"One of the workers from Lithgow prison came up to me at the shop and said Bathurst Correctional Centre was looking for more Aboriginal staff," the services and programs officer explained.

The rest is history. For 21 years, Ms Jacobs has called the prison her second home; a place to connect with lost inmates who turn to her for advice and guidance on how to overcome their challenges and get their life back on track.

"When I walk through the prison, the blokes yell out 'hey, Aunty Vicki!', which is a sign of respect and shows me I'm getting through to them," the Wiradyuri woman said.

"Behind these walls, mutual respect is critical - you can't force a person to change, but if you can change the way they think, change their beliefs, the rest falls into place."

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Helping others is a skill entrenched in Ms Jacobs, who has helped domestic violence victims leave violent relationships, ensured Aboriginal offenders are supported in police interviews, and helped kids at a local Aboriginal homework centre.

"I try not to judge offenders, I only try to help," she said.

"If you want to work successfully with these guys, you have to learn who they are and create out a pro-social plan to help them get ahead because a lot of them haven't had people to listen to them or anything like that."

IN OTHER NEWS AROUND BATHURST:

Ms Jacobs is among 10,000 Corrective Services NSW staff who will be celebrated on National Corrections Day this Friday, January 21.

"Whether it's with drugs, alcohol, aggression, cultural programs or welfare needs like housing and Centrelink, my programs help address a variety of issues," Ms Jacobs said.

"I use a lot of Aboriginal resources like Aboriginal-themed cards and music, and when they introduce themselves, I have a map so they can show where their mob is from.

"We aren't going to change everyone - they have to want to change themselves - but together we're working hard to address their issues so they can make healthy life choices and go back into the community again."

Corrective Services NSW says the 2022 National Corrections Day theme is "Giving back", focusing on how staff go beyond the call of duty to protect the community, mentor staff, fundraise for important charities and contribute to vital community projects and partnerships.