Assistant Director: Criminologist

About the role

The Department of Correctional Services is hiring an Assistant Director: Criminologist. This is a permanent post, paying R605,742 a year. How to apply: should be submitted online at https://careers.dcs.gov.za/. Emailed, post or hand delivered applications will not be considered. Reference numbers to quote: EC 2026/11/01, WC 2026/11/01 Closing date: 09 November 2026 @ 15H45. Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV. Note: Candidates who previously applied need to re-apply. Appointment under the Public Service Act.

Responsibilities

• Conduct risk assessment.
• Render induction assessment of high risk/high profile individuals to assess pattern of actions, demographics and motivation as well as other crime characteristics.
• Render risk management assessment to assess problematic and deficit areas and refer for professional intervention.
• Pre-parole assessment to assess progress of rehabilitation and risks and predictors for reoffending.
• Conduct behavioural assessment research.
• Interact with offenders to understand their criminal behaviour and determine their offending history and future risk of offending.
• Analyse and advise on criminality/risk behaviour occurring inside the management area.
• Compile data and form intact reports on crime/criminal related behaviours.
• Interview offenders to determine the effects of rehabilitation programmes and readiness for parole in terms of their risk for reoffending.
• Compilation and provision of pro file/criminologist report to Case Management Committees (CMC)/Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards (CSPB) to enhance decision making process.
• Identify problematic criminal behaviour and recommend referral to professionals.
• Apply wide range of theories and scientific academic literature to explain criminal behaviour.
• Assist in compilation and quality checking of profiles (G326) prior to submission to the CSPB.
• Contribute in the development, compilation and implementation of the criminogenic risk assessment/profiling tools for offenders.
• Identify shortfalls in the assessment, classification and profiling of offenders.
• Conduct research and assist criminologist sub directorate to improve offender risk profiling tools.
• Develop remedial action in addressing shortfalls identified.
• Provide orientation and capacity building of correctional assessment officials and other officials in the area of work to improve offender risk assessment and profiling practice.
• Conduct research in respect of all assessment tools.
• Promote criminological activities and awareness.
• Plan and organize awareness campaigns.
• Create and develop information leaflets.
• Research the effects of gangsterism within correctional facilities.
• Liaise with relevant DCS officials, professional officials and external stakeholders with regard to criminological theories, recidivism risks and patterns.
• Promote partnerships with communities and NGO’s to promote successful integration.
• Management of performance information, finances, human resources and assets.

Requirements

• Recognised Master’s Degree (NQF level 9) in Criminology.
• 6-10 years relevant or related experience.
• Background in working on behavioural assessment/profiling in the corrections/justice cluster will be an added advantage.
• Computer literate.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• 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
• Change, stakeholder and people management
• Confidentiality, integrity and honesty
• Diplomacy, tactful and assertiveness
• Ability to network
• Resilient, influence and impact
• Good communication, report writing, research and development skills