The NSW Administration Assistant (Clerk Grade 1/2) role is an essential support position at Community Corrections. This roles are now being hired for multiple vacancies right across Sydney.
As part of Corrective Services NSW, successful candidates will help manage day-to-day administrative tasks to ensure the smooth operation of multiple offices across Sydney Metropolitan District. By handling reception services, scheduling, record-keeping, and various communication tasks, Administration Assistants enable frontline teams to focus on their primary mission of reducing reoffending and building safer communities.
In this article, I’ll tell you all about the role of Administration Assistant, and give you a clear step-by-step guide on how to apply, and provide an example cover letter—complete with STAR method examples—to help you stand out.
If you’re new to public sector recruitment, check out this unofficial guide to NSW Public Sector recruitment for more insider tips and context.
Table of Contents
Corrective Services NSW Administration Assistant Salary and Job Details
| Position Title | Community Corrections Administration Assistant (Clerk Grade 1/2) |
| Organisation/Entity | Corrective Services NSW |
| Job Location | Sydney Metropolitan District (Multiple Offices) |
| Work Type | Talent Pool Creation for Ongoing, Temporary, and Part-Time Roles |
| Base Pay | Clerk Grade 1/2, $73,522–$79,930 plus superannuation & leave loading |
| Closing Date | 9 March 2025 (11:59 PM) |
About the Opportunity as Corrective Services NSW Administration Assistant
This Administration Assistant opportunity sits within the Department of Communities and Justice, a central department committed to achieving a safe and just New South Wales. Specifically, the position supports Corrective Services NSW in the Community Corrections branch, ensuring that frontline staff can effectively reduce reoffending and maintain public safety.
From working the reception desk to assisting in compliance tasks, you’ll be engaging with both staff and the general public. Daily responsibilities may include preparing correspondence, data entry, maintaining file records, scheduling meetings, and offering general administrative support to various teams.
Stepping into an Administration Assistant role in Community Corrections means embracing unique challenges. First, the environment is fast-paced and can involve interaction with sensitive or confidential information. Maintaining composure and confidentiality is paramount.
You’ll also juggle multiple tasks, from customer service duties—like greeting visitors—to precise record management for offenders under supervision. Working under tight deadlines while handling phone inquiries, managing electronic files, and ensuring data accuracy can require significant multitasking skills.
If you thrive under pressure, adapt easily to new systems, and possess strong attention to detail, you’ll excel in this position.
Why This Is a Great Opportunity
First and foremost, this is a large talent pool recruitment—or bulk recruitment—meaning that with just one government application, you’ll be considered for multiple roles.
These roles are available across Sydney, offering opportunities in various locations: Bankstown, Blacktown, Burwood, Campbelltown, City (Darlinghurst), Fairfield, Hornsby, Leichhardt, Liverpool, Long Bay, Mount Druitt, Parklea, Parramatta, Penrith, Silverwater, St Leonards, Sutherland, and Windsor.
It’s also an excellent entry-level position where you can apply without any government experience.
Admin roles like this are one of the best pathways into the public sector. You’ll receive regular, stable pay, access to all public sector leave entitlements, and firsthand experience of how government operations work. Succeed in this role, and you’ll have a strong foundation to showcase when applying for higher-graded positions.
Application Requirements for Corrective Services NSW Administration Assistant
Application Process
To apply for this role, you will need to prepare some documents and then apply online.
You will need:
- Cover Letter up to 2 pages.
- Resume: up to 3 pages.
What to include in your public sector cover letter
In your cover letter, you need to address these essential role requirements:
- Previous experience in administration or a similar office-based position
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and record management systems
- Ability to learn and operate new software tools relevant to Corrective Services NSW operations
- National Criminal History Record Check
- Working with Children Check
You also need to align your cover letter with the role’s focus capabilities.
Understanding and Addressing Focus Capabilities
One key aspect of public sector recruitment is the use of the NSW Capability Framework. This framework outlines the skills, knowledge, and abilities required to excel in various roles within the NSW Public Sector. When crafting your government cover letter and resume, align your experiences and achievements with the specific capabilities mentioned in the role description.
Below are the focus capabilities for this role, which are available at the end of the role description:
| Capability Name – Level | Behavioural Indicators |
|---|---|
| Manage Self – Foundational Show drive and motivation, an ability to self-reflect and a commitment to learning | Be willing to develop and apply new skills Show commitment to completing assigned work activities Look for opportunities to learn and develop Reflect on feedback from colleagues and stakeholders |
| Commit to Customer Service – Foundational Provide customer-focused services in line with public sector and organisational objectives | Recognise the importance of customer service and understanding customer needs Help customers understand the services that are available Take responsibility for delivering services that meet customer requirements Keep customers informed of progress and seek feedback to ensure their needs are met Show respect, courtesy and fairness when interacting with customers Recognise that customer service involves both external and internal customers |
| Deliver Results – Foundational Achieve results through the efficient use of resources and a commitment to quality outcomes | Seek clarification when unsure of work tasks Complete own work tasks under guidance within set budgets, timeframes and standards Take the initiative to progress own work Identify resources needed to complete allocated work tasks |
| Technology – Foundational Understand and use available technologies to maximise efficiencies and effectiveness | Display familiarity and confidence when applying technology used in role Comply with records, communication and document control policies Comply with policies on the acceptable use of technology, including cyber security |
Administration Assistant Application Checklist
| Review the official role description, paying special attention to focus capabilities | |
| Update your resume (max 3 pages) with relevant administrative experience | |
| Write a cover letter (2 pages max) using a proven template | |
| Get your government cover letter reviewed | |
| Submit your application via the DCJ Careers portal |
Candidate Profile
Meet Ashley, a dedicated professional eager to transition from the private sector into a career working for the NSW Government.
