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VACANCY NOTICE
Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for appointment to the post of
DIRECTOR, PROBATION AND PAROLE SERVICES, MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SERVICE, HOME AFFAIRS, LABOUR AND GENDER AFFAIRS (DEPARTMENT OF HOME
AFFAIRS).
RELATIONSHIPS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- To lead the development, implementation and evaluation of probation and parole policies, procedures and programmes; oversee the preparation of pre-sentencing reports and the execution of community service orders; and provide advice and guidance on related matters, to foster compliance with legislation, ensure effective rehabilitation and reintegration interventions, and reduce recidivism.
- To manage assigned staff and resources to ensure work programmes are implemented in accordance with legislative and operational requirements and established labour practices.
- Responds to the Deputy Permanent Secretary and liaises with criminal courts, the Bordelais Correctional Facility, Boys’ Training Centre, Upton Gardens Girls’ Centre, social agencies, public safety agencies, other criminal justice government agencies and key stakeholders on matters relating to work in progress.
- Reports to the Permanent Secretary, Department of Home Affairs.
- Supervises the Assistant Director, Probation and Parole Services, Probation Officers, Parole Officers and Administrative Staff.
DUTIES AND TASKS
- Leads and manages assigned staff through target setting, continuous dialogue, mentoring, coaching, assessment of staff performance, identifying training needs and gaps, and managing leave, to ensure effective performance management and promote employee wellbeing.
- Prepares the work programme for the Division in line with the Department’s strategic objectives through strategic planning, consultation with stakeholders and team members, and review of key evidence-based reports/documentation, to enable the determination of targets, milestones, and deadlines.
- Leads the formulation and implementation of probation and parole policies, procedures and programmes through consultation, spearheading research and risk and needs assessments, reviewing and analysing relevant documentation, and making recommendations to enable effective rehabilitation and reintegration interventions.
- Administers and oversees the preparation of pre-sentence and social inquiry investigational reports by ensuring the formulation of reports and reviewing and validating relevant documentation, to support case management and fulfill the mission of the court, in compliance with legislation.
- Oversees the execution of community service orders by the court through the formulation and implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, consultation with relevant justice agencies, and reviewing and assessing reports, to foster compliance with legislation.
- Participates in court proceedings by consulting with the legal team and other relevant stakeholders, and providing evidence/reports in court, to support the effective administration of justice, in accordance with established legislation and policies.
- Provides advice and guidance on matters relating to probation and parole through consultation, research and analysis, reviewing existing policies, preparing reports and making recommendations, to allow for informed decision-making and foster consistency in social programmes.
- Develops the annual budget and coordinates the budgetary process of the Division by assessing programme initiatives to establish strategic linkages, conducting research and analyses and leading budget planning meetings, to ensure availability of funds for programme implementation, in alignment with strategic objectives.
- Supports the review of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures through consultation with stakeholders and by making recommendations that are constitutionally sound to enable legal reform and decision-making.
- 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 fulfil the mandate of the Department.
- Facilitates continuous learning through training, workshops and meetings by applying effective training methodologies and presentation skills to build capacity in probation and parole.
- Empowers assigned staff to resolve inquiries and/or complaints from internal and external customers through established monitoring mechanisms, intervening in exceptional circumstances and maintaining an issues log to enable excellent service delivery and maximise customer satisfaction.
- Ensures the development, implementation and maintenance of proficient records management systems in accordance with standard operating procedures, to ensure the retention and accessibility of data that serve the information needs of stakeholders, enable reporting obligations and promote accountability and transparency.
- Represents the Department on committees, conferences and meetings at the local, regional and international levels to articulate government’s policy position and foster networking and alliances.
- Prepares status reports on the work programme of the Division in accordance with standard operating procedures, to allow for a review of set targets and objectives, facilitate decisionmaking and promote accountability.
- Performs any other job-related duties as may be assigned.
CONDITIONS
- Congenial accommodation is provided within a general administrative office and court environment.
