Recruit Prison Officer 2026

About the Role

Prison Officers conduct the majority of the face to face interactions with people committed to prison throughout their sentence including transportation from court; committal; safety; security; accommodation; supporting access to healthcare, psychology, in reach services, work training, education and visits by family friends and legal representatives; maintaining good order and discipline; and supporting their care, progression, desistence and rehabilitation in order that they can safely reintegrate back into their communities on completion of their sentence.

Given that prisoners spend the majority of their sentence in the presence of Prison Officers, building appropriate relationships with prisoners and actively role modelling positive behaviours in general appearance, demeanour and in daily interactions with colleagues and prisoners are fundamental aspects of the role. Prison Officers must always secure and account for every prisoner in their care, whether inside the prison or when on prisoner escorts.

The Recruit Prison Officer (RPO) is the entry level to the Service.

Prisons operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As a result, Recruit Prison Officers will be required to work a basic 2,035 hours per year based on an average roster of 39 hours a week and will be required to work shifts including night duties, every second weekend, some public holidays and over festive seasons. Recruit Prison Officers will also be required to work Additional Hours (AH) over and above basic rostered hours up to 360 hours per annum.

Working as a Recruit Prison Officer can be complex and difficult, but it can be varied, challenging and highly rewarding. We are looking for individuals who have the capacity to relate to and engage with prisoners, act with professionalism, tolerance and humanity and the ability to role model positive social behaviour. They must also have the ability to think on their feet in dealing with situations which require security and control.

Requirements

Training as a Recruit Prison Officer involves the completion of an intensive programme over a 2-year period, which is accredited by South East Technological University Waterford (SETU). Upon successful completion, the Recruit Prison Officer is awarded the Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (HCCC).

Details

Location: Ireland

Salary: €38,413–€42,789 per year

Closing date: 8 Oct 2026

Recruitment for this role is managed by publicjobs.

How to Apply

Please note there will be an in-person Information Session held in Chapter House before the closing date. Only candidates who have fully completed and submitted an application by 10 am on Monday 21st Sept 2026, will be invited to this session. Further details will be issued to the relevant candidates.