POSITION OF CORRECTIONAL OFFICER IN THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AGENCY WITHIN THE MINISTRY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, SECURITY AND EMPLOYMENT

Nomenclatures denoting the male gender include also the female gender.

1.The Chief Executive Officer, Correctional Services Agency, invites applications for the position of Correctional Officer to work within the Agency.

Duration of assignment and conditions

2.1 A selected candidate will enter into an indefinite assignment as a Correctional Officer in the Correctional Services Agency.
2.2 The position of Correctional Officer is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year.

Salary pegged to the position

3.1 Trainee Correctional Officers will receive a salary of €340.40 per week (rate based on year 2026), and any allowances and bonus, pro-rata, in accordance with the relative legislation. Applicants who are already bound by some other agreement of apprenticeship shall be precluded from joining the traineeship scheme unless they obtain a certificate of release from Jobsplus.

3.2 On the successful completion of the course, a Trainee Correctional Officer will be appointed Correctional Officer on an indefinite basis, in accordance with the order of merit obtained at the end of the training course and subject to the availability of vacancies.

3.3 A Correctional Officer (Grade J) will receive a salary of €20,645 per annum rising by annual increments of €317. A Correctional Officer (Grade J) shall progress to Correctional Officer (Grade I) (€22,217 x €336 – €24,230 (2026 rates)) after two (2) years satisfactory service. A Correctional Officer (Grade I) shall further continue to progress to Correctional Officer I (Grade H) (€23,816 x €354 – €25,940 (2026 rates)) following four (4) years satisfactory service as Correctional Officer (Grade I). A Correctional Officer I (Grade H) will progress to Correctional Officer II (Grade G) (€25,435 x €375 – €27,686 (2026 rates)) after three (3) years satisfactory service as Correctional Officer I (Grade H) (rates based on year 2026),

3.4 Correctional Officers are entitled to (i) an Active-duty Allowance as stipulated in the Collective Agreement between the Correctional Services Agency and the General Workers’ Union, with the allowance during the first year of employment being that of €1,560 per annum; (ii) a Correctional Service Allowance as stipulated in the Collective Agreement between the Correctional Services Agency and the General Workers’ Union, with the allowance during the first year of employment being that of €2,160 per annum; and (iii) any other allowance as stipulated in the Collective Agreement between the Correctional Services Agency and the General Workers’ Union.

Hours of work

4. A Correctional Officer will be directly answerable to the CEO Correctional Services Agency and may be required to work on a shift system of a minimum 46 hours per week from Monday to Sunday, including nights and public holidays. The employee shall be remunerated at a salary corresponding to the respective nomenclature and grade for the 40-hour working week. In addition to the basic wage, described in Point 3.3 above, each employee shall receive remuneration equivalent to six (6) hours per week times 1.5 the basic hourly rate (i.e. basic salary/2080 x 1.5).

Duties

5.1 The duties of a Correctional Officer include:

(a) Ensuring the security of Agency facilities and maintaining order as instructed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or his designated delegate;
(b) Supervising persons in prison according to the prison rules and regulations;
(c) Conducting searches on persons in prison, staff, and visitors to prevent the entry of contraband, while upholding the privacy and rights of all individuals involved, as directed by the CEO or his designated delegate;
(d) Monitoring the behaviour of persons in prison and conducting regular checks to promote a safe and orderly environment conducive to rehabilitation;
(e) Inspecting locks, doors, windows, and other security features to ensure the integrity of the Agency’s infrastructure as instructed by the CEO or his designated delegate;
(f) Guiding and supporting persons in prison in their assigned tasks, including educational and vocational activities and work in prison, providing feedback on their progress to both the persons in prison themselves and the supervisory staff to aid in their rehabilitation;
(g) Performing security patrols and other related duties as assigned, with a focus on pre-emptive measures to maintain a peaceful environment within the Agency;
(h) Documenting and reporting on persons in prison behaviour, collaborating closely with the Care, Reintegration, and Education Unit to develop and implement personalised care plans that include educational, vocational, and therapeutic components;
(i) Escorting persons in prison within and outside the Agency premises as required, ensuring their safety and the safety of the public, while fostering an environment of respect and growth;
(j) Assisting in the development and implementation of protocols to protect vulnerable groups within the Agency, ensuring all persons in prison have access to supportive services and are treated equitably;
(k) Engaging with persons in prison to understand their needs and concerns, serving as a mediator to resolve conflicts and as a mentor to assist in their personal development; and
(l) Performing additional tasks as assigned by the CEO or his designated delegate, with a commitment to uphold the rehabilitative goals of the correctional services.