Ashley has three years of experience in administration working for a small logistics business in Newcastle.
The Administration Assistant role appeals to Ashley because it blends essential office tasks with a higher purpose, plus it offers great opportunities for future career growth.
Example Cover Letter for Corrective Services NSW Admin Assistant
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Administration Assistant opportunity with Community Corrections.
After three years providing administrative support in a small logistics business in Newcastle, I am excited to bring my organisational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to excellent customer service.
My experience in an office-based environment has allowed me to develop strong proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, as well as record management systems, ensuring accurate documentation and efficient workflow processes. Additionally, I am willing to complete both a National Criminal History Record Check and a Working with Children Check.
During my time in the logistics industry, I learned the value of managing myself proactively to ensure consistent performance and continuous improvement. Early in my role, I noticed gaps in how delivery documentation was organise, which frequently caused errors and delays. Recognising the importance of accuracy, I developed a more systematic filing process and trained my colleagues to use it. By taking ownership of the project, I demonstrated self-motivation and adaptability. This improved our overall operational efficiency and reduced data-entry mistakes—a result that benefited both my team and our customers.
Serving clients in a logistics setting also helped me further develop my customer service skills. On one occasion, a high-value customer became frustrated with a late shipment. Sensing their urgency, I immediately took responsibility to investigate the delay. I liaised with the warehouse manager and kept the client updated every step of the way, ensuring they felt heard and reassured. Through clear communication and empathy, I resolved the issue within hours, regained the customer’s trust, and helped maintain a positive business relationship. This experience underlined my commitment to going above and beyond to meet customer needs.
I also had frequent opportunities to deliver results under tight deadlines. One of my key responsibilities involved processing orders during the busy holiday season. Anticipating the spike in demand, I collaborated with my supervisor to update our order-tracking system that highlighted urgent requests and flagged potential bottlenecks. By implementing this process early, I minimised errors, saved hours of manual sorting. This change supported our small business to consistently meet our shipping targets.
I am adept at using technology to enhance productivity and accuracy. Recognising a need for better data management, I took the initiative to learn a new low-cost logistics software platform that integrated with our company’s inventory system. I then trained the rest of the team, aligning our processes with best practices for record-keeping and cyber security. This shift helped maintain compliance with company policies and made it easier to retrieve order information. My willingness to learn new tools and support others in adopting them is a demonstration of how I apply technological advancements.
I believe my ability to manage myself effectively, provide outstanding service, deliver tangible results, and leverage technology aligns well with the requirements of this role.
I look forward to joining the team within Community Corrections.
Sincerely,
Ashley Johnson
Explain the STAR Technique
The STAR technique—Situation, Task, Action, Result—is a structured method for describing key experiences in your professional journey. It is particularly significant in public sector recruitment, where demonstrating focus capabilities is vital. Here’s a brief breakdown:
- Situation: Provide the context or background for the scenario.
- Task: Explain your responsibility or objective within that scenario.
- Action: Detail the steps you took to address the situation.
- Result: Highlight the outcomes, using specific metrics or observations where possible.
In the cover letter examples above, you can see how each STAR example from the candidate is well structured, and shows how the candidate has practically performed tasks that are similar to what will be required in this government job.
How to Prepare for a Public Sector Interview
Public sector interviews are also aligned to the focus capabilities. Here is how I prepare for public sector interviews:
- Review the Focus Capabilities: Examine the role description for the specific capabilities sought. Make notes of the behavioural indicators to understand exactly what hiring managers are looking for.
- Brainstorm Examples: Recall workplace instances or achievements where you embodied these capabilities—this could include times you handled confidential information, supported multiple teams, or resolved issues quickly.
- Match to Indicators: Align your examples directly with the capability requirements. For instance, if “service orientation” is emphasized, highlight a scenario where you improved client satisfaction.
- Use the STAR Method: Structure your responses clearly, as shown above. This removes ambiguity and helps the interview panel follow your thought process.
- Practice & Use Notes: If permitted, you can bring brief notes into the interview. Even if notes aren’t allowed, reviewing them beforehand is a powerful way to remain calm and prepared.
Three Possible Interview Questions for an NSW Administration Assistant might include:
- “Tell us about a time you had to handle a high-volume workload under pressure. How did you manage your priorities?”
- “Describe a situation where you had to maintain confidentiality. What steps did you take to ensure compliance?”
- “How do you stay organised when working with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines?”
Sample Talking Points In STAR format.
You might structure your answer for the “high-volume workload” question like this:
Situation: Outline the circumstances that led to a backlog of tasks.
Task: Emphasise your responsibility to keep the process efficient and error-free.
Action: Mention the specific strategies—creating checklists, delegating tasks, or automating steps if possible.
Result: Conclude with the positive outcome, such as meeting deadlines successfully and receiving commendation from your supervisor.
For more in-depth insights and practice, download the public sector interview questions and answers workbook. It’s a valuable resource to help you stand out in the selection process.
Get Ready To Apply For Your New Government Job
If you’re ready to take the next step:
- Click here to apply for the Administration Assistant role.
- Use this free government cover letter template.
- Remember to get your cover letter reviewed—often easiest way to significantly improve your public sector application.
- Download our public sector interview questions and answers workbook for further interview preparation.
By taking advantage of these resources and following the tips outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to success in the NSW Public Sector and securing an exciting role as an NSW Administration Assistant.
