Are you looking for a highly engaging role that allows you to make a tangible difference in your community?
Becoming a Casual Correctional Officer with Corrective Services NSW might be the perfect fit.
Corrective Services NSW are currently recruiting casuals across many sites: Multiple opportunities in both metro Sydney and regional areas from the South Coast to the Far West of NSW.
Read below on how to apply for this position, including an example cover letter.
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
Casual Correctional Officer Pay and Overview
Below is a snapshot of what this Casual Correctional Officer position entails:
| Position Title | Casual Correctional Officer |
| Organisation/Entity | Department of Communities and Justice (NSW Public Sector) |
| Job Location | State Wide – Click here for all vacancies |
| Work Type | Casual |
| Base Pay | Casual Rate. Annual Full Time Salary rate of $72,962pa plus superannuation |
| Closing Date | Various – Click here for all vacancies |
Casual Correctional Officer Role Details
Within Corrective Services NSW Casual Correctional Officers play a vital role in ensuring community safety and overseeing inmates’ daily activities.
You’ll monitor inmate behaviour, conduct searches, and maintain safety protocols in environments ranging from court cells to larger prison complexes like Silverwater and Long Bay.
Through a 12-week paid training program, you’ll acquire practical skills and achieve a Certificate III in Correctional Practice. This qualification offers a strong foundation for future career development.
To explore a first-hand perspective, check out this recruitment video about the role.
Challenges for Casual Correctional Officer
Working as a Casual Correctional Officer provides more control over your schedule, but it also poses unique demands. On any given day, you could be assigned to different correctional centres within your area and therefore interacting with different inmate populations.
You’ll need to be physically fit to handle situations such as monitoring security, managing conflict, and responding to emergencies. Additionally, strict guidelines like the body art policy prohibit tattoos on visible areas beyond a buttoned collar or cuff.
Maintaining composure under pressure is essential, and excellent communication skills are critical to de-escalate tense situations. Upholding NSW Public Sector standards means adhering to clear guidelines on inmate welfare, operational protocols, and professional conduct.
Reasons to Apply
1. Flexibility and Work Life Balance
A casual roster gives you the freedom to choose the hours and days that fit best with your lifestyle. Whether you have family commitments, are pursuing further studies, or simply prefer variable work arrangements, this role offers the scheduling adaptability you need.
2. Career Development Opportunities & Paid Qualification
You’ll earn a Certificate III in Correctional Practice and complete a comprehensive 12-week paid training course. This structured learning equips you with specialised skills and opens the door to broader opportunities within Corrective Services and the NSW Public Sector.
3. Multiple Vacancies
There are a lot of casual positions current being recruited by Corrective Services NSW. There are many roles across Sydney, as well as other vacancies in regional NSW. You can efficiently apply for multiple opportunities, and improve your chances of landing a job offer.
4. Multiple Locations
Rotating across facilities can ensure a diverse work experience. You’ll learn different operational styles, inmate management approaches, and departmental procedures—broadening your overall skill set.
5. Meaningful Impact
Above all, you’ll be part of a system that helps rehabilitate offenders, giving them support to find new paths while ensuring community safety. This role offers an opportunity to make a genuine difference in people’s lives.
Casual Correctional Officer Application Requirements
Application Process
To successfully apply for the Casual Correctional Officer talent pool, prepare a concise cover letter (maximum one page) detailing your motivation and suitability. Ensure your resume (maximum two pages) highlights any relevant experience or transferable skills, such as security, law enforcement, or community service.
As there are multiple jobs currently being hired, you will need to submit your documents through different links. You can use the same resume, and the same cover letter, for your applications to different locations if they are advertising the same role.
For example, if you’re applying for casual correctional officer positions in Goulburn or the South Coast, you’ll need to submit your application through the following links:
Essential Role Requirements
Candidates must meet the following criteria so make sure to clearly address all of the below in your cover letter:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a current driver’s license
- Be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Be willing to complete the Certificate III in Correctional Practice
- Meet certain medical and fitness standards
- Comply with the official body art policy (no visible tattoos beyond a fastened collar or cuff)
Desirable Experience
While not mandatory, prior experience in corrections, security, or similar fields can be advantageous. Demonstrated teamwork, conflict resolution, and communication skills are also valuable. If you have a history of dealing effectively with challenging behaviours or volatile situations, be sure to mention this in your cover letter.
Casual Correctional Officer Application Checklist
| Task | Complete |
| Review the official job ad on iworkfor.nsw.gov.au | [ ] |
| Prepare a 1-page cover letter and a 2-page resume | [ ] |
| Ensure you have addressed all of the essential requirements | [ ] |
| Get your cover letter reviewed here | [ ] |
| Submit your application before 11 March 2025 | [ ] |
Candidate Profile
Meet Sam, a dedicated individual searching for a meaningful, flexible career in the NSW Public Sector.
Previously employed in the retail sector, Sam has developed strong communication skills and proven conflict resolution abilities when handling challenging customers. Keen to transition into a role that impacts community safety, Sam sees the Casual Correctional Officer position as a stepping stone to broader opportunities within the Department of Communities and Justice.
Sam values work life balance and is excited about a roster that accommodates family obligations. With a driver’s license, fitness routine, and keen interest in learning, Sam is ready to earn the Certificate III in Correctional Practice.
