Institutional Rehabilitation Officer – Fiji Corrections Service (FCS)

JOB DESCRIPTIONS – INSTITUTIONAL REHABILITATION OFFICER

Job Description: Institutional Rehabilitation Officer – Fiji Corrections Service (FCS)

Position Title:  Institutional Rehabilitation Officer

Reports to: Officer in Charge, Chief Officer

Indirect Reports: Inmates

Salary Bands:  FCS36 [$26,236.00 – $46,213.00]

POSITION PURPOSE

The primary role of Institution Rehab Officer is to coordinate and oversee rehabilitation programs designed to support individuals in overcoming   physical, mental, or behavioral challenges, with the ultimate goal of successful re-integration into society or improved quality of life.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Update inmates Rehabilitation File and inmates data
• Facilitate all rehabilitations requirements of all inmates of the Centre
• Coordinate will Program providers for facilitation of Rehab Programs
• Report to O/C all rehabilitation demand of the institution
• Make proper assessment on inmates for early release purpose
• Monitor inmates performance on early release program
• Conduct prerelease and post release home visits
• Arrange for Psychologist and counselors evaluation on inmates of the Centre
• Arrange and facilitate and be the secretary of Institution Sentence Planning Board
• Brief Officer in Charge on outcome of ISPB
• Prepare inmates PAP application
• Liaise with C/O for process of PSG and Commercial earnings
• Provide weekly brief to O/C
• Update O/C on monthly, quarterly and yearly business plan achievement.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Degree/Diploma/Certificates in rehabilitation counseling, social work, psychology, case manager or social service
• Have particular interest in the position and development of sentence planning programmers’
• Have good knowledge of issues impacting on programmers’ and prison procedures and routines
• Effective communicating, typing, PowerPoint presentation, technical skills, counseling and consultation skills
• Consistently good reports and potential and ability to manage and control staff and prisoners under his control
• A proven strong sense of discipline is essential
• Tertiary qualification in appropriate and related field
• Minimum of 5-10years experience as custodial officers
• Successfully completed BRC and serve minimum of five years
• Should be computer literate in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel
• Should be able to work under minimum supervision and a good team worker

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

1. Organising and Operating

• Advise and assist in organizing the continuous development of the Unit and its members
• Reviewing and assessing progress, development and training and rehabilitation of individual prisoners
• Provide information and advice required by the Unit management to assist and support improvement needed on prisoners training, education and actual rehabilitation programmes.
• Ensure proper coordination of daily programmes.

1. Personnel and Organisation

• Indicate prisoner actual needs and implement provision of training and education for achievement of objectives and strategies.
• Provide advice to management on personnel matter to ensure work and Unit priorities are met.
• Provide advice on prisoner’s capacity through assessment for proper matching of job market needs and job placement.

1. Interaction

• Officer in Charge, Sentence Planning Team for advice with matters concerning implementation, development and improvement of programmes.
• Discuss with Officers In Charge for development and proper monitoring of programmes within the relevant institutions
• Assist, liaise and coordinate initiated programmes with Unit and Institution management.
• Advise prisoners on their needs and progress.
• Conduct fortnightly meeting with rehabilitation officers under his charge.
• Liaise with members of the Sentence Planning Team on issues related to prisoners sentence programme.

1. Controlling, Regulating and Reporting

• Provide progress report of all programmes on specified intervals
• Motivate, coordinate team to ensure control and report significant departures from accepted standards
• Liaise with Officer In Charge of Institutions of any change pertaining to daily programmes

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Ability to assess the physical, emotional, mental health, and vocational needs of inmates
• Conduct risk assessments and factors contributing to criminal behavior
• Familiarity with CBT or other behavior modification techniques
• Ability provide immediate support and intervention during emotional or behavioral crises
• Ability to demonstrate strong substance abuse counselling skills
• Ability to design and implement rehabilitation programs, aimed at reducing recidivism
• Awareness of the diverse backgrounds of inmates and the ability to create programs that are culturally sensitive and inclusive
• Have the knowledge of vocational training programs that prepare inmates for employment after release
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work closely with correctional officers, mental health professionals, caseworkers, and external service providers
• Administrative and Organization skills
• Strong leadership and team management abilities
• Monitor the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and making adjustments
• Ability to work independently and make sound clinical judgments.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Compassion and ability to provide emotional support
• Knowledge of Correctional Standard Operating Procedures
• Skills in Emotional Stability, self-care and stress management
• Familiarize with Laws related to inmates rights and making ethical decision making
• Ability to handle high-stress environments and maintain professionalism in challenging situations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The role as Institution Rehab Officer plays a significant role in reducing recidivism, improving inmate rehabilitation outcomes, and promoting successful reintegration into society. Flexible hours may be required, including weekend or emergency shifts.