Information booklet updated 8.5.13 - Department of Corrective ...

Youth Custodial Officer Recruitment
Pool 012024
Application Package
Thank you for your interest in working for the Department of Corrective Services (DCS) as a
Youth Custodial Officer (YCO).
The information in this booklet is designed to assist you in your preparation for the selection
process. It contains information about the Department of Corrective Services and the duties
of a Youth Custodial Officer.
About the Department ...................................................................... Page 3
The role……………….. ....................................................................... Page 4
Information Sessions ........................................................................ Page 5
Benefits……….. .................................................................................. Page 5
How to Apply …….............................................................................. Page 6
Application Process .......................................................................... Page 7
Selection Assessments .................................................................... Page 8
Stages of Selection Process ............................................................ Page 8
Fitness Assessment ........................................................................ Page 10
Application Form ............................................................................ Page 13
The preferred method of lodging an application is online at www.jobs.wa.gov.au (search for
position number 012024).
Should you have further questions after reading through this booklet, please contact Chris
Lee on 08 9333 2212 Alternatively you may choose to attend one of the Information
Sessions. See details attached.
The Department of Corrective Services is committed to ensuring that its workforce reflects the diversity of the community it
serves by encouraging people from all parts of the community including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women,
and people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds to apply.
Updated 1 st May 2013
2

About the Department of Corrective Services
The Department of Corrective Services was formed in February 2006, separating from the
Department of Justice, to manage adult and young people who offend in custody and in the
community.
The Department looks after 14 state prisons; one privately managed prison, six work
camps and one youth detention centre, as well as people on probation, parole and other
community orders.
The Department reports to the Minister for Corrective Services, the Hon Joe Francis MLA,
and is headed by A/Commissioner Heather Harker.
The key focus is to contribute to community safety by upholding the integrity of custodial and
non-custodial sentences and by positively influencing offender behaviour to reduce reoffending
and encourage law-abiding lifestyles.
The Department aims to provide an environment that encourages self-respect and respect
for others, embraces diverse cultural backgrounds and provides best opportunities for
positive change.
Youth Justice Services
Youth Justice Services works with young people who offend and their families to create safer
homes and communities. In dealing with young people, Youth Justice Services staff believe
that:
• families play an extremely important and ongoing role in helping a young person
change their behaviour
• a young person should be continually offered the chance to change their behaviour
• young people should be assessed to find out the best way to stop them from
breaking the law
• all young people must be treated with cultural sensitivity
• the Department works with other agencies which can help young people and their
families
• young people should only go into detention when all other options have failed or
when the offence is extremely serious
The range of services and programs offered by the Department to young people and their
families fall into four main areas:
• Preventing and diverting young people from entering detention
• Helping young people complete community-based sentences after they have been
convicted of a crime
• Intervening with young people and their families to help them get back on track when
a young person develops a criminal record
• Working with young people in detention or coming out of detention
More information about the Department and Youth Justice Services is available on our
website at www.correctiveservices.wa.gov.au
3

The role
The Department of Corrective Services is seeking dedicated people to work as Youth
Custodial Officers in its secure metropolitan youth custodial centre (Banksia Hill Detention
Centre) and Perth Children's Court.
Youth Custodial Officers are responsible for young people aged between 10 and 18 years,
supervising every aspect of their life in custody.
A Youth Custodial Officer is a person who:
• Is responsible for the safety, security, care, wellbeing and developmental needs of
young people in custody.
• Works with young people in challenging situations, by diffusing and managing
conflict.
• Is required to provide a positive role model for young people
• Has the ability to work with young people from Aboriginal or diverse cultural
backgrounds and is sensitive to cultural issues.
There are two types of Youth Custodial Officer positions available. Both positions carry out
similar duties, however there are different working arrangements and work locations.
1. Detention Centre positions involve shift work over seven days a week and
averaging 120 hours per 3 weeks, with an entitlement to accrued days off. These
positions are based at Banksia Hill Detention Centre and attract a 19% commuted
allowance.
2. Perth Children's Court positions are Monday to Friday, 38 hrs per week and do
not attract a 19% Commuted Allowance. From time to time, Perth Children's Court
staff may be required to work on weekends as per the provisions of the Agreement.
These positions are based at the Perth Children’s Court, but also are responsible for
the secure transport of young people to and from Banksia Hill Detention Centre to the
Metropolitan Courts.
Please read the Job Description Form and Youth Custodial Officer brochure for more
information on the specific duties of the role.
Suitable applicants will be placed in a pool from which permanent, full-time appointments
may be made when vacancies occur. Vacancies may exist at Banksia Hill Detention Centre
and Perth Children’s Court.
To be eligible to apply for Youth Custodial Officer position, applicants need to be Australian
or New Zealand citizens or have Australian permanent residency, and hold a current C-
Class Drivers Licence. No formal qualifications are required.
4

