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Occupation Details

Bailiff



Fact Sheet

Guarding an offender in court

Guarding an offender in court

A bailiff is contracted by the courts to serve legal orders and documents and to seize or repossess property according to court orders.

Duties and Tasks

A bailiff may perform the following tasks:

  • serve court orders, legal orders and summonses
  • seize or repossess property according to court orders
  • execute court orders such as eviction notices
  • keep records of court processes served.

Quick Facts

School subjects that include some aspect of English provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an English-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of MATHEMATICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a mathematics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Driving or piloting a powered vehicle on road, rail, water or in the air is an essential or usual requirement of these jobs. Vehicles include cars, buses, aeroplanes, trucks, forklifts, ships, boats, etc.
These jobs require you to be able to see clearly to examine items close-up. It covers jobs where poor vision e.g. tunnel vision, could make the work place unsafe or the job difficult to undertake, e.g. draftsperson working with detailed drawings; checkout operator reading dockets; work requiring good hand-eye co-ordination for working with precision or semi-precision tools.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs associated with administration of the legal system, public and private protective services and the armed services.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to help, inform, teach or treat them. Activities include discussing personal issues, listening to people's problems, and providing advice, instruction, information or treatment to meet their needs.
These jobs generally require no specific education for entry. Practical skills are often more important than level of education. Certificate I or II training is available for some jobs.

Work Conditions

Bailiffs may work outdoors when travelling to serve summonses or execute warrants.

Personal Requirements

  • sound character
  • good communication and negotiation skills
  • able to be firm yet tactful
  • able to remain calm in stressful situations
  • high level of maturity
  • skills in interpreting and applying legislation.

Related Industries

Public Administration

Labour Market Information

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See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Compiling notes after a court session has finished

Compiling notes after a court session has finished