Queensland Corrective Services Graduate Programs & Internships

The Queensland Corrective Services Story

QCS is committed to the critical role of community safety and crime prevention through the humane containment, supervision, and rehabilitation of offenders. Our business has a complexity unmatched by many other areas of public administration. Challenges faced in the community—problematic substance use, poor mental health, physical ailments, and social disadvantage—are experienced in a greater proportion of the correctional population. The sole purpose of our business is to ensure those who come in with the corrective system are less likely to return to crime. We embed evidence-based practice in every facet of the business and improve the safety and security of our officers, prisoners, offenders, and, most importantly, of all Queenslanders. To deliver corrective services to the highest standard, we must embrace every opportunity to meet opportunities head-on and harness the best evidence-based practices to reduce crime.

Queensland Corrective Services manages more than 9,000 prisoners in correctional centers and 18,000 offenders subject to supervision in the community. More than 6,000 corrective services officers deliver services across Queensland and are located in high and low-security correctional centers, work camps, community corrections regional and district offices and reporting centers, and headquarters in the Brisbane CBD.

The Recruitment Process

There are various pathways to becoming a team member of Queensland Corrective Services.

Community Corrections

As a case manager within Community Corrections, you will:

• supervise and manage offenders subject to community-based orders by undertaking direct interaction to ensure reporting and assessment requirements are met;
• ensure offenders comply with the conditions of their supervision order by legislation and operational practice guidelines;
• conduct drug testing of offenders and maintain accurate records;
• identify risk and respond appropriately, working together with the Queensland Police Service and other government agencies to ensure a high standard of community safety;
• compile offender case notes and intervention reports, and ensure the provision of accurate information to the courts, Parole Board Queensland, and other agencies; and
• participate in the rehabilitation of offenders through their management and involvement in intervention and community service programs.

A mandatory requirement for case managers is the possession of a human services or behavioral science degree in fields such as criminology, law, justice, humanities, psychology, social sciences, social welfare, health, education, business, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies.

Custodial Correctional Officer

QCS manages approximately 9,000 prisoners across some of the most modern and technologically advanced high, low, and community custody facilities in the world, including:

• eleven high-security prisons;
• six low-security facilities; and
• thirteen work camps.

QCS is also responsible for the management of the transport of prisoners, as well as the operation of the Princess Alexandra Hospital Secure Unit and the custodial management of the QEII Courts Complex. As a Custodial Correctional Officer (CCO), you will:

• monitor and maintain the security of the correctional environment;
• supervise prisoners daily;
• participate in the reception, induction, and discharge of prisoners by procedures;
• write prisoner case notes and prepare reports;
• interact with police, solicitors, contractors, as well as the general public; and
• drive the rehabilitation of prisoners. 

Applicants are required to provide their most up-to-date CV and application letter when applying for opportunities with QCS.

Applicants may be contacted by phone to participate in phone interviews or face-to-face interviews. Interviews can be between 30 - 40 minutes in duration in front of a panel.

Only Custodial Officers will be required to participate in Assessment Centres once successful.

Remuneration and career prospects

Remuneration varies depending on the role that you acquire:

Community Corrections:

• Starting salary from $60,527.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Highly regarded superannuation scheme, leave loading, and salary-sacrificing opportunities.

Custodial Correctional Officer:

• Starting salary from $48,000, plus shift allowances where applicable. Certain post-secondary qualifications may attract a higher commencement salary.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities including a 10-week training course to acquire a Certificate III in Correctional Practice.
• Additional professional development opportunities.
• Highly regarded superannuation scheme, leave loading, and salary-sacrificing opportunities