Correctional Services Community Member Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Correctional Services is seeking dedicated Community Members to serve on the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board. This is an important role with a term of office for a period of five years.

Successful candidates will contribute to critical decision-making processes, playing a part in the reintegration of offenders into the community while safeguarding the interests of both the public and the state. Various centres across Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, and Western Cape regions have these opportunities available.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this role, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Education: A recognized degree or national diploma in one of the following fields: Criminal Justice, Community Development, Social Science, Policing, or a Human Rights-related field.
• Experience: 5 years’ experience in community development work and/or Criminal Justice.
• Advantageous Experience: Previous experience in a decision-making capacity.
• Retired professionals are encouraged to apply.
• Competencies and Attributes:
• Communication
• Client orientation and customer focus
• Problem solving and analysis
• Decision making
• Integrity and honesty
• Confidentiality
• Good interpersonal relations
• Understanding of the Parole Board System

Key Responsibilities

The appointed Community Member will be responsible for:

• Attending and participating in decision-making during Parole Board hearings.
• Acting as a facilitator for the community reintegration of offenders.
• Protecting the interests of the community, offenders, and the state.
• Ensuring the objective and fair application of the release policy.
• Performing ad-hoc tasks as determined by the Board.
• Maintaining strict confidentiality regarding Parole Board meetings, decisions, and documentation.

What the Work Involves

As a Community Member, your daily work will primarily revolve around participating in formal Parole Board hearings. This involves carefully considering individual cases, contributing to discussions, and making informed decisions regarding correctional supervision and parole. You will play a crucial role in ensuring that release policies are applied fairly and objectively, always balancing the needs of offenders with the safety and interests of the community. A significant aspect of the work involves upholding strict confidentiality with all sensitive information discussed and decided upon during Board meetings.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit complete applications online.

• Online Application: Visit the official Department of Correctional Services careers portal at https://careers.dcs.gov.za/.
• Important Note: Applications submitted via email, post, or hand delivery will not be considered.
• Re-applicants: Candidates who have applied previously for these posts need to re-apply to be considered.