective negotiators
- team players who enjoy seeing people progress.
There is no specific professional background needed to become a prison officer. It’s your life experience that counts in this role.
Benefits and eligibility
What’s in it for you
Being a prison officer is a secure role with great benefits and career progression opportunities.
- Earn up to $88,546 with a base salary $61,620 (80-hour fortnight) plus standard penalty rates and overtime.
- Annual salary increases.
- $5,000 sign-on bonus*.
- 41 days comprehensive paid training (full time).
- Generous leave entitlements with 5 weeks annual leave and 3 weeks personal leave.
- Long-service leave of three months on full-pay, or six months on half-pay after 10 years of service - access accrued long service leave on a pro-rata basis after seven years.
- Well-being facilities and access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- A focus on professional development and learning opportunities.
- Complete a Certificate III in Correctional Practice (Adult Custodial), which, when completed, increases base salary up to $65,374.
- Relocation assistance of up to $10,000 if you’re moving from more than 100km away.
Read more about the role, benefits and watch helpful videos
Flexibility and work-life balance at Western Plains
We understand the importance of having a healthy work-life balance. We offer a 24-hour rotating shift roster for flexibility in your working week. Your working hours are longer and allow you to bundle your week for more days off in a row.
Western Plains is the first facility in Victoria to also offer a day shift option for custodial staff. This option allows you to work day shifts only for a more consistent work-life balance.
Discover your future at Western Plains
Join as a prison officer at Western Plains and lay the foundation for a dynamic and rewarding career. There are many opportunities for growth and development and a range of career paths to explore.
You’ll gain valuable experience and can progress within the facility or explore new and exciting roles in the wider Victorian Public Service.
Apply now and help shape the future of corrections
Eligibility
- You must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold Australian permanent residency
- You need to hold a current Victorian driver's license (minimum P2 category) and be willing to obtain a first-aid certificate
- A certain level of health and fitness is required for the role. Learn more about these requirements.
About the facility
Western Plains Correctional Centre is a modern, maximum-security prison. It accommodates up to 1248 people, including people convicted of an offence and people placed on remand.
Western Plains features many modern amenities, including state-of-the-art medical wards, a cultural centre and vocational training facilities.
Western Plains operates with three primary service teams:
- workforce and prison services
- communities
- safety and operational service.
These teams collaboratively deliver comprehensive services for the people in our care, safety management and corporate services.
Through this innovative design and service model, we aim to create a working environment that promotes safety as well as positive and enduring behavioural change.
Western Plains Correctional Centre
1140 Bacchus Marsh Road
Lara VIC 3212
Recruitment process
The recruitment process takes approximately 6-10 weeks.
Online application
Tell us about yourself and your employment history. Upload your resume and confirm your eligibility. Only one application is needed, even if you're interested in multiple prison locations.
Time: 20 minutes - online
Phone interview
Describe your interest in the prison officer role in a short interview with a member of the recruitment team. It's a great chance to demonstrate your verbal skills. All you need to do is select a good time for us to call you.
Time: 10 minutes - via phone
Assessment centre
Participate in a role play, group activity and an online problem solving assessment. These activities will also give you an insight into the prison officer role.
Time: 3 hours - online or in person
Health assessment
We will provide you with a free health assessment that will be completed by a third-party medical provider. Being fit for work is important.
Time: 3 hours - in person
Verification checks
You'll be asked to complete pre-employment security checks. There's some online paperwork to fill out with questions that will help to establish your suitability for the role. We will also connect with your referees, so it is a good idea to let them know in advance that you have applied to become a prison officer.
Time: 20 minutes - online
Induction
Successful candidates will be invited to an induction session at the prison where you meet other new team members, and we help get you started on your new career at Corrections Victoria.
Time: 5 hours - in person
Terms and conditions of the $5,000 sign-on bonus
To be eligible for the $5,000 sign-on bonus, you must:
- have applied to become a trainee prison officer after 13 September 2023
- not be an employee of the Department of Justice and Community Safety when appointed as a trainee prison officer
- have completed your probationary period and had your employment confirmed in accordance with the provisions within the VPS Enterprise Agreement 2024
- not be subject to formal under performance processes or proven misconduct
- be employed as an ongoing prison officer* after 6 months of continuous service† (to receive the first bonus)
- be employed as an ongoing prison officer after 12 months of continuous service (to receive the second bonus).
* Part-time employees will be paid a pro-rata value, based on the percentage of full-time hours they’re contracted to work.
† Continuous service means the total time you have spent working as a custodial officer (including time as a trainee prison officer).
Apply now
Information sessions
Join a free online information session to learn about the role, the recruitment process and have your questions answered by current prison officers.