Head of Prison Security

The HM Prison Department invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for the position of Head of Prison Security.

Mandate

To contribute towards the effectiveness of the establishment by ensuring the safe and secure custody of all prisoners and effective delivery of the prison regime as prescribed by The Prison Act RSA c P75 and Prison Regulations RRA P75-1.

 KEY FUNCTIONS

1. Be accountable for and advise on all aspects of Security for the establishment and ensure a safe environment for staff, prisoners and visitors.
2. Manage the operation of the Communication Room, Segregation Unit and Gate Lodge.
3. Be responsible for the recording and achievement of Key Performance Targets delegated to the Security Department.

 Key Duties

1. Manage the strategic development of the Security Unit.
2. Manage the performance of the Security Department against the Key Performance Targets and for those to which the Security Department makes a significant contribution.
3. Ensure that there is accurate, timely reporting of data and areas of projected or actual poor performance are identified and addressed in a timely manner.
4. Ensure the efficient management of staff resources of the department.
5. Manage the following areas: Security Office, Communications Room, gate office Segregation Unit, Prisoner Escorts and Target Searches.
6. Perform frequent visual management checks in order to ensure correct measures are in place for safety, security and good order.
7. Implement all policies and operational orders, which are directed to prison security and to ensure this information is communicated to all staff.
8. Ensure the accurate maintenance of all records and documents relating to the Security Department and operational orders in the prison.
9. Ensure the delivery of high standards of security at all times by staff and Target Searching is conducted effectively.
10. Control and manage the keys and the key ledger.
11.  Implement the necessary actions with regard to any intelligence led information.
12. Ensure correct and accurate risk assessments are completed following the gathering of intelligence.
13. Ensure all managers and staff within the department contribute towards the establishment’s Drug Testing policy.
14. Work closely with the Police Liaison Officer and other external agencies on all local corruption and intelligence related matters.
15. Promote a culture where corruption is not tolerated within the establishment.
16. Deliver a high profile of presence in the prison, support staff and communicate with prisoners.
17. Ensure work areas and associated activities comply with Health and safety legislation and that all risk assessments are undertaken and staff are made aware of their personal responsibility towards Health and safety compliance.
18. Contribute to the preparation of the establishment contingency and emergency plans and ensure implementation when required.
19. Produce relevant reports as required and ensure all correspondence is replied to within agreed timescales.
20. Participate in disaster management activities designed to prepare for, mitigate against, and respond to disaster events.
21. Develop and implement strategies for improving and maintaining a high level of Customer Services in the Public Sector
22.  Conduct prisoner adjudications as delegated by the Superintendent of Prisons
23. Ensure that prisoners’ cells and compounds are inspected and searched regularly.

24. Perform any other duties as required by the job function.

Expectations

• Act as a catalyst for change, model change and build capacity for managing change throughout the ministry/department/organization. Influence others to translate vision into action.
•  Create and support a culture that focusses on creativity, innovation and knowledge.
•  Promote a culture of open and transparent communication.
•  Embrace technology by utilizing all available ICT/media/mass communication to ensure that relevant messages and/ or responses to the service offered are disseminated accurately, courteously and timely.
•  Hold up the Leadership Statement as a mirror to your own behavior in a challenging and constructive way.
•  Foster a culture of teamwork and collaboration.
•  Participate in disaster management activities designed to prepare for, mitigate against and respond to disaster events.
•  Develop and implement strategies for improving and maintaining a high level of Customer Service in the public sector.

 PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

The incumbent must possess a thorough understanding of custodial and security standards, techniques, work methods and procedures, working knowledge of Prison Regulations, effective supervisory/management ability and interpersonal and communicative ability. The incumbent must be reliable and trustworthy

These knowledge’s, skills and abilities are normally obtained in the process of acquisition of a Bachelors degree in Sociology, Psychology, Criminology or related behavioural science together with a certificate or diploma in Custodial or Security Management and at least two years in a similar or related job.

It is absolutely necessary that the incumbent be reliable and trustworthy.