Graduate Officer

Department for Correctional Services; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 66,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12% superannuation

Flexible work arrangements

Temporary 12-month contract

Equal opportunities employer

Job summary

The Department for Correctional Services in Adelaide offers a Graduate Development Program (GDP) designed to attract, develop and retain high-performing graduates contributing to offender rehabilitation and community safety. You will gain practical skills, work on diverse projects, and engage in professional development initiatives within a supportive team.

Eligibility includes Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency, completion of an undergraduate degree by 2026, and willingness to

Qualifications

• Residency: You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Qualification: A minimum undergraduate qualification between 2024 and December 2026 with a strong academic record.
• All qualification requirements must be completed by 31 December 2026.
• We welcome graduates from diverse fields including Criminology, Law, HR, Business, Data analytics, CS & SE, Data Science.

Responsibilities

• Graduate Development Program designed to attract, develop and retain graduates.
• Gain practical skills and knowledge essential to becoming a professional in the field.
• Work on diverse projects and operational activities supporting offender rehabilitation.

Education

Undergraduate qualification (2024-2026)

Job description

If you’re ready to kickstart your career in a dynamic and supportive environment, we’d love to hear from you! Salary: ASO2 classification level ($66,442 - $69,504 p.a. plus 12% superannuation) Employment type: Multiple positions available

About the Role

Start your career where it matters. Launch your career with purpose! Exciting opportunities await with the Department for Correctional Services (DCS). The Graduate Development Program (GDP) is designed to attract, develop and retain high-performing, future-focused graduates who contribute to strong, capable and collaborative teams. Through this program, you will gain practical skills and knowledge essential to becoming a successful professional in the field. You will have the opportunity to work on diverse projects, professional development initiatives and operational activities, while gaining exposure to the wide-ranging responsibilities of DCS. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, recognising that a diverse workforce leads to greater effectiveness and better outcomes. In our supportive and collaborative environment, you will undertake meaningful work, collaborate with dedicated professionals and contribute to transforming lives—supporting offender rehabilitation and strengthening the communities affected by crime.

About us

The Department employs approximately 2,000 staff and has responsibility for nine prisons and sixteen Community Correctional Centres across the state.

Our Strategic Focus is to:

• Invest in strategic initiatives to reduce reoffending.
• Reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal people incarcerated in South Australia.
• Deliver world class correctional service.
• Actively contribute to improving outcomes for all people impacted by the criminal justice system.
• Prioritise the safety of staff, our partners, and people under our supervision.

Why should you join our team?

We offer a rewarding opportunity with a strong foundation for your career growth. Here’s what you can expect:

• Job Security & Career Progression – A 12-month contract with the potential for ongoing employment, subject to satisfactory performance. You will participate in a structured GDP designed to build professional capability, establish strong networks and connect with fellow graduates.
• Flexible Work Arrangements – We support work-life balance offering flexibility to help you manage your personal and professional commitments.
• Health & Wellbeing Support – Access our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support and take advantage of discounted gym and health facility memberships through Fitness Passport.
• Public Sector Benefits – Enjoy generous leave entitlements, superannuation with member benefits, salary sacrificing and a workplace that recognises and values your contribution.

Eligibility

• Residency: You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Qualification: A minimum undergraduate qualification between the years 2024 and December 2026 with a strong academic record. Applicants who are due to complete their qualification in 2026 may apply.
• All qualification requirements must be successfully completed by 31 December 2026. No offer of employment will be made until completion of the qualification has been confirmed.
• We welcome graduates from diverse fields, including:

• Criminology
• Law
• Human Resources
• Business/Commerce/Finance/Accounting
• Data Analytics, Data Warehousing/Architecture
• Computer Science and Software Engineering
• Data Science and Cybersecurity
• Aboriginal Studies
• Project Management
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Procurement and Contract Management.
• Behavioural/ Psychological Science

• Background Check: You must be willing to undergo relevant criminal history check(s) and receive clearance to meet the required entry standards.
• Employment Conditions: You must:
  • Meet all standard employment conditions.
  • Be able to travel independently to various work and training locations.
  • Be available for occasional out-of-hours work as needed.
• Public Sector Eligibility: You must not be a current Public Sector employee or have previously accepted a voluntary separation package from the South Australian Public Sector.

Special Conditions

• A current South Australian Driver's Licence is essential.
• A flexible approach to working hours is required.
• Some interstate and intrastate travel will be required which may necessitate overnight absences.

Enquiries

Ph: 8226 9065 E: [email protected]

Additional Information

This is a temporary vacancy for up to 12 months. There is more than one position available.

DCS is an equal opportunities employer, and our workplace reflects the diverse communities that we serve.

Safety at Work is central to our mission — emphasising respectful relationships, psychological wellbeing, and the physical and cultural safety of all employees.

We strongly encourage applications from women, Aboriginal people, people of African heritage, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, LGBTIQA+, neurodivergent people, people living with disability, people of all ages, and other diversity groups.

We support flexible ways of working including part-time working arrangements, wherever reasonably possible, and strive to ensure a fair, accessible, and barrier‑free recruitment process.

We encourage you to share any support or access needs when you apply.