Singapore Prison Service Volunteer Case Officer (VCO)
As a Volunteer Case Officer (VCO), you'll work with Singapore Prison Service staff to support ex-offenders during their reintegration into the community. You'll provide mentorship and guidance to help them build the skills needed for a positive, law-abiding life.
Last updated 24 February 2026
On this page
Requirements
Commitment
Up to 4 hours/month
Age
23 years old and above
What is the Role of SPS Volunteer Case Officers (VCO)?
A Volunteer Case Officer (VCO) supports inmates emplaced on community-based programmes by working closely with Singapore Prison Service (SPS).
Your role involves providing case management and prosocial support to inmates under your supervision (“supervisees”)and help coach and motivate them in their reintegration journey.
What Training Will You Receive?
You will receive sufficient training to ensure you are confidently prepared for this role.
Initial training: Attend a half-day Prison Volunteer Training to orientate yourself to the prison environment, covering key dos and don'ts. Through interactive role-plays, you will learn useful skills to effectively engage with inmates and supervisees.
First-year training: Within your first year, you are required to complete e-learning courses and classroom lessons focused on case management and befriending skills specifically designed for working with inmates and supervisees in community settings.
Ongoing growth: After completing initial training, you will have access to developmental courses at your convenience, allowing you to continuously enhance your capabilities.
Why Join SPS VCO?
Volunteering with SPS as a VCO will allow you to:
Create a meaningful impact in the lives of others – Your work in providing case management and prosocial support directly contributes to the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates and supervisees. You help supervisees rebuild their lives and stay crime-free.
Grow in empathy and self-awareness – Working with inmates and supervisees offer a unique opportunity to learn and understand diverse life stories and challenges. This experience fosters empathy, patience, and emotional intelligence – helping you grow personally and strengthening your ability to connect meaningfully with others.
Develop valuable skills and connections – Through your volunteer journey, you will work with like-minded volunteers and the Singapore Prison Service staff. This experience helps you build effective communication and problem-solving skills while working with a community dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.
How Do You Sign Up?
To begin your volunteer journey, visit https://go.gov.sg/spsvolunteerapplications to apply to join the programme.
FAQs
What is the expected commitment as a SPS Volunteer Case Officer?
A minimum one-year commitment is preferred for the role of Volunteer Case Officer.
What are the criteria for volunteering as a Volunteer Case Officer?
Individuals with background in relevant Social Sciences and/or experience working with offender/ex-offender populations are preferred.
What does a Volunteer Case Officer do?
As a Volunteer Case Officer, you’ll have to:
Engage each inmate/supervisee at least once a month and submit progress reports after engagement to inform on their reintegration needs
Work closely with Singapore Prison Service staff and refer inmates/supervisees to community agencies and prosocial groups for support assistance
Motivate supervisees to comply with supervision conditions
I'm happy that supervisee is comfortable with me sharing about his work, girlfriend, weekly urine test as well as his interest and engagement in AI, art and design. I'm greatly encouraged by the supervisee's proactiveness in meeting me online and updating candidly about himself, his work and family.— Andrew Chew Hui Keong
Seeing my supervisee remain resilient through major life transitions, rebuilding his life and caring for his daughters, has been deeply fulfilling for me as a VCO. I hope his journey inspires others to believe in the power of perseverance and positive change.— Verma Monika
Although there were language barriers as she does not understand English and I have limited Mandarin, we were still able to build a good rapport. This shows that rapport can have a stronger impact than language differences. Our conversations were a mix of Hokkien, Mandarin, and simple English, and it was a good start for us.— Lim Lay Lay