Information Sessions
Information Sessions will be conducted at the Banksia Hill Detention Centre, for people
considering a role as a Youth Custodial Officer. These sessions are a valuable way to learn
more about the Department and hear from our current staff. You are encouraged to attend
at the following dates/times:
Date Location Time
Tuesday 14 th May 2013 Banksia Hill Detention Centre
Warton Road Canning Vale
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Saturday 18 th May 2013 Banksia Hill Detention Centre
Warton Road Canning Vale
10:00am -11.30am
Parking is available on the main road. Please congregate at the
reception/gatehouse foyer at 06:00pm/10:00am sharp where a member of staff
will take you through to the facility. Please ensure you have neat attire and
closed in shoes and have photo id with you.
Benefits
Please note: Youth Custodial Officers are employed under the Department of Corrective
Services JCO General Agreement 2011..
Working with the Department of Corrective Services (DCS), you'll receive all the benefits
attached to a government career: job security, competitive wages, generous leave
provisions, a supported work/life balance and additional benefits including:
• base salary from $54,814 - $59,523 pa plus superannuation
• supplied uniforms
• excellent training resulting in a nationally-recognised qualification
• opportunities for promotion
• salary packaging – visit www.smartsalary.com.au for more details
• generous leave entitlements including:
o parental leave (paid and unpaid)
o study leave
o long service leave after 7 years
o purchased leave
There are also additional benefits available, dependent on which type of Youth Custodial
Officer position you are applying for:
Banksia Hill Detention Centre positions involve shift work over seven days a week and
averaging 120 hours per 3 weeks. These positions attract a 19% commuted allowance in
addition to the base salary, with a total leave package of 8 weeks paid leave per year.
Perth Children's Court positions are Monday to Friday 38 hrs per week and do not attract
a 19% Commuted Allowance. From time to time, Children's Court staff may be required to
work on weekends as per the provisions of the Agreement. These positions attract a leave
package of four weeks paid leave for each year of service, including 17.5% annual leave
loading.
Working in DCS, you'll constantly learn, face new challenges and negotiate changing
circumstances. Plus you'll be working with a team that's making a positive difference to the
lives of others.
5

How to Apply
In order for your application to be complete, your will need to submit the following:
1. A current Resume including the contact details of two work related referees
2. An application form (only provide if not applying online)
3. A covering letter that answers the following question in no more than 1 page:
Question i:
Please describe what you feel you will bring to a role working
with young people in custody.
Applicants must address the above and include all required attachments in order to
successfully apply to the position.
The closing date for submitting applications is 4.30pm WST 20th May 2013.
applications will not be accepted.
Late
Applicants who are shortlisted will be further assessed against the Work Related
Requirements listed in the Job Description Form. Refer to the “Selection Assessments”
section below.
Please apply online where possible. Alternatively, you can:
Fax: (08) 9264 6149
Hand delivery: Reception Level 12, 141 St Georges Terrace (applications must be securely
stapled)
Post: Attention: Employment Assistant,
Recruitment, Org Data and Classification Services Directorate,
Department of the Attorney General,
GPO Box F317, Perth WA 6841
Please note: emailed and late applications cannot be accepted.
6

