Link to Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)

Link to Queensland Corrective Services (www.correctiveservices.qld.gov.au)

Employment

Probation and Parole Officer

Roles within the Probation and Parole Service
1. Role of the Probation and Parole Coordinator
  Mandatory qualifications
  Relevant experience
2. Role of the Probation and Parole Officer - Assessment
  Mandatory qualifications
  Relevant experience
3. Role of the Probation and Parole Officer - Case management
  Mandatory qualifications
  Relevant experience
4. Role of the Probation and Parole Officer - Reporting
  Mandatory qualifications
  Relevant experience
5. Role of the Probation and Parole Officer - Compliance
  Mandatory qualifications
  Relevant experience
6. Role of the Probation and Parole Officer - Surveillance
  Mandatory qualifications
  Relevant experience
Attributes necessary for success
Core accountabilities
How to apply

1. Roles within the Probation and Parole Service

a. Role of the Probation and Parole Coordinator

The role of the Probation and Parole Coordinator includes:

coordinate the assessment of offenders on community based orders in accordance with assessed risks and needs
ensure high quality case management and reporting processes
liaise with government departments for offender support services
develop and maintain relationships with key community stakeholder groups to enhance diversionary programs and services.

Mandatory qualifications:

possession of a relevant degree is required, for example behavioural sciences or human services
membership or affiliation with a relevant professional association is highly desirable.
must possess competent computer and keyboard skills.

Relevant experience:

experience in, and understanding of, case management and supervision practices in a human services or related field.
experience in supervision, mentoring and training staff.
demonstrated skills or ability to acquire skills to develop offender intervention strategies.
experience in a criminal justice environment or similar human services/regulatory agency.
ability to engage with community groups and/or external service providers.
ability to work collaboratively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

b. Role of the Probation and Parole Officer - Assessment

The role of the Probation and Officer - Assessment includes:

conduct high quality assessment of the risks and needs of offenders
develop effective offender management plans in accordance with assessed risks and needs
provide high quality assessment reports to court and parole boards
liaise with government departments for offender support services
develop and maintain relationships with key community stakeholder groups

Mandatory qualifications

Possession of a degree in psychology or behavioural sciences is required
Membership or affiliation with a relevant professional association is highly desirable
Possession of a valid C class licence is required
Must possess competent computer and keyboard skills

Relevant experience:

experience in, and understanding of, offender assessment practices in a human services or related field
demonstrated ability to prepare high quality written reports
demonstrated skills or ability to rapidly acquire skills to conduct assessment of offender risks and needs
experience in a criminal justice environment or similar human services/regulatory agency
ability to engage with community groups and/or external service providers
ability to work collaboratively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds

c. Role of the Probation and Parole Officer - Case management

The role of the Probation and Officer - Case management includes:

supervise and case-manage offenders on community based orders in accordance with assessed risks and needs
monitor compliance with the requirements of orders and take breach action as required
maintain high quality case management and reporting processes
develop and maintain relationships with key community agencies and stakeholder groups to enhance diversionary programs and services

Mandatory qualifications:

possession of a relevant degree is required, for example behavioural sciences or human services
membership or affiliation with a relevant professional association is highly desirable
must possess competent computer and keyboard skills

Relevant experience:

experience in, and understanding of, case management and supervision practices in a human services or related field
demonstrated skills or ability to acquire skills to develop and implement intervention strategies for higher risk offenders
demonstrated skills or ability to acquire skills to implement compliance and enforcement strategies
experience in a criminal justice environment or similar human services/regulatory agency
ability to engage with community groups and/or external service providers
ability to work collaboratively and achieve positive outcomes with people from diverse cultural backgrounds

d. Role of the Probation and Parole Officer - Reporting

The role of the Probation and Officer - Reporting includes:

monitor compliance with the reporting requirements of orders and take breach action as required
maintain high quality reporting processes
prepare succinct reporting summaries for the information of court and parole boards
develop and maintain relationships with key community stakeholder groups

Mandatory qualifications:

possession of a relevant degree is required, for example behavioural sciences or human services
membership or affiliation with a relevant professional association is highly desirable
must possess competent computer and keyboard skills

Relevant experience:

experience in, and understanding of, supervision practices in a human services or related field
demonstrated skills or ability to acquire skills to develop and implement intervention strategies for medium risk offenders
demonstrated skills or ability to acquire skills to implement compliance and enforcement strategies
experience in a criminal justice environment or similar human services/regulatory agency
ability to engage with community groups and/or external service providers
ability to work collaboratively backgrounds

e. Role of the Probation and Parole Officer - Compliance

The role of the Probation and Officer - Compliance includes:

supervise offenders on reparation orders
prepare accurate and timely breach documentation
monitor compliance with the requirements of orders and take breach action as required
maintain quality reporting processes using manual and electronic systems
develop and maintain relationships with key community stakeholder groups and other government agencies

