Supervises and controls activities of inmates in a prison or other correctional institution.

Observes behaviour of prisoners to prevent disturbances and escapes; inspects and maintains the security of locks, window bars, grilles, doors and gates; supervises prisoners during work assignments, recreational periods, sporting activities and meals; assists with the implementation of education, rehabilitation and other programmes organised for prisoners; searches prisoners and cells for weapons, drugs and other contraband items; patrols assigned areas and reports breaches of rules, unsatisfactory attitudes and adjustment problems; requisitions prisoners' clothing, toiletries, reading material and other allowable items; supervises prisoners in transit between courts, prisons and other facilities.

Indoors in prison facilities and courts usually in adequately heated and ventilated areas, and may work outdoors when guarding prisoners during recreational periods or on work programmes. Likely to work with people in very stressful and distressing personal situations. Offenders may at times be aggressive, violent and hostile. Systems to maintain worker’s safety should be utilised at all times.

• Medium physical demand level and frequently stands and walks about and may sit.
• Twisting of the body or neck, stretching up and reaching across and bending squatting, crouching and kneeling may be required.
• Contact with skin irritants or water is not a typical requirement.
• Lifting, carrying and holding may be required on an occasional basis, particularly in control and restraint situations.
• Repetitive hand movement is likely occasionally when entering data into a computer.
• Driving is not likely to be a significant requirement for this role although there are some roles in which driving is required (for example, Court supervision).
• Use of hand-held objects will include general office equipment and restraining devices.
• Mental skills necessary include assessment, computing, communication, decision-making, report writing, knowledge of relevant criminal justice legislation and communication skills with cultural sensitivity and knowledge.

Persons entering this occupation must have the ability to communicate effectively in English, pass police, medical, physical fitness, communication, analytical, numerical and digital literacy assessments; complete a personality profile; attend a panel interview; hold a current driver's licence for manual and automatic vehicles; hold a current first aid certificate with unit standards 26551 and 26552 or 6400-02; and have no criminal convictions in the last 20 years (ANZSCO Skill Level 4). Must also be available to attend a six week residential training course at the Corrections Staff College.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.