Parliamentary Security Service (PSS) Officers

Job Details

Job Title:                 Parliamentary Security Service (PSS) Officers
Location:                 Canberra, ACT
Employment Type: Ongoing and Non-ongoing. Multiple full-time, part-time sessional and casual positions available.
Classification:         PSL 1/2
Salary Package:      Generous salary + terms and conditions such as shift penalties, 15.4% superannuation, free parking and gym membership. 
Closing date:           11.30pm AEDT, Wednesday 30 October 2024
 

Contact Details

Contact Officer:    Daniel Beach
Contact Number: 0484 904 882
Email:                    Daniel.Beach@aph.gov.au

The Opportunity

The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is recruiting passionate, customer-focused Parliamentary Security Service (PSS) Officers to join a high performing team. We are committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Every year, around 800,000 people visit Australian Parliament House to experience the parliamentary process, and to enjoy the architecture, art collections, events, tours, and dining experiences - all made possible by our people, who are active participants in an environment where no two days are the same. Would you like to be part of the team that keeps Australian Parliament House safe and secure, while enjoying a free gym membership, free parking, and convenience of on-site childcare, banking services, cafes and a post office? As a PSS Officer you can have a great career while working in the most iconic building in Australia.  

As a PSS officer your uniform is provided, you will receive a competitive salary, with additional shift penalties  and leave provisions available when working on a roster. Flexible work looks a little bit different as a PSS officer, as you will be part of a team that operates 24/7, 365 days per year. However, there is more than one way to be part of the PSS:

• Full time PSS officer – Working a 24/7 roster comprised of day, afternoon, and night shifts, you will work across a variety of security roles within Australian Parliament House. Our full-time officers love working in a building where no day is the same, engaging with Parliamentarians, Visitors and Guests, and working as part of a team. 
  
   
• Sessional PSS Officer – Sessional employment provides an opportunity that is unique to Australian Parliament House and the Australian Public Sector. As a sessional officer you are a permanent part time Commonwealth employee, and only commit to working during the days that Parliament is sitting (have a look at the 2024 sitting calendar here). As a sessional employee you primarily support the House of Representatives and Senate chambers, giving you a front row seat to Australia’s democracy in action.
   
  • Sessional employment is perfect if you want the certainty of permanent Commonwealth employment, however, may also want to study, work predominantly outside of school holidays, are returning to work or starting to transition away from full time employment, have another part time role, or just want to spend most of your time pursuing other interests outside of work!
    
     
• Casual PSS officer – If you want to be part of the team, however a few shifts a week around your other commitments works best for you, casual positions are also available. 

Who we are looking for

We are looking for people who:

• take pride in delivering exceptional customer service
• possess good judgement and communication skills
• value teamwork and foster team cohesion
• demonstrate values of honesty, integrity, inclusion, and accountability
• stay calm under pressure and act professionally in challenging situations, and
• have strong observational skills and can write accurate reports.

You do not need prior experience in the security industry. Your ability to deliver excellent customer service and work as part of a team is most important, and we understand that these skills can be gained in a variety of ways. Current PSS Officers come from a diverse range of backgrounds, including Uni students, trades, retail, law enforcement, defense and hospitality. 

Work ethic, integrity, a positive approach, strong communication skills and a willingness to learn is more important to us then the roles you may have previously worked in. We also understand that sometimes people have had to step out of the workforce for a period of time, and you may need to demonstrate your skillset to us in different ways. We will provide you with all the training you require to be successful as a PSS officer. 

Job Requirements

Across all roles, we provide you with in house training and develop your individual skills to help you build a successful career. 

Your responsibilities will include:

• providing excellent customer service to visitors and building occupants
• performing front-line and operational security functions such as
  • Mobile patrols of the building
  • Conducting screening using x-ray machines at entry points to the building
  • Providing a response capability in the event of a security incident
  • Providing immediate first aid in response to a medical emergency
  • Supporting emergency operations during a building lock down or evacuation
  • Undertaking static patrols, controlling access to private areas of the building
  • Escorting 
• communicating effectively to de-escalate situations. 
• while rarely required, you will be trained to use the minimum level of force required to maintain the safety and security of Australian Parliament House
• working closely with other departments within the building, particularly the Australian Federal Police
• recording and reporting security incidents

Employees of DPS are required to be able, and to be seen to be able, to provide professional advice and services to all Senators and Members without favour or prejudice.

How to apply

Application

Please upload a one page pitch (750 words maximum) describing how your skills and experience would contribute to the role and work of the department. 
 
Your pitch is an opportunity to tell us why you want to work at DPS, why you are interested in the role and what you can offer in the role. Frame your pitch around the role description and relevant ILS Profile. Make sure to use relevant examples and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to perform the role. 

Assessment Centre 
 
If you are shortlisted, we will invite you to attend either face-face or a virtual Assessment Centre that includes a work-based activity, a group discussion and interview.
 

Fitness test
 
If you are selected through the Assessment Centre, you will be required to complete a fitness test at Parliament House. To pass the fitness test, you must be able to:

• complete a timed walking test over a defined course to assess your cardiovascular fitness
• do 10 pushups
• do 20 sit ups
• drag a 50kg dummy for 20m
• hand grip test.

About DPS

DPS is proud to be the custodian of Australian Parliament House as the preeminent symbol of Australian democracy and as a significant visitor destination. It is a place where more than 3,500 people work on sitting days.

DPS provides services and products to support the functioning of the Parliament, and the work of parliamentarians. We proudly provide innovative, unified, and client-focused services, delivered by a values driven workforce.

Our people are employed in a broad and unique range of professional, customer service and trade-based roles, all joined by a shared purpose — to make an enduring contribution to Australia’s parliamentary democracy.

At DPS, we acknowledge the value diversity brings. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. 

We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, mature age people, people from diverse backgrounds, people with disability and our Veteran community.

Conditions on employment

DPS employees are subject to a range of conditions prescribed in the Parliamentary Service Act 1999. For this role, you must:  
 

• be an Australian citizen
• obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting 1 security clearance
• complete and be deemed suitable through a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check
• undergo a pre-employment medical assessment and be declared physically and/or medically fit for all inherent requirements of the role.

If you are a successful candidate, you will be required to:
 

• complete an intensive training program, including Operational Safety Training, to a satisfactory standard
• obtain and maintain a First Aid Certificate
• complete annual refresher training on operational safety and first response emergency procedures
• maintain appearance - PSS officers are issued with official uniforms and appropriate personal protective equipment and are expected to maintain a well-groomed, professional appearance.