Application Process
After submitting your full application before the closing date, the selection panel will begin to
assess your application.
Applications for Youth Custodial Officers go through 7 stages. Successful applicants will
have participated in every stage of the selection process and be assessed as suitable by a
review panel before being placed in a recruitment pool.
Often more people apply and are assessed as suitable; as compared to the vacant positions
the Department has available to offer. A recruitment pool is a great way to make sure all
those applicants who are suitable, but not offered a position, have an opportunity to be
considered next time around.
Once in the recruitment pool, you can be considered for the next available Youth Custodial
Officers’ training program that may become available over the next 12 months, without
having to re-apply.
The Department is a proud equal opportunity employer. We value the different life skills and
experience people bring to their work. It all adds up to DCS being a place strengthened by
its diversity. Our commitment to you is that we will be fair and equitable in our recruitment
decisions.
If you’ve read the job advertisement and would like more information, refer to the DCS
website at www.correctiveservices.wa.gov.au and follow the links: Careers > Opportunities >
Youth Custodial Officer.
Alternatively, you can call Chris Lee, Assistant Superintendent Banksia Hill Detention Centre
on 08 9333 2212
Selection Assessments
All applicants must be available for assessment in the Perth metropolitan area. Travel to and
from any assessment location is at the applicant’s expense.
The assessments may change at any time before or during the selection process, and
applicants will be notified of any changes.
Applicants who are deemed unsuccessful at any stage of the selection process will be
excluded from further assessments. All applicants will be formally advised in writing and will
be encouraged to seek feedback.
Successful applicants will be appointed to a pool. From this pool, selections will be made to
participate in the 14 week Entry Level Training Course for YCOs. This is followed by a ninemonth
probation period where you will complete a competency-based qualification on the
job. The pool will operate for a twelve month period. Successful entry into the pool does not
guarantee selection to participate in the 14 week training course.
The selection process has many stages. You can be sure that each stage is designed to
properly assess your skills, knowledge, experience and abilities to match the requirements of
the job.
7

Stages of the Selection Process
Stage 1 – Short-listing
Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted. Consideration will be given to eligibility
requirements, resumes and the answers provided in the covering letter.
Stage 2 - Employment Profile Assessment (EPA)
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend one of our EPA sessions scheduled to be held
in.June 2013 The Employment Profile Assessment consists of a number of written tests and
questionnaires that have been designed to assess some of the skills, abilities and
characteristics required to work successfully in a custodial environment as a Youth Custodial
Officer with the WA Department of Corrective Services. The Employment Profile
Assessment takes up to 4 hours to complete, and consists of two parts:
1. Ability and aptitude tests: timed tests of reading comprehension, verbal and abstract
reasoning skills. All applicants’ scores will be compared, and only the most
competitive will progress.
2. Personality questionnaires: the tests are designed to tell us about some of your
thoughts, beliefs and attitudes. The results from the questionnaires will not be taken
into consideration until the psychological interview.
Applicants who do not progress will be notified in writing.
Stage 3 – Interview
Applicants will be interviewed by a panel consisting of a Senior Manager, a Senior Youth
Custodial Officer and a HR specialist. The interview consists of a variety of questions
designed to assess an applicant’s skills, knowledge and abilities against the essential workrelated
requirements of the position (as detailed in the Job Description Form). The questions
will outline general typical scenarios typical to any workplace or experience.
Applicants assessed as deemed unsuitable at this stage will be advised in writing.
Stage 4 – National Criminal Clearance and Integrity Assessment
Applicants will be required to undergo criminal records screening and an integrity
assessment. A previous criminal conviction or pending charge will not necessarily preclude a
person from being employed with the Department.
Stage 5 – Medical and Fitness Assessments
Medical assessments will be conducted by practitioners at Medibank Health Solutions, our
external provider of pre-employment medical services. Medical assessments are used to
ascertain an applicant’s physical health and ability to perform the duties of a Youth Custodial
Officer. The health and medical assessment also indicates the applicant’s ability to
undertake a “fitness test”.
The Department covers the cost of the initial medical assessment. Any subsequent follow-up
medical advice, if required, is at the applicant’s cost. Applicants who are deemed
unsuccessful at this stage will be excluded from further assessment and selection processes
and will be formally advised in writing. Depending on the reasons for exclusion, applicants
may not be eligible to be reconsidered if they reapply.
Applicants who have been medically cleared will be invited to participate in the fitness
assessment, which includes three main components:
20 metre shuttle run (aerobic fitness)
Push ups test (upper body strength)
8