During the term of employment, a Correctional Officer may be required to carry out duties outside the Correctional Services Agency compatible with his/her position

Eligibility requirements

6.1 By the closing time and date of this call for applications, applicants must:

(i) be citizens of Malta;

(ii) be able to communicate (both orally and in writing) in the Maltese and English languages;

(iii) have attained their eighteenth (18th) birthday but not their fortieth (40th) birthday by the closing date of this call for applications;

(iv) be of conduct which is appropriate to the position applied for. Applicants must fill in and sign an Authorisation Form for the issue of a Complete Record of Criminal Conviction (Fedina Penali) and state whether they have ever been in Government Service, giving details; and

(v) be eligible to take up their due appointment, not only by the closing time and date of this call for applications but also on the date of appointment.

6.2 Applications by candidates having tattoos and/or body piercing and/or body modifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applications by candidates exhibiting body art will be regulated as per the Correctional Services Agency Body Art Policy:

(a) The Correctional Services Agency has a responsibility to avoid offending or appearing unprofessional before the public.

(b) The Correctional Services Agency prohibits its employees from sporting tattoos that are profane, demeaning and deliberately offensive, give the appearance of a preference or bias to the public or other members of the Force, or contain messages that may be disruptive in the workplace or impact productivity.

(c) Tattooing Zones are split into three (3) distinct categories, each bearing a regulation:
(i) Extremities’ Tattoos – Tattoos are prohibited over all the head, face, upper trapezius, neck, scalp, eyelids, mouth, lips, ears, hands and fingers;
(ii) Sporting Tattoos – Tattoos which are visible when wearing the summer uniform and which do not belong to the above extremities category, i.e. on the forearms, arms below the armpit level and lower limbs from mid-thigh level downwards, are regulated and require authorisation;
(iii) Non-Sporting Tattoos – Tattoos on body parts not mentioned above are unregulated and no authorisation is required, however sensible choices are expected.

(d) The following tattoos are prohibited, regardless of their visibility, and will be investigated should the management become aware of them:
(i) Extremist – tattoos affiliated with, depicting or symbolizing extremist philosophies, politics, organizations or activities, including those advocating racial, gender, ethnic, sexual orientation hatred or intolerance, or illegal discrimination based on race, colour, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin and/or tattoos advocating violence or other unlawful means of depriving individual rights under the Laws of Malta;
(ii) Indecent – body art grossly offensive to modesty, morality, decency, propriety, or professionalism, including but not limited to vulgar images, nudity, or sexually implicit images, words or phrases;
(iii) Sexist – tattoos advocating a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on gender;
(iv) Racist – tattoos advocating a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on race, ethnicity or national origin.

(e) The Selection Board shall consider on a case-by-case basis tattoos in prohibited areas of the body when medical tattoos and essential cosmetic tattoos are involved.

(f) The Correctional Services Agency prohibits its employees from having body piercings and body modifications which are, or which could reasonably be expected to damage public respect or confidence in the uniformed Officer or the Agency, or discredit the image of uniformed Officers or the Agency, or be a source of hazard for the uniformed Officer.

Submission of Application and Supporting Documentation

7.1 Application forms, will be received by the Chief Executive Officer, Correctional Services Agency, at Corradino Correctional Facility, Valletta Road, Paola PLA1707 or via email on [email protected] by not later than noon (Central European Time) of Friday, 30th January 2026.

Applications are also to include a curriculum vitae, copies of the qualifications held by the applicant listed in the curriculum vitae, a passport photo and any other relevant forms required to be filled in at application stage.

7.2 An Authorisation Form for the Correctional Services Agency to request the issue of a Complete Record of Criminal Conviction (Fedina Penali) by a competent authority, which will be collectible upon handing in of the Application for the Call, is to be duly filled-in, signed and presented together with a copy of both sides of the ID card and the Application Form.

A Declaration prior to Employment with the Correctional Services Agency, which will be collectible upon handing in of the Application for the Call, is to be duly filled in and presented together with the Application Form.

