Organisation: Department of Justice Attorney General
Job Title: Training Officer Custodial Operations
Word Limit: 2 pages
Location: Wacol
Along with my Resume, I would like to submit the following information, in relation to my application for the above-advertised position.
I am a highly qualified Trainer and Assessor with more than 20 years of experience in both correctional and custodian services, covering juvenile, adult and police detention facilities. I confirm I hold both Certificate III in Correctional Practice and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Since obtaining my formal qualifications in 1999, I have updated my skills regularly, and it is my intention to continue to do so.
During the course of my career, I have consistently gathered knowledge and experiences that have provided me with a unique skillset. I utilise this wealth of expertise in practical ways. As a leader I look for ways to improve systems and creatively solve problems, while building a motivated and passionate team, striving for continual improvement.
In my current role, at Richlands Watchhouse, as Training Co-ordinator and Operations Manager, a position I have held since 2006, I have implemented, reviewed and re-written training modules policies and procedures. Of outstanding note, is the complete Watchhouse Management Training Package, which I developed from scratch and is now in the process of being implemented across the state.
This came about after I noticed that police officers undertaking custodial processes were not handling prisoners in the most effective manner. Police officers are trained to be police officers and handling detainees, post arrest requires a different skillset. I addressed this using my management and training experience in the custodial environment and addressed the question of; How can we do this differently? And better?.
My idea was to maintain continuity between the two facilities (the watchhouse being a step before prison). By applying my knowledge of the prison system, handling of inmates, I strove to adapt these process and incorporate them into our core function. This meant rather than just put an individual in a cell, we could adopt successful practices implemented in prison systems. Practices such as how to interact with offenders, identifying substance effected individuals or maintaining suicide awareness. Training to this level is common for corrective services personnel but not for the average police officer. By implementing such standards protection would be put in place for police, personnel and offenders.
Through detailed needs analysis I identified gaps in training and process, and put my recommendations forward for review by Senior Management. Although well received by senior management I came up against some resistance in ‘changing the process’. My determination and persistence in highlighting the need for change in this area, based on the potential for risk should death or injury occur without set processes and training procedures in place, saw the acknowledgement of the need for this process overhaul. I wrote, implemented, audited and reviewed this training package on a local level. The result has been proven with the role out of this program through 3 watchhouses and the intended role out for the rest of the state.
This example demonstrates my creative problem solving abilities, demonstrates my personal drive and integrity, high level analytical skills, motivation and ability to achieve results through effective communication and working productively with others.
Having held such a variety of training positions ranging from youth detention, to adult and police recruits, I have a strong level of competency through practical hands on training on a daily basis. This has been from the beginning of my career and has seen me repeatedly develop, deliver and assess training programs, covering all aspects of communication and procedure as well as Firearm and Control and Restraint Training.
As a result of my management experience I have developed excellent skills in communication and negotiation with both internal and external stakeholders in a timely and efficient manner. This can range from the common courteously of returning a phone call when you said you would, to negotiating disagreements between students or staff and adjusting my teaching style to suit the audience. Additionally, remembering whom I am representing and remaining professional as a well-attired spokesman, ensures my communication is situation appropriate at all times.
My entire career has been spread across three areas of the criminal justice system, including the juvenile system, adult justice system and the police justice system. As such I have an exceptional wealth of practical knowledge and expertise in custodial training, procedures and outcomes. I have personally completed the Entry Level Training and Correctional Practices Competencies and Assessments course, and as a Trainer and Assessor in my current role, with I actively deliver and assess custodial staff on a regular basis.
Having taught countless classes I have an active practical knowledge of adult learning principles and put these into practise in each class. This can be adapting and tailoring classes to the understanding level of the student, managing aggression and learning difficulties. At the end of each class I test the learning outcomes but actively seeking feedback to ensure students are competent in what they have been taught.
As a friendly approachable individual I make myself available to both my students and staff. This allows them to freely approach me with concerns or enquiries and enables me to handle problems as they arise, in a personal manner, taking into consideration the sensitivities of each person.
In addition to my extensive training, assessing and planning skills mentioned above I had experience in operational management, performing human resource functions and team leadership, again across all three aspects of the criminal justice system.