Zigzag test (agility)
Further information will be provided to applicants closer to the time of assessment. We
strongly encourage prospective applicants to consider commencing a training and fitness
regime as soon as possible.
Stage 6 – Psychological Interview
Applicants who have progressed to this stage will undertake a one-to-one interview with a
registered psychologist. The interview provides the psychologist an opportunity to further
explore the results from the Employment Profile Assessment with each applicant. The
interview helps to identify any potential strengths and weaknesses that may surface when
confronted with crisis, potential conflict or confrontational issues if employed.
The psychologist will provide their view on each applicant’s overall suitability for the position.
Any recommendations made by the psychologist will not be taken into consideration until the
Decision Panel meets, which is at the final stage of the selection process (see below).
Stage 7 – Decision Review panel
The Decision Panel will include senior management from Youth Custodial Services, as well
as the DCS Recruiting Psychologist. The Decision Panel will make a holistic assessment of
each applicant’s suitability and will be based on information obtained throughout the
selection process, including referee checks, the psychological interview, the panel interview,
and the initial application.
Applicant’s assessed as being suitable by the Decision Panel will be appointed to the
selection pool.
Final Selection and Appointment from the pool
Applicants selected to the pool are not guaranteed a job offer. Decisions to appointment
applicants from the pool to the Entry Level Training Course will be done based on the
commencement date of the next intake, the workforce requirements (which can include
diversity) and their overall competitiveness. The recruitment pool operates for a twelvemonth
period.
** Working with Children Clearance- Working with Children Act 2004 (WWC Act)
All new employees who work with children, as defined under the WWC Act, must be
successfully screened prior to the commencement of work.
Employees involved in child-related work will have both working with children and criminal
screening checks. A Working with Children card must be obtained prior to commencing
training at the Corrective Services Academy.
9

Fitness Assessment
Applicants who have successfully completed prior stages of the assessment and selection
processes will be required to participate in a fitness assessment.
The minimum fitness standards are:
Shuttle Run Agility Test Push-ups
Male Level 6 13 seconds 14
Female Level 3.6 14 seconds 7 (Method 1) or 14 (Method 2)
Warm-Up Preparation
On the day of the test, you will be allowed 10 minutes warm-up time. We suggest quad
stretches, calf stretches, shoulder reflexes and arm warm ups.
20 Metre Shuttle Run Test (Beep Test)
This test is designed to measure your aerobic capacity to run a distance with stops at regular
intervals.
It requires you to run 20 metres from one line to another in accordance with beeps on a CD.
This tests your overall aerobic fitness. The beeps start off slowly, allowing 9 seconds to run
20 metres (a fast pace walk) and then decreases by .02 of a second. Each stage has 7-9
steps, which will decrease in time.
You must place your foot on or over the line before the beep sounds, this continues over and
over again. You will have two chances in the test - if the beep sounds before you touch the
line but make it to the next line on time, you are safe.
If you do not touch the line on the first time before the beep and fail to touch the line next
time before the beep, it is considered to be two chances.
Turn & Repeat
Start 20
metres
10