Example Cover Letter for Casual Correctional Officer
Download a free public sector cover letter template here
Dear Hiring Team,
I am writing to express my keen interest in joining Corrective Services NSW as a Casual Correctional Officer, specifically opportunities currently available within Sydney Metropolitan West region.
With a background in customer service and a strong desire to uphold community safety, I believe my skills and motivation align with the core values and responsibilities of this role.
Throughout my prior experience in retail management, I frequently interacted with diverse individuals who often brought forward challenging requests or concerns. Handling these daily interactions required empathy, clear communication, and a calm demeanour under pressure. This exposure to varied personalities allowed me to develop effective conflict-resolution strategies that I believe will translate well into a correctional setting where maintaining order and security is paramount.
In my last role, I led a small team responsible for store operations, scheduling, and customer engagement.
Situation: Our store faced a sudden influx of returns and dissatisfied customers following a product recall.
Task: My primary responsibility involved maintaining a safe, organised environment and addressing customer grievances systematically.
Action: I instructed my team to set up a dedicated service desk to streamline the return process, ensuring that each customer felt heard and respected. I also coordinated with our head office to expedite refund procedures and communicated regular updates to the team.
Result: We successfully handled the increased workload without any escalations, and our store received positive feedback for efficiency and empathy. This scenario exemplifies my capacity to manage complex situations and remain calm under pressure—essential attributes for a Casual Correctional Officer.
From my research, I understand that Correctional Officers must demonstrate resilience, teamwork, and a genuine commitment to the rehabilitation of individuals in custody.
A colleague at my previous workplace struggled with de-escalating heated confrontations among staff. I recognised the need to mentor this colleague in conflict-resolution techniques and reinforce a positive team culture. I arranged brief one-on-one sessions to share proven de-escalation tactics, role-playing common conflict scenarios to build confidence. Simultaneously, we introduced a feedback loop where staff could voice concerns in a structured, respectful manner.
My colleague gained valuable problem-solving skills, and the overall team dynamic improved significantly, leading to higher morale and reduced turnover. This underscores my ability to guide others while enforcing necessary boundaries and policies.
What especially interests me about this Casual Correctional Officer position is the opportunity to attain a Certificate III in Correctional Practice through the 12-week paid training. I see this qualification as a critical foundation for a lasting career in the public sector, ensuring that I am fully equipped to handle daily responsibilities with diligence and professionalism.
I can confirm that I am over 18 years old, have a current drivers license, and I am an Australian Citizen.
I also acknowledge the body art policy and fitness requirements, recognising the importance of maintaining a reputable image and a healthy lifestyle in an environment where vigilance is paramount.
I am confident that my experiences in team leadership, conflict resolution, and thorough communication will enable me to serve effectively within Sydney Metropolitan West correctional facilities.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Sam
Explain the STAR Technique
The STAR technique—Situation, Task, Action, and Result—is a structured approach to providing evidence-based examples of your skills and experience. In public sector recruitment, clarity and relevance are crucial. Using STAR helps you deliver focused responses that showcase how you handle real-world challenges.
When you articulate your achievements or problem-solving abilities, walk the hiring panel through the specific situation you faced, the task you were responsible for, the action you took, and the result of your efforts.
In the sample cover letter, for instance, Sam identified a busy return desk scenario (Situation), needed to maintain order and process returns smoothly (Task), took steps to organise a specialized desk and coordinate with head office (Action), and saw a reduction in customer complaints and a boost in positive feedback (Result).
This level of detail leaves little doubt about your capabilities and how they can translate into a Casual Correctional Officer role.
How to Prepare for a Public Sector Interview
Interviews for NSW Public Sector roles, including Casual Correctional Officer positions, will focus on the public sector capabilities needed for the role.
By emphasising your real-life experiences and how they align with departmental requirements, you stand out as a well-prepared candidate. Here are some steps to guide you:
- Review the Focus Capabilities – Examine the capability framework and the role description to understand the behaviours and standards expected.
- Brainstorm Examples – For each capability, think of scenarios from past experiences where you showcased the relevant skills.
- Match to Indicators – Ensure your stories directly correlate with the capability indicators (e.g., communication, safety procedures).
- Use the STAR Method – Present your examples in a structured manner, clearly highlighting each aspect of the situation.
- Practise & Use Notes – If interview conditions allow, have a summary of your stories at hand. If not, run through them thoroughly beforehand.
Possible interview questions you might encounter include:
- “Tell us about a time you resolved conflict in a high-pressure situation.”
- “Describe a scenario where you had to enforce policy or procedure with resistance.”
- “How would you contribute to a supportive team environment in a correctional facility?”
If you really want to prepare for this interview, download one of our extensive public sector interview question and answer workbooks.
Using the STAR technique, you might respond to a question about conflict resolution by describing a time you de-escalated a tense interaction, specifying how you remained calm, outlined steps for resolution, and documented the outcome. This level of detail shows you understand how to integrate departmental protocols and maintain safety standards.
Ready to take the next step in your career?
Click here to apply for all of the current vacancies as a casual corrections officer.
Be sure to review your cover letter and resume thoroughly before submission, and get your professional cover letter review to make sure you nail the application. You will need to apply separately for different regions, but you can use the same cover letter for these roles.