A Body Art Declaration, which will be collectible upon handing in of the Application for the Call, is to be duly filled in and presented together with the Application Form.
Qualifications and experience claimed must be supported by certificates and/or testimonials, copies of which are to be presented during the interview for verification.

Applicants must produce their Employment History obtained from Jobsplus.

Applicants must produce MQRIC recognition statements in respect of their qualifications from MQRIC when necessary.

Selection Procedure

8.1 The Selection Process consists of:

(a) Physical Efficiency Test;
(b) Written Examination;
(c) Interview;
(d) Medical Examination; and
(e) Training Course.

(a) Physical Efficiency Test

Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be subject to a Physical Efficiency Test to ensure fitness to Correctional Officer standards.
The Physical Efficiency Test will be held under a Selection Board appointed by the CEO. The minimum standards of the Physical Efficiency Test will comprise three components in Phase 1 and three components in Phase 2:

Phase 1 – Fitness test

1 Mile Run

Push-Ups (Repetitions)

Sit-Ups (Repetitions)

Candidates must at least attain the minimum standard in each component of the Physical Efficiency Test to be considered as having gained a pass in the Physical Efficiency Test – Phase 1. Candidates who fail in one component will be allowed to re-sit that one particular component within a week from the first complete component. Only candidates who pass in all the components of the physical test will proceed to the next stage, Phase 2.

Phase 2 – Job related circuit test

Component 1 – Applicant would sit in CSA car with a fastened seatbelt and hands on the steering wheel. On the blowing of a whistle each candidate will exist the vehicle and run for 40 meters to the first station.

Component 2 – The candidates will climb a flight of stairs turn around a cone and climb down the stairs. It is important that at least one foot is placed on each step for the entire flight of stairs.

Component 3 – The candidates will drag a dummy of 50 kilograms on a 20 meters’ distance.
The candidates will signal that they have finished by ringing a bell at the finish line. If a candidate fails to complete one of the above components of Phase 2, it will be considered an automatic failure, since it is a job related circuit test. The test must be completed with a maximum time of 1 minute and 30 seconds.

Physical Efficiency Test remarks:

1. There will be a 15-minute rest period for stretching and hydration between the two phases.
2. All applicants must present a well written medical declaration which states clearly that one can perform such mentioned above tests; therefore, is medically fit to undergo such above testing.
3. After successfully completion of Phase 2 will proceed with the selection process.

(b) Written Examination

Marks obtained in this part of the Selection Procedure will not be taken into consideration in any order of merit.

This part of the Selection Procedure will be conducted on Friday, 10th April 2026 by the Registrar (Examinations) and the Board of Local Public Examinations.

Applicants who are in possession of at least one of the following qualifications and are successful in terms of point 8.1 (a), will be exempted from the Written Examination:

(i) a pass in Maltese and English language at MQF Level 2 (at least at Grade 7 in the case of SEC examinations or Grade E or 3 in the case of Edexcel (London) examinations, or a comparable level); OR

(ii) a recognised qualification at MQF Level 2, or a Secondary School Certificate and Profiling qualification at MQF Level 2, awarded not earlier than 2015. In both cases, components in Maltese, and English language must be included as core subjects.

Applicants who are not in possession of at least one of the above-mentioned qualifications with regards to either Maltese or English Language or both, and are successful in terms of point 8.1 (a), will be required to sit for the Written Examination in the relevant subject/s (i.e. Maltese and/or English Language).

Qualifications at a level higher than that specified above will be accepted for eligibility purposes. Moreover, candidates who have not yet formally obtained any of the above-mentioned qualifications will still be considered, provided that they submit evidence that they have been approved for the award of the qualifications in question by the closing time and date of this call for applications.

Each of the papers carries a maximum of 100%, whilst the pass mark in each of the papers is 50%.

Results pertaining to the Written Examination shall be published and displayed on the notice board of the Edu Servizz.gov at the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Great Siege Road, Floriana, on the notice board of the Gozo Examinations Centre, Fortunato Mizzi Street, Victoria, Gozo, and on the notice board of the Agency. Results pertaining to the Written Examination will be sent by email from the Department of Examinations. Where candidates provide a valid mobile number, a courtesy SMS notification will be sent. Applicants may request a revision of paper/s not later than five (5) working days from the date of publication of the result, according to conditions established by the Department of Examinations. Only candidates who successfully pass the written examination will proceed to the interview stage.

