Assistant Director – Criminologist (free state)x1
Job Overview: Assistant Director – Criminologist
- Location: Multiple regions – Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, Northern Cape
- Reference Numbers: See specific region listings (e.g., GP 2025/11/01, KZN 2025/11/01, etc.)
- Salary: R582,444 per annum
- Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Position Summary:
The Assistant Director – Criminologist provides expert criminological services within the corrections and justice cluster. This role involves conducting behavioral assessments, risk profiling, and pre-parole evaluations of offenders to inform correctional and parole decisions. The role contributes to offender rehabilitation strategies, research, and the development of risk assessment tools, ensuring decisions are based on rigorous scientific and criminological analysis.
Key Responsibilities:
Assessment & Profiling:
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Conduct risk assessments of offenders and render induction assessments for high-risk/high-profile individuals.
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Perform behavioral and criminogenic assessments to identify problem areas and refer for professional intervention.
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Conduct pre-parole assessments to evaluate rehabilitation progress and risk of reoffending.
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Interact with offenders to understand criminal behavior, offending history, and potential future risks.
Analysis & Reporting:
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Compile and analyze data to generate criminological reports for Case Management Committees (CMC) and Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards (CSPB).
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Apply scientific literature and criminological theories to explain offender behavior.
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Identify shortfalls in offender assessment, classification, and profiling and propose remedial actions.
Research & Development:
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Conduct research to improve offender risk profiling tools and assessment techniques.
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Contribute to the development, compilation, and implementation of criminogenic risk assessment/profiling tools.
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Research the impact of gangsterism within correctional facilities and provide actionable recommendations.
Capacity Building & Stakeholder Engagement:
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Provide training, orientation, and capacity building to correctional assessment officials.
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Liaise with internal officials, professional experts, and external stakeholders regarding criminological practices, recidivism risks, and offender integration.
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Promote criminological awareness, campaigns, and community partnerships to enhance offender reintegration.
Management & Administration:
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Manage performance information, finances, human resources, and assets within the sub-directorate.
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Ensure confidentiality, integrity, and adherence to policies in all criminological activities.
Qualifications & Experience:
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Recognized Master’s degree (NQF Level 9) in Criminology.
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6–10 years of relevant or related experience.
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Experience in behavioral assessment/profiling within the corrections or justice cluster is advantageous.
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Computer literacy and a valid driver’s license.
Competencies & Attributes:
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In-depth understanding of safety and security in correctional environments.
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Strong communication, negotiation, analytical, and report-writing skills.
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Project and program management capabilities.
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Problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills.
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Change management, stakeholder engagement, and people management.
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Diplomacy, tact, assertiveness, and confidentiality.
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Ability to network, influence, and drive impact.
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Resilience, integrity, and ethical conduct