Information for Applicants ENTRY LEVEL Your Department The Department of Community Safety in Queensland is unique. It is the only Department in Australia that delivers correctional, ambulance, fire, emergency, and disaster management services as a single agency. This collaborative approach across the service and with key stakeholders provides outstanding safety services to our community. The operational divisions of the department are the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS), Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) and Queensland Corrective Services (QCS). Supporting the operational divisions are the Corporate Support Division (CSD) and Strategic Policy Division (SPD). You will work in an organisation that values community service, learning, safety, teamwork and results. You will be actively encouraged and supported as an individual and will have access to a range of flexible work options, excellent learning and development opportunities, and generous study assistance. More information is available from the following website: www.communitysafety.qld.gov.au Your Division - Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) focuses on community safety and crime prevention through an integrated correctional services system delivering humane containment, supervision, and intervention for offenders. This is achieved by balancing high standards of containment and supervision with an integrated and consistent focus on rehabilitation. The Division continuously strives for more effective and innovative programs and services with a strong commitment to equity and cultural diversity. As leaders in corrections: partners in criminal and social justice, QCS aims to: Build on established and sound correctional practices Actively drive the policy agenda to set the future direction of corrective services Establish innovative and effective intervention strategies and programs that are responsive to government priorities Establish participative and collaborative networks that support whole of government and community goals for safer communities More information is available from the following website: www.correctiveservices.qld.gov.au
Applying for a Position IMPORTANT INFORMATION This document provides important information to persons intending to apply for a position within Queensland Corrective Services. Please consider the following points prior to applying for an Entry Level Position: RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS Successful candidates for entry level custodial positions will need to provide proof of citizenship or residency status prior to appointment. Only Australian citizens, or a person who resides in Australia and has permission, under a Commonwealth law, to (i) work in Australia; and (ii) remain in Australia indefinitely, will be considered for entry level custodial positions within Queensland Corrective Services. PROOF OF IDENTITY Successful candidates will need to provide proof of identity prior to appointment. Primary identification documents are: birth certificate (mandatory), plus citizenship certificate, current Australia or overseas passport or current Department of Immigration and Citizenship travel document. Where the name shown on the documents differs from the current name, the candidate must provide sufficient evidence of their change of name eg. due to marriage or name change by Deed Poll etc. EXPLANATION OF RECRUITMENT DOCUMENTS It is important that each document is read thoroughly and, where relevant, completed and attached to your application before submitting. 1. Information for Applicants This document provides important information to persons intending to apply for an Entry Level position within Queensland Corrective Services. This can be obtained from the Queensland Government Smart Jobs and Careers website (www.smartjobs.qld.gov.au) by navigating to the relevant advertised vacancy. It explains the recruitment processes and tools used as well as details of other important information and must be read before you apply for a position. 2. Role Description A Role Description is available for each advertised vacancy. As a first step in applying for a position, you should acquire the relevant Role Description. This can be obtained from the Queensland Government Smart Jobs and Careers website (www.smartjobs.qld.gov.au) by navigating to the relevant advertised vacancy or by telephoning the number listed in the advertised vacancy for assistance. The Role Description should be read carefully as it describes: Mandatory Qualifications and Requirements; the purpose and major duties of the position; primary delegations, accountabilities and responsibilities and the name and number of the person you may contact if you need further information about the vacancy. More information is available from the following website: www.correctiveservices.qld.gov.au/employment Further information for Mandatory Qualifications and Mandatory Requirements are detailed below: Mandatory Requirements Depending on the specific Entry Level position there may be certain licences, experiences and/or qualifications, including Trade related qualifications that are required to perform the duties of the role. Refer to the relevant Role Description for further details. Applicants will need to provide certified copies of relevant certificates for any post secondary qualifications attained. Qualifications obtained overseas or interstate will not be considered unless they have been assessed in accordance with the Australian Qualifications Framework. Applicants need to arrange an assessment of comparability from the relevant authority before presenting to the interview panel. Overseas qualifications can be assessed by: National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) website: http://aei.gov.au/aei/qualificationsrecognition/default.htm or The Skills Recognition Training Services, Dept of Education: and Training website: http://www.training.qld.gov.au/information/skills-recognition/index.html Condition of Employment During the first year, officers are required to complete a Certificate III in Correctional Practice (offered by Queensland Corrective Services). Failure to achieve pass requirements in all relevant modules in the Certificate III may affect ongoing employment. Refer to the Role Description for more information. Updated 02/2012 Page 2 of 8
