Jobs at the Office of the Sheriff
Jobs at the Office of the Sheriff
The Office of the Sheriff offers interesting careers that can take you into the community and across the state.
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| A uniformed sheriff's officer at work. |
We recognise that people from different backgrounds can bring a range of skills, knowledge and experiences to support the Office of the Sheriff's work with the community
There are two main types of role in the Office of the Sheriff that you might want to consider:
Considering becoming a sheriff’s officer?
As a sheriff’s officer, you will:
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work with the jury system to establish juries, swear in witnesses and handle exhibits
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serve and execute court orders in a respectful and professional manner
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enforce orders, writs and fines issued by courts and agencies
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provide security for the Supreme Court, District Court and some Local Court complexes.
Attributes and skills needed
Sheriff's officers need to be committed to excellent client service, good communicators, passionate about working with the community and people from different backgrounds and team players.
They should be able to act with integrity in the interests of justice and the Sheriff’s Code of Conduct, without fear or favour.
Among other attributes they should be accountable, innovative, safety conscious and able to actively manage any risks faced.
Q: What are the initial eligibility requirements for a sheriff’s officer?
A: You must be an Australian Resident and hold a full, current and unrestricted NSW Driver’s Licence.
Q: What is the recruitment process for the NSW Sheriff’s Office?
A: You must first attend an information night and get an information package. Submit the necessary forms from the information package with your resume. If your initial application is accepted, you will be required to undergo a test on language, literacy, numeracy and verbal reasoning. The next phase is a panel interview followed by a medical assessment, relevant police and referee checks.
Q: What type of training do you need to do?
A: A probationary period of 12 months applies to all successful applicants. During this time you will need to do competency based assessments, involving a combination of classroom instruction, defensive tactics training and appointments certification. A period of on-the-job training is mandatory to obtain the Nationally Accredited Certificate IV in Government (Court Compliance).
Read about the case study conducted by the NSW Public sector Industry Training Advisory Board.
Q: Are there career development opportunities available?
A: The NSW Sheriff's Office has formalised a pathway to further learning by establishing the Certificate IV in Government (Court Compliance) as a foundation element towards a Diploma in Government. The Office of the Sheriff maintains a rank structure that complements varied levels of management and technical competence. Selection is a based on merit.
Q: Where will you be deployed after completing probation?
A: During on-the-job training you will be rotated around four of the eight learning centres. After completing your probation phase you will be required to work anywhere in the metropolitan or regional areas based on operational requirements of the Sheriff's Office.
Considering becoming a court officer?
As a court officer you will play an important role in the administration of justice.
Your duties will be varied and include:
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welcoming jurors and handling enquiries from the general public
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assisting and instructing jurors from ‘roll-call’ and during the empanelling processes
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being the point-of-contact for jurors during the trial
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conducting the calling and swearing in of witnesses during the trial and handling exhibits
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communicating juror's questions and requests to the judge.
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advising the judge's associate when the jury has finished deliberations and is ready to deliver a verdict
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organising for and operating equipment such as videos, DVDs, cassette tapes and hearing loops
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connecting cameras and laptops at the bar table (where the legal teams sit)
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using equipment and computer systems to record evidence when required
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ensuring strict confidentiality and privacy is maintained by giving jurors clear instructions, being observant of possible breaches and applying security procedures
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being approachable, so that jurors can openly discuss their welfare and comfort.
Q: What are some challenges that you will face?
A: Your people skills will be used daily as there is a high level of interaction with a wide range of people in an environment that can be demanding. You will be communicating with jurors, law enforcement officers, judges, witnesses and others. Respecting the privacy and confidentiality of all involved and the case itself is paramount.
Some cases can be very difficult but court officers must remain impartial at all times. Court officers aim to instill confidence and make being involved in court proceedings a rewarding experience by the consideration and professionalism they display.
As your day can be varied it is important to be flexible and able to respond to changes quickly.
Q: What kind of person makes a good court officer?
A good court officer is someone who has strong communication skills, is observant and alert, enjoys working with a wide range of people and has a flexible attitude. Discretion and high ethical standards are essential. Court officers also have to be consistent in applying policy and procedures. The ability to learn and operate equipment and computer systems correctly is also a very important part of the role.
Recruitment information line
At present we are not recruiting more sheriff’s officers or court officers. However, prospective applicants can check this site or contact the Office of the Sheriff's recruitment information line at (02) 9287 7962, for possible changes or updates.
For all other roles in the Department see www.jobs.nsw.gov.au.
No vacancies
At present the Office of the Sheriff is not recruiting. Check this page for future vacancies or call the Sheriff's office recruitment line at (02) 9287 7962.
For other vacancies in the Department see
www.jobs.nsw.gov.au.