Location: Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Free State, Northern Cape
Job Type: Permanent
Closing Date: [Insert Closing Date]
Reference Numbers:
- Gauteng Region: GP 2025/11/01
- KwaZulu-Natal Region: KZN 2025/11/01
- Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West Region: LMN 2025/11/01
- Eastern Cape Region: EC 2025/11/01
- Western Cape Region: WC 2025/11/01
- Free State & Northern Cape Region: FSNC 2025/11/01
Salary: R582 444 per annum
About the Company
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is a leading government institution committed to rehabilitation, reintegration, and risk management of offenders across South Africa. The department promotes safety, security, and effective offender management while ensuring compliance with correctional policies and regulations.
Position Overview
The Assistant Director: Criminologist will play a pivotal role in assessing, profiling, and managing offender risk. This position requires in-depth knowledge of criminological theories, behavioural assessment, and risk management within correctional environments. The incumbent will provide guidance on rehabilitation, parole decisions, and offender integration strategies while conducting research to enhance offender profiling tools.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct risk and behavioural assessments of high-risk/high-profile offenders.
- Perform pre-parole assessments to evaluate rehabilitation progress and reoffending risk.
- Research criminal behaviour patterns, including gangsterism in correctional facilities.
- Compile comprehensive criminologist reports for Case Management Committees (CMC) and Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards (CSPB).
- Assist in developing and implementing offender risk assessment/profiling tools.
- Identify gaps in offender assessment and recommend remedial actions.
- Train and mentor correctional officials on risk assessment and offender profiling best practices.
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including NGOs and professional bodies, to support successful offender reintegration.
- Manage performance, finances, human resources, and departmental assets efficiently.
Minimum Requirements
- Recognised Master’s degree (NQF Level 9) in Criminology.
- 6–10 years relevant experience in criminology or related fields.
- Experience in behavioural assessment/profiling within the corrections or justice cluster is advantageous.
- Proficiency in computer applications and research tools.
- Valid driver’s licence.
Core Competencies
- In-depth understanding of correctional safety and security.
- Strong communication, negotiation, analytical, and report writing skills.
- Project and programme management expertise.
- Problem-solving, decision-making, and research analysis capabilities.
- Stakeholder engagement and people management.
- Integrity, confidentiality, diplomacy, and tact.
- Resilience, influence, and ability to impact organisational outcomes.
Why Join
Joining the Department of Correctional Services as an Assistant Director: Criminologist offers the opportunity to:
- Contribute to rehabilitation and crime reduction initiatives.
- Lead innovative research in offender profiling and risk management.
- Work in a dynamic, supportive, and challenging environment.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to enhance correctional practices.
POPIA Compliance
The Department is committed to ensuring that all personal information is processed in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications via the official application channels for their respective regions. Ensure the correct reference number is quoted when applying.
Enquiries by Region:
- Gauteng: Mr Masango SS (012) 420 0173 / Ms Feni SAP (012) 420 0173 / (012) 420 0179
- Free State & Northern Cape: Ms Mokuni NJ / Ms Molutsoane N / Ms Radebe T / Ms Ramncwana B (082) 306 9027
- Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West: Mr Buthelezi Z (012) 306 2037 / Ms Nomvela PM (012) 306 2033 / Ms Lekhuleni TD (012) 306 2034
- Eastern Cape: Ms Myataza Z (043) 706 7866 / Ms Mgugudo N (043) 706 7882
- KwaZulu-Natal: Mr Singh M (033) 355 7380 / Ms Zuma NI (033) 355 7367
- Western Cape: Ms NA Mdladlamba (021) 550 6014 / Ms A Reddy (021) 559 7929 / Mr S Sikisazane (021) 558 0108 / Ms NC Sotyibi (021) 558 0518
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