Principal Inspection Officers support the Queensland Ombudsman and Inspector of Detention Services’ role of promoting the improvement of detention services and places of detention. The work is focused on: • promoting and upholding the humane treatment of detainees • preventing detainees from being subject to harm. Principal Inspection Officers lead a team responsible for inspecting places of detention (including youth detention centres, prisons and watch-houses), reviewing detention services, and reporting to the Queensland Parliament. Principal Inspection Officers may come from a variety of professional backgrounds.

Job details

As a Principal Inspection Officer, you will lead a team inspecting places of detention (including prisons, youth detention centres and watch-houses) and reviews of detention services throughout Queensland.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading and project managing inspections and reviews, taking responsibility for planning, fieldwork and preparation of reports to the Queensland Parliament.
• Managing the day-to-day operations of a
• Leading a team to undertake a wide range of research, and analysis of contemporary policy and legislative practice, reviews, reports, and operational matters relating to places of detention, and detention.
• Providing high level, accurate and timely advice to senior officers on complex issues relating to risk management, operational policy and practices of detention services, and referrals to other oversight agencies.
• Leading and contributing to discussions about inspection findings with detention service providers and other relevant stakeholders.
• Producing high quality complex written reports of inspections and reviews under tight timeframes, including providing direction and advice in the writing and finalising of reports drafted by
• Working with the corporate services team to ensure effective internal and external communication of the results of inspections and review.
• Contributing to the development and review of inspection standards and relevant policies and procedures.
• Creating and managing effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including detainees, detention services staff and representatives of various government organisations in a professional and culturally appropriate manner.
• Undertaking environmental scanning to identify future issues, trends and best practice.

You will be expected to:

• Lead a team and manage projects, demonstrating resilience working under pressure, and exercise professional judgment to achieve quality outcomes.
• Work collaboratively and develop an effective team environment that fosters cooperation, innovation and initiative to achieve quality outcomes and performance targets.
• Apply highly developed written and oral communications skills to a variety of forums, including interviewing detainees, high level stakeholder meetings and reports to Parliament.
• Take reasonable care for your own and others' health and safety; follow health and safety instructions; and support and cooperate with health and safety systems, policies and procedures.
• Work in accordance with the Office's Code of Conduct and values; confidentiality policies; all other relevant policies, directives and legislation.
• Meet personal performance expectations and standards.
• Undertake other duties as directed by relevant senior officers.
• As part of this role, you will be required to visit youth detention centres, prisons and watch houses. You may be subject to security procedures on entry.

Appointments to this Office are based on merit. We will assess your merit for this role by looking at what you have done previously – the knowledge, ability, skill and experience you have built, your potential for development and how this will benefit this Office.  

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

***APPLICANTS ARE TO APPLY ONLINE*** Please Note: Any documents attached to Smart Jobs or submitted by email must be in Microsoft Word 2003 or above, Open Office or PDF.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• Principal Inspection Officer role description (PDF, 719KB)
  Role Description
  
  Guidelines for applicants (PDF, 766KB)
  Information Package for Applicants