Essential requirements:

must possess competent computer and keyboard skills

Relevant experience:

experience in, and understanding of, case management and supervision practices in a human services or related field
experience in a criminal justice environment or similar human services/regulatory agency
ability to engage with community groups and/or external service providers
ability to work collaboratively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds

f. Role of the Probation and Parole Officer - Surveillance

The role of the Probation and Officer - Surveillance includes:

conduct surveillance on offenders on community based orders
conduct physical and telephone surveillance on offenders in accordance with assessed risks and needs
facilitate communication with supervising officers and correctional centre staff
monitor compliance with the requirements of orders
prepare accurate surveillance reports
develop and maintain relationships with staff at correctional centres and area offices

Mandatory requirements:

possession of a valid C class licence is required

Relevant Experience:

experience in, and understanding of, supervision and surveillance practices in a human services or related field
experience in a criminal justice environment or similar human services/regulatory agency
ability to engage with community groups and/or external service providers
ability to work collaboratively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds

2. Attributes necessary for success in the Probation and Parole Service

Thinks creatively and solve problems effectively

understands the Departments's direction and how it does business
link your own work to the Department's priorities
apply creative approaches to issues and problems
show judgement, intelligence and commonsense

Demonstrates personal drive and integrity

demonstrate public service professionalism and act ethically
be aware of risks and show personal courage and resilience
demonstrate self awareness and a commitment to personal development

Achieves results

respond to client needs and organise resources
share expertise and use technology effectively
adapt to and participate in change
delivers on intended results

Communicates effectively

communicates clearly, both verbally and in writing
listen, understand and adapt to audience
negotiate effectively

Work productively with others

maintain internal and external relationships
value individual differences and diversity
work cooperatively

3. Core accountabilities

Code of Conduct

The Department has a Code of Conduct (PDF 868KB). The principles of the code:

respect for the law and the system of government
respect for persons
integrity
diligence
economy and efficiency

Staff are to maintain knowledge of the Department's Code of Conduct and comply with the code in relation to actions and relations with other staff, clients, offenders and the public.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Discrimination

The Department is an equal opportunity employer. EEO ensures that all staff have an equal chance to obtain employment, development and promotion. Also, EEO seeks to eliminate discrimination in employment, ensuring that staff are treated on the basis of their individual talents and capabilities, not on irrelevant characteristics such as race or gender.

Discrimination occurs when a person is treated less favourably than another would be in the same or similar circumstances because of an irrelevant characteristic, for example, age, gender or ethnic origin. The Department supports and complies with the provisions of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991.

Harassment (bullying)

All managers and staff are responsible for ensuring that the workplace is free from unacceptable behaviours and practices.

Workplace harassment (bullying) is characterised by an employee being subjected to repeated unwelcome and unsolicited offensive behaviour by a manager, colleague or group of colleagues.

Sexual harassment is unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature which make a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated and where that reaction is reasonable in the circumstances.

All these behaviours will not be tolerated by this Department. All staff can contribute to the elimination of discrimination and harassment in the workplace by embracing the Department's equity program and by behaving appropriately at work.

Criminal record

Where an employee is charged with an alleged offence, whether in or outside Queensland, that person shall, as soon as practicable after being charged, notify their relevant General Manager, Regional Director, Director or Executive Director of same in writing.

Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action being taken against the employee. This is also a provision of the Department's Code of Conduct (PDF 868KB).

Confidentiality

Staff are required to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of information obtained in the course of their duties. This includes information in relation to offenders, other staff and the activities of Queensland Corrective Services.

Information that is confidential or privileged must not be released without the authorisation of the Director-General or delegate, in accordance with the Corrective Services Act and Freedom of Information legislation.

However staff are not prohibited from disclosing official information which would normally be released to members of the public.

Workplace Health and Safety

The Department promotes a safe work environment and encourages staff to identify unsafe work practices.

It is a requirement of the Workplace Health & Safety Act 1995 for staff to comply with workplace health, safety and injury management policies and procedures. Furthermore, staff are encouraged to contribute to relevant programs and initiatives.

How to apply

Visit the Government's Smart jobs and careers website to access all jobs advertised by Queensland Corrective Services in the Queensland Government Gazette and newspapers. (Please note all jobs appear in the gazette and Smart jobs and careers before advertising in newspapers.)

For further information, please read:

Information to Applicants (PDF 98KB)
Application Cover Sheet (PDF 98KB)

Last Updated: 12 July 2007