Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for appointment to the post of PAROLE OFFICER I at the DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS AND NATIONAL SECURITY.

A.    RELATIONSHIPS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.  To provide parole counselling services, conduct needs assessments, develop parole supervision plans and maintain caseload records, to foster compliance with parole release conditions and promote the reclamation of offenders.
2. Responds to the Director, Probation and Parole Services and Deputy Director, Probation and Parole Services and liaises with social, educational and law enforcement institutions and members of the public on matters relating to work in progress.
3. Reports to the Assistant Director, Probation and Parole Services.

B.    DUTIES AND TASKS

1. Prepares parole briefing reports by assessing presentencing and post-sentencing reports and other documentation, interviewing applicants, consulting with stakeholders and maintaining case files, to present information that supports decision-making for parole release and revocation.
2. Assists in the identification of criminogenic risks and needs of offenders, through criminal history and other background checks that permit the assessment of offender behaviour and classification of offenders, to recommend targeted treatment programmes, in order to prevent recidivism.
3. Develops and implements case management plans in accordance with parole orders and parole conditions; utilising rehabilitative, educational/vocational and other pro-social orientation programmes or opportunities to support rehabilitation efforts and an effective monitoring and evaluation framework.
4. Monitors the activities of parolees and utilises approved case management techniques and practices to ensure adherence with approved supervision plans, maintaining contact with parolees to enable assessment of community activities and conducting authorised searches, to provide evidence regarding adherence with parole release conditions and the status of initiatives geared towards the reclamation of offenders.
5. Recommends targeted intervention programmes in accordance with correctional principles and strategic objectives by collaborating with stakeholders and conducting research to inform programme design, promote behavioural change and foster positive outcomes for the rehabilitation of clients, towards preventing recidivism.
6. Compiles casework statistics in accordance with standard operating procedures, to permit the retention and accessibility of parole-related data that serves the information needs of stakeholders, enables reporting obligations and promotes accountability and transparency.
7. Conducts research through the review of relevant documentation, conducting investigations on parole matters and consultation with stakeholders, to assist in the determination of criminogenic risks and needs of clients in advising on parole selection and revocation matters.
8. Ensures timely response to inquiries and/or complaints from internal and external customers through established monitoring mechanisms to facilitate excellent service delivery and maximise customer satisfaction.
9. 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.
10. Prepares status reports on assignments, in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, to allow for a review of set targets and objectives, facilitate decision-making and ensure accountability.
11. 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.
12. Performs any other job-related duties as may be assigned.

C.    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 Revenue and Expenditure and Finance (Administration) 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. May be required to travel regionally and internationally in the conduct of duties.
10. May be exposed to risks associated with the supervision of the activities of parolees.
11. Salary and benefits are in accordance with that stipulated in the terms and conditions of employment.

D.    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Intermediate knowledge of the structure of the Public Service and ability to interpret and apply its administrative policies and procedures.
2. Advanced knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply the provisions of the Criminal Code and Child Justice Act.
3. Advanced knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply principles, techniques and practices of parole case management, including monitoring, supervision and investigation.
4. Intermediate knowledge of, and ability to apply counselling techniques.
5. Intermediate knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply civil service rules and regulations, standard operating procedures, Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, 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. Intermediate leadership and supervisory 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 skills.
12. Intermediate organisational 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.

E.     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 Revenue and Expenditure, 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 parole case management, including monitoring, supervision and investigation.
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 supervisory skills with the ability to inspire and motivate staff.
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 organisational 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 parole case management.