Applicants who have passed any written examination forming part of the previous call for the position of Correctional Officer issued in December 2024, will be exempted from sitting for the respective examination.

The syllabi for the Written Examinations can be viewed by accessing the ‘Examination for the post of Correctional Officer within the Correctional Services Agency’ section of the Local Public Examinations website (https://myexams.gov.mt/local-public-examinations/).

(c) Interview

Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements and are successful in terms of points (a) and (b) of the Selection Process as applicable, will be subject to an interview by a Selection Board designed to bring to the fore those personal qualities in a candidate, such as personality, alertness, intelligence, and other personal aptitudes required from a Correctional Officer. The comprehension of the spoken word, and the ability to speak the Maltese and English language are to be assessed during the interview.

The maximum mark for this part of the selection process is 100% and the pass mark is 50%.

Results pertaining to the Interview, which will be the provisional order of merit, shall be published and displayed on the notice board of the Agency, at the Corradino Correctional Facility in Paola.

Applicants are required to obtain a minimum pass mark in order to be considered further.

Candidates who fail the interview shall be precluded from joining the course of training.

(d) Medical Examination

Selected applicants who successfully pass the interview (and therefore passed parts (a), (b)
(as applicable) and (c)), and subject to availability of vacancies, will be medically examined to ascertain that they are fit for the position.

This also includes:

i. having an unaided visual acuity (Snellen) not worse than 6/18 in each eye, or 6/12 in one eye and 6/24 in the other, provided that it is corrected to, at least, 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the other, with contact lenses;
ii. having a satisfactory safe colour vision;
iii. having a chest X-ray screening;
iv. having routine blood tests; and
v. sustaining and passing a drugs screening test.

During the medical examination applicants will need to produce the duly filled-in ‘Pre-Employment Health Questionnaire’ and a ‘Consent Form for Pre-enlistment for Medical Screening and Personal Declaration to undertake Training and Operational Duties’ sent beforehand by the Agency.

The applicants are to present their Vaccination Records at this stage.

(e) Training Course

Successful candidates according to the provisional order of merit and subject to availability of vacancies, shall subsequently be required to undergo a full-time course of training of a duration of sixteen (16) weeks, which may be extended, but which shall not be longer than six (6) months, including a placement.

The final order of merit will be determined by the total marks obtained during the whole course of training (part (e) only).

During the course of training selected applicants will be known as Trainee Correctional Officers. Candidates will be subject to discipline, even during the traineeship period as provided for in Subsidiary Legislation No. 260.03 known as the Prisons Regulations of the Prisons Act, Chapter 260.

Candidates admitted to the course, will be entitled to free issue of uniforms. They shall be required to perform practical duties on a shift basis, under supervision, which assignment would include night work and/or manual work as necessary.

The training course shall include:

i.Classes on education and communication skills, ethics, drug and alcohol abuse and prevention, racism, radicalisation, multiculturalism, rehabilitation, re-entry to society, medical and mental health, first aid, policies and legislation, gender awareness, food hygiene and safety, as well as health and safety, and any other related topics. The course will be composed of 5 modules. A pass (50%) in EACH module is required to successfully complete the training course.
ii.A work placement during the training period, to be conducted in the facilities of the Correctional Services Agency; and
iii.Activities such as fire-fighting, control and restraint techniques, security, prison management programme, inmates services, first aid and physical training.

During the comprehensive course of training, the Trainee Correctional Officers shall be required to sit for examinations and/or other assessments as applicable.
The maximum overall mark for this part of the process is 100% and the pass mark is 50%.

Trainees who fail in any module will be allowed for a re-sit it once. Trainees who fail a module following a resit will have their training terminated.

The aforementioned comprehensive course will be held at the Academy for Disciplined Forces, at the Agency’s premises and/or in any other training institution as necessary.

On successful completion of the training, candidates will receive a Certificate of Competency.

The result of the provisional order of merit (as per Interview in Part (c)) will remain valid for one (1) year from date of publication. The final result (that is, after training as Part (e)) will remain valid for six (6) months from date of publication.

The e-mail address of the receiving Agency is: [email protected].

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