- Institutional support is provided through the Constitution of Saint Lucia, civil service rules and regulations, collective agreements, standard operating procedures, Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, Public Finance Management Act, 2020, Criminal Code, Child Justice Act 2018, and other relevant policy documents.
- Opportunities exist for personal development through established orientation and training programmes, as outlined in the Training and Development Policy for the Saint Lucia Public Service.
- May be required to work beyond the normal working hours.
- Required to remain current on practices and developments in strategic leadership and management, probation and parole, criminal justice and administration of justice.
- Required to maintain integrity, confidentiality and professionalism in the conduct of duties.
- Required to demonstrate political acuity.
- Required to be punctual and present for work, meetings and other official appointments and activities.
- Functions in a scheduled travelling post with travel allowance in accordance with that stipulated in the terms and conditions of employment.
- Required to own and maintain a motor vehicle for the proper performance of duties and to possess a valid driver’s license.
- May be required to travel regionally and internationally in the conduct of duties.
- Salary and benefits are in accordance with that stipulated in the terms and conditions of employment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Expert knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply the Criminal Code, Child Justice Act, and other relevant policy documents.
- Advanced knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply the provisions of the Constitution of Saint Lucia, civil service rules and regulations, collective agreements, standard operating procedures, Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, Public Finance Management Act, 2020, and other relevant policy documents.
- Advanced knowledge of the structure of the public service and ability to interpret and apply its administrative policies and procedures.
- Advanced knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply the principles and practices of probation and parole administration and caseload management, counselling techniques, criminal justice and court diversion programme.
- Expert leadership and management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate employees.
- Expert interpersonal skills and consistently demonstrates emotional intelligence.
- Expert oral and written communication, listening and presentation skills.
- Advanced analytical and conceptualisation skills.
- Advanced negotiation and mediation skills.
- Advanced business process management, organisational and project management skills.
- Intermediate level computer literacy skills; with the ability to manipulate software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentation programmes and offender management system.
- Ability to effectively develop and maintain working relationships with team members and other stakeholders.
- Ability to manage time, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
- Ability to exercise initiative and judgment in the execution of duties.
- Intellectually acute, visionary and innovative.
- Ability to adapt to organisational change.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
- Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply the provisions of the Constitution of Saint Lucia, civil service rules and regulations, collective agreements, standard operating procedures, Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, Public Finance Management Act, 2020, Criminal Code, Child Justice Act, and other relevant policy documents.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the structure of the public service and ability to interpret and apply its administrative policies and procedures.
- Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply the principles and practices of probation and parole administration and caseload management, counselling techniques, criminal justice and court diversion programme.
- Demonstrated leadership and management skills.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
- Demonstrated effectiveness of oral and written communication, listening and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated analytical and conceptualisation skills.
- Demonstrated negotiation and mediation skills.
- Demonstrated business process management, organisational and project management skills.
- Demonstrated computer literacy skills.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively develop and maintain working relationships with team members and other stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to manage time, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain integrity, confidentiality and professionalism in the conduct of duties.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative and judgment in the execution of duties.
- Demonstrated intellectual acuity and ability to be visionary and innovative.
- Demonstrated ability to complete assignments and tasks as defined by performance targets.
- Demonstrated political acuity.
- Demonstrated ability to remain current on practices and developments in strategic leadership and management, probation and parole, criminal justice, and administration of justice.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare and submit reports that meet established standards.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to organizational change.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Behavioural Science, Social Work, Psychology, or related field of study, plus three (3) years’ experience in a post at Grade 15 or above; or three (3) years relevant professional experience; OR
- Bachelor’s Degree plus Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Behavioural Science, Social Work, Psychology, or related field of study, plus three (3) years’ experience in a post at Grade 15 or above; or three (3) years relevant professional experience.
SALARY
Salary is at the rate of EC$82,323.97 per annum (Grade 18, Step I).
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, St. Lucia
Applications are to reach the above address no later than September 18, 2023.
Only suitable candidates will be acknowledged.
Please be advised that candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and experience may not be considered for an interview; only the candidates with the best qualifications and experience will be short listed for interviews.
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