GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA

MINISTRY OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE, HOME AFFAIRS, LABOUR AND GENDERAFFAIRS

Department of the Public Service

VACANCY NOTICE

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for appointment to the post of

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, PROBATION AND PAROLE SERVICES, at the Department of Home Affairs.

RELATIONSHIPS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.To oversee probation and parole administration and supervision activities through participation in programme design, assignment of cases loads and directing parole activities, to ensure adherence to established policies, standards and procedures in the execution of targeted rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.  

2.Responds to the Permanent Secretary and Director, Probation and Parole Services, Parole Board and the Courts and liaises with social, educational and law enforcement institutions and members of the public on matters relating to work in progress. 

DUTIES AND TASKS

1.Leads and manages assigned staff through target setting, continuous dialogue, mentoring, coaching and assessment of individual staff performance including identifying training needs and gaps to ensure effective performance management.

2.Assists in the preparation of the work programme for the Unit, through strategic planning exercises, consultation with stakeholders and team members and reviewing key evidence-based reports/documentation, to enable the determination of targets, milestones and guidelines. 

3.Assists in the development of probation and parole administration and supervision policies by conducting research to inform casework techniques, directing risk and needs assessments and collaborating with stakeholders, to support the achievement of programme initiatives.

4.Coordinates probation and parole administration and supervision activities by assigning case work; reviewing case histories and summaries; ensuring the maintenance of adequate records management systems; and participating in programme review, to ensure optimal techniques, methods or approaches are instituted in the conduct of probation and parole services.

5.Monitors caseloads and provides advice regarding client supervision; reviews case summaries and reports to ensure completeness and compliance with approved standards; and collaborates with stakeholders, to support an effective monitoring framework for probation and parole matters.

6.Ensures the compilation of casework statistics in accordance with standard operating procedures, to permit the retention and accessibility of robust data that serves the information needs of stakeholders, enables reporting obligations and promotes accountability and transparency.

7.Assists in the conduct of research through the review of relevant documentation, leading investigations on complex matters and consultation with subject matter experts, to assist in determining the criminogenic risks and needs of clients in advising on probation and parole selection and revocation matters.

8.Assists with the coordination of the annual budgetary process of the Unit, through participation in budget planning meetings and consultation with stakeholders to promote best practices and meet strategic objectives.

9.Monitors adherence to quality assurance standards and guidelines, through the review of processes and procedures, analysing relevant reports and assessing performance indicators, to recommend performance improvement initiatives.  

10.Facilitates continuous learning through training, workshops and meetings by applying effective training methodologies and presentation skills to build capacity with respect to probation and parole matters.

11.Prepares status reports on the work programme of the Unit, in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, to allow for a review of set targets and objectives, facilitate decision-making and ensure accountability.

12.Represents the Department on committees, conferences, meetings at the local, regional and international levels to articulate government’s policy position and foster networking and alliances. 

13.Establishes linkages with relevant stakeholders through collaboration and networking at the local, regional and international levels, to enable information sharing, knowledge transfer and the identification of requisite resources to fulfill the mandate of the department.

14.Performs any other job-related duties as may be assigned.

CONDITIONS

1.Congenial accommodation is provided within a general administrative office, with field work conducted in a community setting.

2.Institutional support is provided through the Constitution of Saint Lucia, civil service rules and regulations, standard operating procedures, Estimates of Expenditure and Revenue, Finance (Administration) Act, Criminal Code, Child Justice Act and other supporting regulations and policy documents.

3.Opportunities exist for personal development through established orientation and training programmes, as outlined in the Public Service Training and Development Policy.  

4.May be required to work beyond the normal working hours.

5.Required to remain current on practices and developments in Criminal Justice and Administration of Justice.

6.Required to demonstrate political acuity.

7.Required to exercise integrity, confidentiality and professionalism in the conduct of duties.

8.Required to be punctual and present for work, meetings and other official appointments and activities.

