Offender Services and Program Officer

What is an Offender Services and Program Officer?

Services and Programs Officers (SAPO's) are employed within the Corrective Services New South Wales Division of the Department of Justice (CSNSW) to deliver services and behaviour change programs to offenders. SAPOs complete a range of assessments and contribute to case planning so that the right services and programs are provided to offenders. This assists in the success of reintegrating offenders into the community and reducing the risk of re-offending, keeping the people of NSW safe.

SAPO's are versatile, logical and balanced, working directly with offenders both in correctional centres and the community.

Working as a Services and Program Officer with CSNSW

The role of Services and Programs Officer suits those with experience in family, social or drug and alcohol related fields or with relevant social, psychology or other human services experiences. If you are confident in a crisis and can communicate well with all types of people this role is well suited for you.

All successful applicants will be provided with role-specific training to ensure you are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to fulfil your job with confidence.

Becoming a Services and Program Officer (SAPO)

Successful applicants must:

• Have relevant tertiary qualifications in social work, psychology, mental-health or other human service fields; or relevant experience working with family, social and / or drug and alcohol related issues;
  
• demonstrate good skills and experience in group processes and program facilitation, conflict resolution; 
  
• have excellent interpersonal and written communication skills;
  
• be confident and competent in crisis interventions and keep up-to-date with professional knowledge.

Application and assesment requirement

Applicants for Services and Programs Officer roles must :

• Be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold an appropriate visa that allows you to working in an ongoing role (temporary or casual staff may hold time limited working visas)
  
• Be a person of good character and meet the probity standards required by CSNSW, including a criminal record check and fingerprinting
  
• Undertake general ability and psychological suitability testing,  to assess capabilities in order to be progressed to interview
  
• Undertake an interview and other assessment tasks and be competitive in that process in order to be considered for employment
  
• Receive satisfactory referee and employment checks.

How to apply for a Services and Program Officer role?

All applications must be submitted through jobs.dcj.nsw.gov.au.  We offer roles all over NSW, and you can find all our current vacancies on that site.

You will need to submit a resume (no more than 5 pages) and a cover letter setting out how your skills and experience meet the capabilities of the role.  You will also have to answer some pre-screening questions.​