Department of Justice - Infringement Management and Enforcement Services
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 “As a Sheriff’s Officer I am out and about and the majority of my day is spent on the road, attending defendants’ houses, businesses and other locations actioning warrants. In order to action warrants I aim to assist people identify the best option to deal with their outstanding warrants. I may need to apply a range of sanctions such as wheel clamping, suspension of license or vehicle registration, arranging community work permits or as a last resort, arrest. I sometimes get involved in field operations where I work closely with my colleagues and other agencies, such as the Victoria Police, VicRoads or the Victorian Taxi Directorate.
I love that every day is different. I never know who is going to answer the door and I need to have the ability to think on my feet and be flexible in my approach to suit the situation. With every interaction I have with people, I aim to educate them so that they won’t continue to get fines or warrants. I need to know all of the relevant legislation, policies and procedures that govern our work and I need to keep up-to-date with any changes. I also have to record all actions that I have taken throughout the day accurately.
As a Sheriff’s Officer, I need to be flexible because my day-to-day duties can change - with a telephone call for assistance from a colleague, or someone not being at home. Communication, self management, flexibility and perseverance are critical to being a successful Sheriff’s Officer. It’s a challenging and rewarding role, and I wouldn’t want to do anything else.” |
What do Sheriff's Officers do?
Sheriff’s Officers are uniformed officers who are mobile and work in the community to enforce the law, warrants and sanctions against people who do not comply with court orders. Sheriff's are motivated by working autonomously to achieve results as part of a large regional team. Some activities are conducted in partnership with other authorities, such as Victoria Police, Vic Roads and the Taxi Directorate.
Who are we looking for?
The Sheriff's Office is looking for people with a wide range of communication and life skills who are keen to be involved in Victoria's justice system as Sheriff's Officers. The ability to exercise tact, discretion and sound judgment when actioning warrants, and to take into account cultural and religious diversity, plays a large part in their everyday work.
Successful candidates will have:
- excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- experience and expertise in handling conflict
- problem solving and negotiation skills
- a motivated and conscientious approach
- ability to apply procedures and guidelines
- strength to self manage and cope with challenging situations
- empathy and cultural awareness
- computer skills, literacy and numeracy skills
Orientation and training
All new recruits are provided with a comprehensive training program that incorporates both classroom and on the job learning. Successful completion (competence) ensures employees will progress towards attaining a formal qualification of Certificate IV in Government (Court Compliance).
The Department of Justice encourages all staff to continue their learning and development throughout their career. To support this, all locations offer staff the opportunity to undertake additional training, on the job learning and opportunities for advancement. Throughout the first 12 month period, Trainee Sheriff’s Officers are well supported and mentored through their learning pathway.
Please note that it is a requirement for recruits to be able to complete physical aspects of the training program.
Salary and benefits
Sheriff’s Officers currently work varying shifts, any time between Monday to Friday and within the hours of 7am to 9.30pm. Some flexibility beyond these hours may be required to assist with field operations.
- Trainee Sheriff’s Officers are paid a full-time salary of $40,771 per annum plus superannuation At the completion of the probationary period and demonstrated competency in executing criminal warrants, the Trainee Sheriff's Officer salary increases to that of a Sheriff’s Officer.
- Sheriff’s Officers are paid a full-time salary of $47,390 per annum plus superannuation. After 12 months of employment, successful completion of the Certificate IV Government and demonstrated competency in executing all civil and criminal warrantes, the Sheriff’s Officer salary increases to $48,219 per annum plus superannuation.
- Senior Sheriff’s Officers are paid a full-time salary starting at $53,502 per annum plus superannuation, which is applicable after 3 years employment and having met the agency’s performance standards.
Please download the Sheriff's Officer Position Description for further information.