9.Functions in a scheduled travelling post with travel allowance in accordance with that stipulated in the terms and conditions of employment. 

10.Required to own and maintain a motor vehicle for the proper performance of duties and to possess a valid driver’s licence.

11.May be required to travel regionally and internationally in the conduct of duties.

12.May be exposed to risks associated with the supervision of the activities of parolees.

13.Salary and benefits are in accordance with that stipulated in the terms and conditions of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1.Advanced knowledge of the structure of the Public Service and ability to interpret and apply its administrative policies and procedures.

2.Expert knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply the provisions of the Criminal Code and Child Justice Act.

3.Expert knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply principles, techniques and practices of probation and parole case management.  

4.Advanced knowledge of, and ability to apply counselling techniques.

5.Advanced knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply civil service rules and regulations, standard operating procedures, Estimates of Expenditure and Revenue, Finance (Administration) Act and other supporting regulations and policy documents.

6.Basic knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply the provisions of the Constitution of Saint Lucia.

7.Advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills.

8.Advanced leadership and management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate staff.

9.Advanced interpersonal skills and demonstrates emotional intelligence.

10.Advanced negotiation and mediation skills.

11.Advanced oral and written communication, listening and presentation and skills.

12.Advanced business process management, organisational and project management skills.

13.Intermediate computer literacy skills; with the ability to manipulate software applications such as word processing, databases, spreadsheets, presentation programmes and an offender management system.

14.Ability to effectively develop and maintain working relationships with team members and other stakeholders.  

15.Ability to manage time, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.

16.Ability to exercise initiative and judgment in the execution of duties.

EVALUATION METHOD

1.Demonstrated knowledge of the structure of the Public Service and ability to interpret and apply its administrative policies and procedures.

2.Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply the provisions of the Constitution of Saint Lucia, civil service rules and regulations, standard operating procedures, Estimates of Expenditure and Revenue, Finance (Administration) Act, Criminal Code, Child Justice Act and other supporting regulations and policy documents.

3.Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply principles, techniques and practices of probation and parole case management. 

4.Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to apply counselling techniques.

5.Demonstrated application of job knowledge and/or technical expertise relevant to the job, and quality of advice provided.

6.Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills. 

7.Demonstrated leadership and management skills. 

8.Demonstrated interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.

9.Demonstrated negotiation and mediation skills.

10.Demonstrated effectiveness of oral and written communication, listening and presentation skills.

11.Demonstrated business process management, organisational and project management skills.   

12.Demonstrated computer literacy skills.

13.Demonstrated ability to effectively develop and maintain working relationships with team members and other stakeholders.

14.Demonstrated ability to manage time, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure. 

15.Demonstrated ability to maintain integrity, confidentiality, tact and diplomacy in the conduct of duties.

16.Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative and judgment in the execution of duties.

17.Demonstrated ability to complete assignments and tasks as defined by performance targets.  

18.Demonstrated ability to remain current on issues related to probation and parole case management.  

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

1.Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Correction Administration, Psychology or a related field, plus two (2) years experience in a post at Grade 13 or above; or at least five (5) years relevant professional experience.   OR  

2.Masters degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Correction Administration, Psychology or a related field plus four (4) years experience in a post at Grade 10 or above; or at least three (3) years relevant professional experience.   OR  

3.Masters degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Correction Administration, Psychology or a related field plus two (2) years experience in a post at Grade 12 or above.

SALARY

Salary is at the rate of $69,790.08 per annum (Grade 15, Step 1)

HOW TO APPLY

Applications should be made on the prescribed Government of Saint Lucia Employment Application Form and should be addressed to:

The Secretary Public Service Commission

Sir Stanislaus James Building

The Waterfront Castries, Saint Lucia

Applications should reach the above address no later than July 12, 2024.

Only suitably qualified candidates will be acknowledged.

Please be advised that candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and experience may not be considered for an interview, therefore, only these candidates with the best qualifications and experience will be short listed for interviews.