Zigzag Agility Test
This test is to see if you move well in confined spaces and around objects. There are four
cones set up in a rectangular shape. The idea is to run to each cone, within a time limit, in a
figure eight pattern, whilst touching the cones as you pass them. This includes kneeling and
lying down on your back at set points.
The set up of this is as follows:
Start/ finish
1
s
6.0m
4
5.8m
(Lie down on back, then stand up)
again) 3
3.6m
2 (Kneel down [sitting on heels] then stand up)
)again)
Push Ups Test
Push-ups provide an indication of upper body strength and endurance, as well as stabilising
abdominal strength. The cadence (speed of the push-up) is one push-up per two seconds.
Males
Start the push up position with the toes on the ground, feet together, arms shoulder-width
apart with palms flat. The back should be straight and the head looking forward or down and
arms fully extended, the ‘up’ position.
From the ‘up’ position the arms bend to a 90 degree angle from the shoulder to elbow.
The body should remain generally in a straight line and parallel to the ground. This is the
‘down’ position.
Keeping the body generally in a straight line, the arms are then extended so that the
body returns to the ‘up’ position.
Returning to the ‘up’ position constitutes one repetition.
The push ups must be conducted in a continuous movement to the designated standard.
Females
Method 1: Same as for males (see above)
Method 2: Start the push up position with the knees on the ground, arms shoulder-width
apart with palms flat. The back should be straight and the head looking forward or down and
arms fully extended, the ‘up’ position.
From the ‘up’ position the arms bend to a 90 degree angle from the shoulder to elbow.
The body should remain generally in a straight line. This is the ‘down’ position.
Keeping the body generally in a straight line, the arms are then extended so that the
body returns to the ‘up’ position.
Returning to the ‘up’ position constitutes one repetition.
The push ups must be conducted in a continuous movement to the designated standard.
Training for the Fitness Assessment
Below is a guide to improve your fitness in 4 weeks. You should start training as soon as
possible. Ensure that you stretch, warm-up and cool down prior to such exercise.
Note: Prior to beginning training, it is your responsibility to ensure that you do not have any
injuries that may be aggravated by exercise. See your doctor if you are uncertain.
11

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Week 1
Am: 40 min brisk
walk;
Pm: Push-ups &
sit-ups
10x, rest;
8x, rest;
6x, rest
Am: Light run
1.5 km
Pm:
Ride/walk for
30-40 mins
Push-ups & situps
10x, rest;
8x, rest;
6x, rest.
Rest
Am: 40 min
brisk walk
Push-ups
sit-ups
10x, rest;
8x, rest;
6x, rest.
&
Rest
Week
2
Week
3
Week
4
Am:
40 min brisk
walk;
Pm:
run 1.8 km
Am: Run 2km
Pm: Push-ups
& sit-ups
14x, rest;
12x, rest;
10x, rest
Am: 55 min
brisk walk;
Pm: Push-ups
& sit-ups
16x, rest;
14x, rest;
12x, rest
Am: Pushups
& sit-ups
12x, rest;
10x, rest;
8x, rest Pm:
40 min brisk
walk
Am: Walk for
40-50 mins;
Am: run 2.3
km
Pm: 55 min
brisk walk;
Rest
Am: run 2 km
Pm: Push-ups
& sit-ups
14x, rest;
12x, rest;
10x, rest
Rest
Am: Ride/
walk for 40
mins
Pm: Pushups
& sit-ups
12x, rest;
10x, rest;
8x, rest
Am: 40 min
brisk walk;
Am: Pushups
& sit-ups
16x, rest;
14x, rest;
12x, rest
Am: run 1.8
km
Pm: Pushups
& sit-ups
12x, rest;
10x, rest;
8x, rest
Rest
Am: 55 min
brisk walk
Pm: run 2.3
km;
Rest
Am: run 2 km
Pm: Pushups
& situps
14x, rest;
12x, rest;
10x, rest
Rest
Am: walk for
30-40 mins;
Am: 40 min
walk
Pm: Pushups
& situps
14x, rest;
12x, rest;
10x, rest
Am: Pushups
& sit-ups
16x, rest;
14x, rest;
12x, rest
12

