case manager

correctional officer

Queensland Corrective Services

One of the worst places I’ve ever worked. The job itself is rewarding and enjoyable, however if brown nosing is not your thing… don’t even bother. Management have clear favorites, promote dobbing on “other” staff, only target certain employees to “reprimand” on performance - even though most staff demonstrate the same issues with their case management. Don’t bother raising concerns to supervisors or management, I agree they will “bully” you out of the role if it doesn’t align with their beliefs or view of the workplace. Absolutely agree that some supervisors will stab you in the back and use any opportunity to throw you under the bus just to advance their own career.

Management pretend to promote a culture of team cohesion, however constantly gang up on certain employees. All I can say is that the actual culture in itself is toxic but management do their best to sprinkle tokenism throughout the day and constantly remind everyone this is “a great place to work”. No, it’s really not. Even worse if your a working mother, but of course… if management “like you” and your brown nosing, you’ll be okay and generally get what you ask.

I didn’t realise the full potential of my happiness until I actually left. I’m still burdened by the fear of closed door meetings in a 2 against 1 format about performance, no flexibility in work arrangements whatsoever, the downright dread of constantly being reprimanded at work, cliques in the office - but then I remind myself I’m not there anymore. I’ve since started working at another government department and truly understand the meaning of a supportive workplace.

I guess QCS could NEVER pay me enough to go back. Despite how many complaints are made about certain managers and the toxic culture - NOTHING EVER CHANGES. People leave permanent jobs in QCS to take up temporary roles elsewhere, if that doesn’t give you insight on the job, nothing will. Stay clear of this agency.

During the interview I was told I would have a 3-month training period. Considering this is a very complex role with high-risk offenders I thought this was great and fair. However, when I began, I was given a week of online training, a week of onboarding in-person before I was put into the role with a caseload. You then later (4-6 months later) receive 3 more weeks of training which you are supposed to receive at the beginning. Whilst the 3 weeks of training was insightful and great, it really is something essential that everyone should get BEFORE they get a caseload.

It's a very complex role, where you are given guidance by a senior "buddy" and that's about as much support as you get. When you ask supervisors for assistance they usually help but it's often not constructive and you are expected to understand everything on your own. 

When discussions around your development begin, you are asked to be transparent. When you are transparent it is then taken out of context and you are essentially bullied out of the role if it doesn't align with being a case manager for the next 20 years. Some supervisors use this to advance their careers as an example for their cover letter.

The best aspect of the job was the staff I got to work with and meet.

Generally a hard working group of staff with a focus on community safety and in providing prisoners with skills, knowledge and work attributes to assist them in gaining meaning work after release from prison.

My day, drive into my secure carpark or catch the bus. Typical day is 0700 to 0715hrs with a finish around 1700hrs. Each morning I field questions from Prison Industries staff across the State. My HQ staff arrive around 0800 to 0900hrs, 5 minute meeting on priorities for the day. Attack and regroup when needed. My role is more trouble shooting and fixing issues. If necessary i will fix and escalate to the Correctional Centre's General Manager (my equivalent rank) if there's the possibility that there may be a recurrence or potential fall-out. I ensure that procedures and systems are corrected to mitigate a repeat.

Hardest part of the job is finding projects that don't infringe the competitive neutrality provisions of National Competition Policy. Best is the interaction with staff (and prisoners at times) and contract negotiations.

The reception Store Officer is reponsible for the induction of new prisoners coming from the watch house into prison. This is a long process & can be quite challenging at times. The reception Store team also deals with discharging prisoners, the transfer of prisoners to another facility. I work with a team of 6 on a 6 week shift work roster (weekends & 12 hour shifts). I work closely with my supervisors & managers coming up with new ways to deal with the challenging issues that come up daily. I find the hardest part of my job is dealing with conflict resolutions but with years of experience & training i find that my communications skills have enhanced. The parts of my job i enjoy are having to multi-task, prioritise, interaction with a diverse range of people from the community. This job has taught me alot such as good communications skills, conflict resolution, managing many tasks at once.

Don't even apply here if you are young and passionate this place reaps workers souls. A typical day at work includes, staring at the screen or stressing over dynamic issues. Micromanaged emails from manager or supervisor who work business hours and take rash decisions without consulting the staff who actually deals with the issues. Culture is great if you enjoyed being told off by the teachers in school and its even better if you hate when managers don't even know your name personally or age. Cannot blame the supervisors as the whole organisation is full of r3t4rds from top to bottom.

QCS management are almost totally disconnected from the staff on the floor. No one actually knows what is going on. CCO's are occasionally very good and professional but over half treat it like a game, concentrating on relations with their team mates, stirring the clients, and doing anything bar their job. Management don't punish or retrain staff caught doing the wrong thing. If you don't value your security, safety and or health this is the best, most poorly paid, job for you. Not sure if the staff or the prisoners are more dangerous. Recruitment appears strenuous, but the people that get through and the retention rates says it all.

There would not be a "typical" day in a Correctional Centre, as a result you are required to think on your feet every day and throughout the day.  It is very important to have a good rapport with your work colleagues in this environment.  I find the hardest part of the job would be having to deal with some of the emotional stresses that we see, however the most enjoyable part of the job would be recognising the support of your colleagues when things do get tough.

2 days before graduation i was laid off for not having a amazing English writing skills, out of 100 people graduating i was the only one laid off. Trainers were very impatience and unhappy, Work culture was very toxic the officers were unhappy and not willing to help, they expect you to know everything 
big thing was the officers are not trust worthy, they will easily trow you under the bus, I basically did all the 10 weeks training for them to sack me 2 days before finishing up, beware of QCS plus they treat recruits like rubbish, 

Is a toxic working culture based on nepotism and bullying, progression is usually given to those who like working on their knees. Do not expect to advance in your career unless you brown nose and go fishing with management.

If you don't get a job the first time around, don't worry, this is usually caused by other family members or loved ones getting jobs first.

Forget about being loyal to this department, just take what you can while you can - they will not support you and throw you under the bus at the first opportunity they can.

I was involved in a major incident here and have been off work without pay for 6 months due to the incident. Not once have I received an email to see if im okay or any help with my condition. Diagnosed with PTSD and employer aware I didn’t even receive a response, due to it being ptsd doctor refused to conclude it could be related to the incident at work so therefore declined me workcover. Dangerous environment, no backing from management and poor wages. Really not worth the risk.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Case manager 3 salaries reported	$86,358 per year
Correctional officer 2 salaries reported	$97,610 per year

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