3. Entry Level Application Form (this document is in addition to the online Smartjobs My Application document) The Queensland Corrective Services Entry Level Application Form is initially used by the Recruitment Team to assist in determining if the applicant will be progressed to the next stage. This can be obtained from the Queensland Government Smart Jobs and Careers website (www.smartjobs.qld.gov.au) by navigating to the relevant advertised vacancy under Attached Position Files. It must be completed and included with each application when applying and is in addition to the Smartjobs online My Application document, your resume and covering letter. Preparing your APPLICATION When applying for an advertised Entry Level position you must submit the following two documents: Entry Level Application Form Complete the Queensland Corrective Services Entry Level Application Form and pay special attention to the information requested in relation to your work experience and post secondary qualifications. It is essential that the information that you provide is accurate and you should be aware that rigorous checking of the validity of the information will be carried out. Failure to provide accurate or complete information may stop your application from progressing to the next stage of the selection process. Resumé Your resumé should include: Personal details (Name, contact address, phone number/s, email etc). Employment history including volunteer work Name of organisation Period of employment Job title, relevant duties and/or responsibilities, & Major achievements in role/s. Relevant skills, knowledge and/or competencies gained in and outside work (particularly those that underpin the key tasks and major activities as described in the role description). Relevant qualifications, education and training. Contact details for your current employer in order to validate your conduct, performance and record of service. Contact details for two recent (within the last 2 years) work referees in a supervisory and managerial capacity, (including current phone numbers, email address and fax numbers) who have a comprehensive knowledge of your work performance and experience. Optional Document: Covering Letter Applicants may submit a short covering letter (maximum of two pages) which should include why you are applying for the role and a summary of relevant roles, experiences and/or achievements as well as any additional information that you consider relevant. Please note: If your contact details change at any time after you have submitted your application please advise the Recruitment Team as soon as possible. Please also contact the Recruitment Team if you will be unavailable at any time eg. travelling etc. to provide alternate contact information. All personal information obtained in the application process will be treated confidentially and held securely in accordance with the relevant legislation. Submitting your APPLICATION You can submit your application by applying on-line at www.smartjobs.qld.gov.au (please note applications MUST be lodged on-line; applications will NOT be accepted by post, fax or email). See page 8 for further details. Updated 02/2012 Page 3 of 8
The Selection Process When your application is received, an acknowledgment receipt will be sent to you from Queensland Shared Services, our shared services provider. If you haven t received this notification from Queensland Shared Services within a week please contact them to ensure your application was lodged. All applications will commence a 6 Selection Process. (For more comprehensive details refer to The Selection Process step by step). 1. One Assessment and Shortlisting 2. Psychological Assessment 3. Criminal History Checking 4. Medical Assessment (Costs to be covered by applicant) 5. Interview 6. Reference and Pre-Employment Checking Applicants need to be successful in each stage of the selection process before moving on to the next. THE SELECTION PROCESS - STEP BY STEP Your application and resume will be evaluated and shortlisted on the basis of your work and life experience and qualifications. 1 2 Assessment and shortlisting Psychological Assessment The selection panel will look for information in your Entry Level Application Form and resumé where you have identified current or previous roles, work experiences (paid and voluntary) and knowledge and skills relevant to the advertised job. Refer to the Role Description under the headings Mandatory Requirements, Key Tasks, Relevant Experience, and Knowledge and Skills. Ensure your resumé covers all of these aspects whether gained in a work situation or not. The selection panel will assess how well your experience, skills and knowledge fits the advertised position. Evidence that you meet any Mandatory Requirements, as listed in the Role Description, should be submitted with your application. You may be required to have an informal phone interview to obtain further information. If you are successful at 1, you will need to be available for approximately four to five hours to complete psychological assessment. 3 4 Criminal history checking Medical Assessment If you progress to 3 you will be required to complete a Criminal History Check. You must disclose any criminal histories and/or charges (including convictions which are not recorded), as per the provisions of the Criminal Law (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act 1986, section 9A(1). A criminal conviction or charge will not automatically exclude an applicant from consideration for appointment with QCS. QCS will obtain information from the Queensland Police Service on whether there is any previous criminal history or an applicant is under investigation for a serious offence. An offer of employment will not be made until a criminal history check has been performed, and clearance or a waiver (where appropriate) has been granted. If this clearance or waiver is not granted, you will not be eligible for employment with Queensland Corrective Services. Long-Term Residents of any other Country If you have lived/worked overseas, you will need to obtain a criminal history clearance from each country you lived/worked. Please contact the recruitment team if you require further details. You will be required to undertake a medical assessment which is to be certified by a General Practitioner. This is to assess your medical capacity to undertake the role of Custodial Correctional Officer; Trade Instructor; Activity Officer, Farm or Field Officer. All costs associated with this assessment are to be covered by the applicant. Updated 02/2012 Page 4 of 8