Application for Vacancy Form
IMPORTANT NOTES
1. No late applications will be accepted.
2. All applicants are advised to address the selection requirements as stated in the advertisement and/or the job
application kit e.g. work related requirements (selection criteria)
Vacancy
Details
Personal
Details
Position Title
Position No.
Youth Custodial Officer
Division
Classification Level
Community and Youth Justice Level 2
Surname
Given Names
Mr Mrs Miss
Ms Dr
Home Address
Telephone
Home
Post Code
Work
Email
Mobile
Age Range: 60
Equal Opportunity Information The following optional information is for equal opportunity reporting purposes:
Are you of: Aboriginal descent Torres Strait Islander descent Both
What is your country of birth?
What is the main language spoken at home?
Are you from a culturally diverse background (born outside Australia in a country whose main language is NOT English)
Yes
No
Address for
Notification
Recruitment
Source
Citizenship and
Residency
Current
Employment
Postal Address if different to Home Address (Please do not designate your work place as the address for notification)
How did you first become aware of this vacancy?
Post Code
Department of Corrective Services Website Seek The West Australian
The Australian Govt Job Board Other Newspaper/Magazine
Permanent Residency is a pre-requisite for appointment to permanent staff.
Non-permanent residents who have a working visa are eligible for fixed term appointments.
Are you an Australian or NZ citizen or permanent Yes
No Please provide the relevant information:
resident?
1. Date applied for permanent residency? / /
2. Type of visa and expiry date? / /
As a condition of employment you maybe required to undergo formal verification of your right to work in Australia from the
Department of Immigration Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs.
Will you consent to such screening? Yes No
Are you currently employed within the West Australian State Government? No Yes Provide details:
Employment status: Permanent Fixed Term Casual
Current level: Expiry date of your fixed term contract: / /
Are you employed under the Public Service Award 1992? Yes No
Are you employed as a “Ministerial Officer” (S68 PSM Act 1994) or employed on a contract
for service to assist a political office holder? Yes No
Have you received a voluntary severance payment from the WA Public Sector? Yes No
If yes, which Department?
Previous WA
Public Sector
Employment
Period of Severance: / / to / /
Have you previously been employed with the Department of Corrective Services, Department
of the Attorney General or Department of Justice? No Yes
If yes, for what period? / / to / /
Employee Number?
Eligibility requirements to be checked by the Employment Section – Eligible? Yes No
PLEASE COMPLETE PAGE 2
13

DECLARATIONS
The following declarations are NOT a barrier to being considered for employment but will assist us to take
due care in assessing appropriate placement should you be the successful applicant.
Health
To the best of your knowledge and belief, are you of sound health? Yes No Please provide details:
Have you ever made a claim(s) for Workers’ Compensation? No Yes Please provide details
Date
Claim
of
/ / Is the claim still current? Yes No
Details:
Workers’
Compensation
Claim
Date
Claim
of
/ / Is the claim still current? Yes No
Details:
Date
Claim
of
/ / Is the claim still current? Yes No
Details:
Criminal Records
Screening
Do you have any current convictions for any offences from any court, or are you currently the subject of any charge pending
before any court (excluding any convictions which you have had declared spent)? Yes No
The Department requires as a condition of employment, that you undergo formal Criminal Records Screening.
Will you consent to such screening? Yes No
Applicants identified as working in child-related work, as defined by the Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking)
Act 2004 require Working with Children Checks.
Will you consent to such screening? Yes No
I acknowledge by submitting this application that I am declaring all statements in the application to be true in all respects. I acknowledge
that any statement which is found to be false or deliberately misleading will make me, if employed, liable for dismissal.
Signature
Date
/ /
Please ensure that the documentation requested in the advertisement / application package is attached.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT SLIP FOR HAND DELIVERED APPLICATIONS ONLY - (To be completed by the
applicant) –
This is to confirm that the Department of Corrective Services has received your application for position number:
_______________
Although every effort is taken to complete the selection process in a timely manner, at times delays can occur.
If you need to check on the progress of the selection process please contact the person nominated in the
advertisement.
Name:
Address:
(Please do not designate your work area
as the address for notification)
P/Code