Careers with the NSW Sheriff’s Office
There are a variety of exciting career opportunities within the NSW Sheriff’s Office that can take you into the community and across the state.
We are an organisation that values inclusion, diversity and equal opportunity. We encourage people from different backgrounds and experiences to apply, as diverse talents and perspectives is integral to our work with the community.
There are many different roles withing the NSW Sheriff’s Office, however there are 2 main types of roles that you might want to consider:
- Sheriff's Officer
- Court Officer
Considering becoming a Sheriff's Officer?
As a Sheriff's Officer, you will have law enforcement, security and other court-related responsibilities. Some duties include:
- serving documents
- enforcing writs, warrants and orders issued out of the various courts
- maintaining the security of court complexes and the safety of people attending those complexes
- ensuring the welfare of jurors and protective witness’s
- supporting day-to day- courtroom operations, including the support of jurors.
- Undertake law enforcement duties in compliance with relevant legislation, policies and procedures
- Use computer systems to accurately enter data
- Provide high quality client services
Sheriff's Officers need to be committed to excellent client service, good communicators, passionate about working with the community as well as people from different backgrounds and be team players.
They should be able to act with integrity in the interest of justice and the Sheriff's Code of Conduct, without fear or favour.
Among other attributes, Sheriff's Officers should be accountable, innovative, safety conscious and able to actively manage any risks faced.
You must be an Australian Resident and hold a full, current and unrestricted New South Wales Driver's Licence.
The Sheriff's Office accepts applicants from a variety of backgrounds, from retail and hospitality to security or military service. Focus is on candidates with good people skills and general aptitude as all new recruits undergo an in-depth induction program once hired.
Job adverts are exclusively posted on the website, 'I Work for NSW' and DCJ Careers website. If your initial application is accepted in one of these recruitment rounds, you will be invited to an assessment centre interview process testing your literacy, reasoning, and communication skills. The final phase is includes relevant police, referee and medical checks.
Before being sworn in as Sheriff's Officers, recruits need to pass a 10 week induction program that includes a combination of classroom instruction, physical tactical training and on the job learning. A probationary period of 12 months applies to all successful applicants.
Yes. The Sheriff's Office maintains a rank structure that complements varied levels of management and technical competence. Selection is based on merit. The NSW Sheriff’s Office has many different roles and commands that you may be interested in.
During on-the-job training in the induction program, you may be rotated around different learning centres. After completing your probation phase, you will be required to work anywhere in the metropolitan or regional areas based on the 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:
- welcoming jurors and handling enquiries from the general public
- assisting and instructing jurors from 'roll-call' and during the empanelling processes
- being the point-of-contact for jurors during the trial
- conducting the calling and swearing in of witnesses during the trial and handling exhibits
- communicating juror's questions and requests to the judge
- advising the judge's associate when the jury has finished deliberations and is ready to deliver a verdict
- organising and operating equipment such as videos, DVDs, cassette tapes and hearing loops
- connecting cameras and laptops at the bar table (where the legal teams sit)
- using equipment and computer systems to record evidence when required
- ensuring strict confidentiality and privacy is maintained by giving jurors clear instructions, being observant of possible breaches and applying security procedures
- being approachable, so that jurors can openly discuss their welfare and comfort
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 instil confidence in the system and make being involved in court proceedings a rewarding experience for all through 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.
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.
Vacancies
For vacancies in the Department see the iworkforNSW website or DCJ Careers website.
For further information about joining the Sheriff's Office follow the link to view a video on Sheriff's Recruitment.
For more information, see:
- Your career with the NSW Sheriff’s Office
All of our vacancies are advertised on iworkforNSW website.
Last updated:
22 Mar 2024
We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we work and we pay respect to the Elders, past, present and future.