Working in prison healthcare isn't like any other job. Every day is different.
Our primary health care teams include medical, nursing and allied health professionals where we:
Working in a prison will be different from anywhere else you're likely to work. There are some things that will take a little while to get used to, like:
These differences will feel completely normal over time.
Before you start, we'll make sure you're ready for your new work environment.
This includes:
It's also important to remember that you're part of a team. Everyone on site is supportive and understands the challenges of our unique environment. Correctional officers are on hand whenever you need them, and you'll carry an alarm in case of emergencies.
We work in small multidisciplinary teams. We work to a primary health full scope of practice. You may also get the chance to expand your skills and work beyond the standard scope of practice. For example, nursing staff can do extra training to specialise in things like x-rays and vaccinations.
You'll also be able to move between correctional centres and experience different settings. Every prison clinic is different with new things to learn.
Once you start your shift, you'll be inside the prison until the end of your day.
While you're working, you'll get:
The medical team follows a strict routine as part of the prison’s structured day. There are times when unpredictable events can change the routine. This might mean you’re not able to do your planned duties. Working in a prison means you sometimes need to be flexible and work with QCS to find quick and creative solutions.
We have 9 primary health clinics in correctional centres in the West Moreton region where we:
We also have in-reach services, such as pharmacy, dental and other allied health services.
Some of our clinics have equipment like x-ray machines. If we don’t have specialist facilities on site, we arrange for our patients to be taken to a hospital.
We also transfer patients to a local hospital:
We have 2 types of mental health care across our correctional centres:
Our primary and in-reach mental health services see people with a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. We treat people based on their individual needs. We work closely with specialists and other services inside and outside the prison to make sure people get the help they need.
We have staff in the following correctional centres.
We're always looking for:
We need to make sure that our correctional centres stay safe and secure. That means that we need to take a bit longer for our security checks on new staff. The average time it takes from applying for a job to starting work is about 8 weeks.
We'll keep in touch throughout the process so you know what's happening and what to expect.
Find your new prison healthcare role on SmartJobs.