About the Role
The Department Of Correctional Services is seeking a dedicated Assistant Director: Criminologist to join its team in the Eastern Cape region. This pivotal role is situated within the Regional Office, where the successful candidate will contribute significantly to the public service by conducting comprehensive assessments of offenders. The insights gained from this role will help shape rehabilitation strategies and ultimately improve the safety and well-being of communities across South Africa. Your expertise will directly influence the decision-making processes that determine the risk factors associated with offender behavior, ensuring that the correctional system operates effectively and justly.
This role is essential for fostering a safer society. By engaging directly with high-risk individuals, the Assistant Director will assess their backgrounds, motivations, and potential risks of reoffending. This not only aids in the rehabilitation process but also supports initiatives aimed at reducing crime rates within the community. Working in the Eastern Cape region, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to making a positive impact on public safety and offender rehabilitation.
About the Department
The Department Of Correctional Services is responsible for the management of offenders and the rehabilitation of individuals within the correctional system. Its mission is to contribute to public safety by ensuring that offenders are reintegrated into society as law-abiding citizens. Working in this department means playing a vital role in the justice system and community safety, as the department strives to prevent recidivism and promote successful rehabilitation.
With a commitment to improving correctional practices and offender outcomes, the department offers a dynamic and rewarding environment for professionals who are passionate about social justice and community well-being. By joining this team, you will be actively involved in research, assessment, and the development of initiatives that support both offenders and the communities they return to.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct risk assessments and behavioral evaluations of offenders.
- Render induction assessments for high-risk individuals.
- Analyze patterns of criminal behavior and provide recommendations for intervention.
- Compile detailed reports on offender profiles for decision-making committees.
- Collaborate with various stakeholders and community organizations to promote rehabilitation.
- Assist in the development and enhancement of risk assessment tools.
- Conduct research to improve assessment methodologies and practices.
- Organize awareness campaigns and produce educational materials on criminological topics.
- Provide training and capacity building to correctional assessment officials.
What You’ll Need
- Recognized Master’s Degree (NQF level 9) in Criminology.
- 6-10 years of relevant experience, particularly in behavioral assessment within the corrections or justice cluster.
- Proficiency in computer applications and data analysis.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.
- Ability to manage projects and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- High levels of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002 or by email [email protected].
Requirements
Recognised Master’s Degree (NQF level 9) in Criminology.6-10 years relevant or related experience.
Background in working on behavioural assessment/profiling in the corrections/justice cluster will be an added advantage.
Computer literate.
Valid driver’s licence.
Competencies And Attributes: In depth understanding of safety and security in a correctional environment.
Communication, negotiation, analytical and report writing skills.
Project and programme management.
Problem solving, decision making and analysis.
Change, stakeholder and people management.
Confidentiality, integrity and honesty.
Diplomacy, tactful and assertiveness.
Ability to network.
Resilient, influence and impact.
Good communication, report writing, research and development skills.
Job Duties
Conduct risk assessment.Render induction assessment of high risk/high profile individuals to assess pattern of actions, demographics and motivation as well as other crime characteristics.
Render risk management assessment to assess problematic and deficit areas and refer for professional intervention.
Pre-parole assessment to assess progress of rehabilitation and risks and predictors for reoffending.
Conduct behavioural assessment research.
Interact with offenders to understand their criminal behaviour and determine their offending history and future risk of offending.
Analyse and advise on criminality/risk behaviour occurring inside the management area.
Compile data and form intact reports on crime/criminal related behaviours.
Interview offenders to determine the effects of rehabilitation programmes and readiness for parole in terms of their risk for reoffending.
Compilation and provision of pro file/criminologist report to Case Management Committees (CMC)/Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards (CSPB) to enhance decision making process.
Identify problematic criminal behaviour and recommend referral to professionals.
Apply wide range of theories and scientific academic literature to explain criminal behaviour.
Assist in compilation and quality checking of profiles (G326) prior to submission to the CSPB.
Contribute in the development, compilation and implementation of the criminogenic risk assessment/profiling tools for offenders.
Identify shortfalls in the assessment, classification and profiling of offenders.
Conduct research and assist criminologist sub directorate to improve offender risk profiling tools.
Develop remedial action in addressing shortfalls identified.
Provide orientation and capacity building of correctional assessment officials and other officials in the area of work to improve offender risk assessment and profiling practice.
Conduct research in respect of all assessment tools.
Promote criminological activities and awareness.
Plan and organize awareness campaigns.
Create and develop information leaflets.
Research the effects of gangsterism within correctional facilities.
Liaise with relevant DCS officials, professional officials and external stakeholders with regard to criminological theories, recidivism risks and patterns.
Promote partnerships with communities and NGO’s to 27 promote successful integration.
Management of performance information, finances, human resources and assets.
