Western Cape region: Regional Office

In brief

**Overview** This rewrite describes a re-advertised role for a specialist position within the Western Cape Regional Office of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), identified by reference number WC 2026/11/01. The position primarily focuses on criminological assessments, research, and interventions related to offender behaviour and rehabilitation within a correctional environment. **What you will do** The successful candidate will be responsible for: * Conducting risk assessments, including induction assessments for high-risk/high-profile individuals to determine action patterns, demographics, motivation, and crime characteristics. * Performing risk management assessments to identify problematic areas and refer for professional intervention. * Conducting pre-parole assessments to evaluate rehabilitation progress and identify reoffending risks and predictors. * Engaging in behavioural assessment research. * Interacting with offenders to comprehend their criminal behaviour, offending history, and future risk. * Analysing and advising on criminality/risk behaviour within the management area. * Compiling data and comprehensive reports on crime/criminal-related behaviours. * Interviewing offenders to ascertain the impact of rehabilitation programmes and readiness for parole concerning their risk for reoffending. * Preparing and providing profile/criminologist reports to Case Management Committees (CMC) and Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards (CSPB) to support decision-making. * Identifying problematic criminal behaviour and recommending professional referrals. * Applying various theories and scientific academic literature to explain criminal behaviour. * Assisting in the compilation and quality checking of profiles (G326) prior to CSPB submission. * Contributing to the development, compilation, and implementation of criminogenic risk assessment/profiling tools for offenders. * Identifying shortfalls in the assessment, classification, and profiling of offenders, and developing remedial actions. * Conducting research to improve offender risk profiling tools within the criminologist sub-directorate. * Providing orientation and capacity building to correctional assessment officials and other officials to enhance offender risk assessment and profiling practices. * Conducting research on all assessment tools. * Promoting criminological activities and awareness, including planning awareness campaigns and developing information leaflets. * Researching the effects of gangsterism within correctional facilities. * Liaising with relevant DCS officials, professional officials, and external stakeholders regarding criminological theories, recidivism risks, and patterns. * Promoting partnerships with communities and NGOs to foster successful integration. * Managing performance information, finances, human resources, and assets. **Requirements (from the original advert)** * Recognised Master’s Degree (NQF level 9) in Criminology. * 6-10 years relevant or related experience. * Computer literate. * Valid driver’s licence. * **Added advantage:** Background in working on behavioural assessment/profiling in the corrections/justice cluster. * **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 skills. * Change, stakeholder, and people management. * Confidentiality, integrity, and honesty. * Diplomacy, tactfulness, and assertiveness. * Ability to network. * Resilient, influence, and impact. * Good communication, report writing, research, and development skills. **Who should apply** This position is suitable for candidates holding a recognised Master’s Degree (NQF level 9) in Criminology, coupled with 6-10 years of relevant or related experience. Ideal applicants will possess an in-depth understanding of safety and security in a correctional environment, strong analytical and communication abilities, and proven skills in project and people management. A background in behavioural assessment or profiling within the corrections or justice cluster is considered an advantage. Essential personal attributes include confidentiality, integrity, honesty, diplomacy, assertiveness, resilience, and the ability to influence and network effectively. Applicants must be computer literate and hold a valid driver's licence. Candidates who have previously applied for this re-advertisement are required to re-apply. **Deadline** Not specified **Reference** Original posting: https://www.govpage.co.za/vacancies/department-of-correctional-services-dcs-vacancies-from-dpsa-circular-38-of-2026#spani-ref-wc-2026-11-01-re-advertisement Source: govpage

Summary drafted with AI assistance from the original advert. The advert itself is the authority — how we use AI.

At a glance

• At least 6 years of experience.

• Driver's licence

Extracted automatically from the advert; confirm requirements on the original listing.

Job description

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