5 6 Interview* and/or work tests Reference checking and pre-employment checking. If you are progressed to this stage, the selection panel will invite you to attend an interview. This is a structured interview and is approximately 1 hour long. At this stage you will also need to provide the selection panel with JP certified copies of relevant certificates, any post-secondary qualifications attained and citizenship documents including birth certificate and passport. The selection panel will conduct a reference check before you can be offered a position on the Custodial Officer Entry Program (COEP). The purpose of these checks is to verify that the information provided by the applicant in the selection processes is accurate. Your referees will be asked to comment on and confirm your recent work achievements, performance and previous discipline history. It is recommended you provide your Referees with a copy of the Role Description, your resume and any other relevant information. Reference checking can also include previous disciplinary history. Your Referees must be recent work supervisors (within the last 2 years) or equivalent. Queensland Corrective Services also conducts pre-employment screening. These checks verify the information provided by you in the recruitment processes is accurate. Checks may include but, not limited to confirmation of the supplied referee s role and your identity, pattern of absenteeism, length of service, previous performance and discipline history. *Please ensure you keep a copy of the Role Description and Information for Applicants documents. If you progress to interview will need to review these documents. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OFFERS FOR SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS All of the applicants that have successfully progressed through the above stages will be placed in an order of merit. All successful applicants will be advised in writing of the outcome of the selection process following approval of appointments. UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS If you do not progress past any of the selection stages you will be advised in writing. Feedback is available and you will be advised how and when feedback can be requested. Feedback will be specific and constructive to identify areas where you may need further development and/or experience. TRAINING INFORMATION If successful you will be required to complete a compulsory (10 week) paid training and accreditation program, Custodial Officer Entry Program (COEP). This training program will be conducted to train at the Queensland Corrective Services Academy at Wacol, Brisbane. Lotus Glen and Townsville applicants may be able to complete the training at these locations. The Custodial Officer Entry Program (COEP) includes: Responding to Emergencies This component requires participants to successfully complete an operational circuit within 5 minutes. The circuit consists of: 1. Jog/run approximately 500 metres including repetitive stair (10 x 20cm steps) ascents and 2. 10 arm and leg thrusts and 3. 10 prone/push and stand drill exercises and 4. 20 metre 70kg mannequin drag, and 5. then communicate effectively using a radio These activities commence from week 1 of the COEP therefore prior to commencement successful applicants must have the physical ability to successfully complete these activities. Updated 02/2012 Page 5 of 8
Physical Control & Restraint Technique Training This component involves a degree of physical exertion and strong physical contact, e.g. barging, tackling, restraining. Techniques include punching, kicking, baton use, applying physical restraint devices, joint locks, unbalancing, leverage, pressure point control and applying pain as a stimulus to enforce compliance. Chemical Agents Direct exposure to chemical agents while wearing a mask and then exposure to the agent with the mask removed. Firearms Participants will be expected to demonstrate competence in the use and routine maintenance of a Glock pistol. Following this program, applicants will undergo competency based training and assessment in a prison or facility to complete Certificate III Correctional Practices (Custodial) during the first year of employment. Key Tasks Supervise the prisoners on a daily basis Monitor and maintain the security requirements of the correctional centre and/or facility Support and promote internal and external professional relationships Undertake reporting and administration functions Major Activities Supervise the behaviour and activities of prisoners on a daily basis in accordance with the centre/facility's routine. Assist in the rehabilitation of prisoners by participating in or overseeing their work or activities. Identify prisoners who may be at risk and advise relevant staff in a timely manner. Interact with prisoners and respond to their needs through the provision of services in an appropriate manner within relevant guidelines and rules. Encourage prisoners to participate in programs to maximise their opportunities for rehabilitation. Report details or incidents and behaviour of prisoners for the purpose of the sentence management process. Participate in the reception, induction and discharge of prisoners in accordance with procedures. Assess prisoner needs prior to action and take into account traditional cultural values. Act in accordance with the Code of Conduct. Monitor and maintain the dynamic and static security requirements of the correctional centre or facility, reporting any unusual behaviours or occurrences which could result in a breach of security. Undertake searches and perform escort duties of prisoners both within the centre and externally when required. Work to various rostering arrangements covering a 24 X 7 operation, Monday to Friday shift work and/or day only shift and provide timely responses to emergency or security breaches. Prepare and submit accurate incident reports/ statements/ records concerning notifiable incidents. Identify and respond appropriately to potential security risks and illegal activity. Provide reports concerning equipment damage, defects or loss and maintain accurate administration records. Restrain and control non compliant prisoners in accordance with Departmental policies and guidelines. Develop productive relationships with staff, management, professionals, police and other agencies. Assist with professional development activities where required. Ensure appearance conforms to official uniform standards at all times. Ensure decisions are timely, well considered and that actions taken are fair and accountable. Comply with QCS policy, procedures and legislation and related legislation and procedures pertaining to QCS operations. Create public confidence by positively promoting QCS. Prepare reports on relevant activities. Maintain records. Perform other administrative duties required in the effective management of the unit. Updated 02/2012 Page 6 of 8
PROBATION Successful applicants who are not already public service officers will be appointed on probation for 12 months. NON SMOKING POLICY A non-smoking policy is effective in Queensland Government Buildings, offices and motor vehicles. RIGHT TO INFORMATION All information submitted by an applicant for this position is subject to a right of access under the Right to Information Act 2009 as documents of this Department. As a result, information submitted by an applicant including the successful applicant may be subject to release to third parties under the Right to Information Act 2009 if requested. Any consideration of disclosure of information relating to an applicant including the successful applicant (such as personal affairs information), will involve consultation with the applicant where possible.. Applicants can apply for their own information under the Information Privacy Act 2009. If applicants have any enquiries in respect of the Right to Information or Information Privacy Acts or their effect on information provided by them, please contact the Department of Community Safety Information Rights Unit for further assistance Lodging your APPLICATION Applications for government vacancies are managed by Queensland Shared Services (QSS). QSS provides recruitment services for government. Applications are received, acknowledged and distributed to the agencies by QSS. When your application is received an acknowledgment receipt will be sent to you by QSS. If you haven t received this acknowledgement receipt within a week of submitting your application please contact QSS to ensure your application has been received. YOUR JOB APPLICATION Your application should include: Smart Jobs Application Form The completed Entry Level Application Form; Certified copies of any relevant qualifications; Current Resume A covering Letter is optional. APPLICATION LODGEMENT By Smart Jobs and Careers Website (This is the only method for applicants to use) Applicants can ONLY apply online via the Queensland Government Smart Jobs and Careers website at www.smartjobs.qld.gov.au. In addition to the above requirements, online applications have other special requirements: You first need to create a My SmartJob account before submitting your online application. Details are available through the Queensland Government Smart Jobs and Careers website at www.smartjobs.qld.gov.au. You can save and submit later, allowing you to organise your attachments for submission at a later time, but before the closing date of applications Do NOT attach photographs or other large graphics to your application. Late applications cannot be accepted. Applications can NOT be lodged by email, post or fax. Original copies of certificates, qualifications, references, etc. should not be included in application material. Updated 02/2012 Page 7 of 8
LATE APPLICATIONS You should ensure your application is lodged prior to the closing date for the advertised position. Applications received after midnight on the closing date will be deemed late applications. Consideration of late applications is at the discretion of the selection panel. Submission of an Application for Advertised Position form only, with additional material to follow instructions are submitted to panels. The panel may choose to exclude such applications where the additional material has not been received by the closing date. Please note that late applications cannot be lodged online. CHANGING YOUR DETAILS If your personal details change after you have submitted your application, you need to advise Queensland Shared Services (QSS). Please ensure that the Job Ad Reference (JAR) on the front of the position description appears in the email subject line, or appears on the outside of the envelope, and send your correspondence to the QSS office, which appears on the Role Description. WITHDRAWING AN APPLICATION Prior to closing date You have the option to withdraw your application online from the My Applications area prior to the closing date. If you withdraw your application before the closing date, you will not be able to resubmit online for the same vacancy. You will need to resubmit your application through the alternative methods outlined above. After the closing date Access your application through the Smart Jobs and Careers website, in the My Applications area and change your status to withdrawn. Queensland Shared Services will advise the Panel of any withdrawn applications after the vacancy has closed. Applications for government vacancies are managed by Queensland Shared Services. QSS provides recruitment services for government. Applications are received, acknowledged and distributed to the agencies by QSS. Updated 02/2012 Page 8 of 8