Senior Inspection Officers support the Queensland Ombudsman and Inspector of Detention Services carry out functions under the Inspector of Detention Services Act to promote the improvement of detention services and places of detention. The work is focused on promoting and upholding the humane treatment of detainees, including humane conditions of their detainment, and preventing detainees from being subject to harm, including torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. Senior Inspection Officers work as part of a team that conducting inspections of places of detention (including youth detention centres, prisons, and watch-houses), reviews of detention services, and reports to the Queensland Parliament.

Job details

As a Senior Inspection officer, you will undertake inspections of places of detention (including prisons, youth detention centres and watch-houses) and reviews of detention services. You will:

• Work independently as well as be a constructive and positive member of a small team.
• Undertake planning, fieldwork and reporting for inspections of places of detention and reviews of detention services.
• Conduct reviews of large volumes of departmental documents, analyse and develop lines of enquiry to support fieldwork.
• Work collaboratively with inspection team members to share findings and identify relevant observations to be conducted during fieldwork.
• Conduct interviews with community stakeholders and service providers.
• Use advanced written and oral communication skills to communicate effectively with adult and child detainees, and detention services staff.
• Produce a high standard of analysis, using documentary evidence review, onsite observations and interviews conducted.
• Produce quality documentation to support conclusions and recommendations that are consistent with upholding humane treatment and preventing harm to detainees.
• Assist in drafting reports of inspections and reviews for tabling in parliament under tight timeframes.
• Contribute to future reviews of inspection standards for places of detention, inspection methods and reviews of policies and procedures.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge about detention services, including monitoring and reviewing policy developments, awareness of legislation changes and review interstate and international reports.
• Work with detainees in ways that are responsive to cultural background or vulnerability.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders and maintain effective working relationships with detention service providers.

You may also be required to:

• Lead and project manage reviews and/or inspections of smaller places of detention, taking responsibility for planning, fieldwork and preparation of reports for tabling in parliament under tight timeframes.

You will be expected to:

• Work collaboratively with other team members, participating in meetings and training programs, and actively monitoring, reviewing and assisting with improvements to policy, procedure, process and administrative practice across the Office and stakeholder agencies.
• Work in accordance with the Office's Code of Conduct and values; workplace health and safety legislation; confidentiality policies; all other relevant policies, directives and legislation.
• 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.
• 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.

We will assess your suitability 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.  

Within the context of this role, the ideal applicant will be someone who:

Vision: Prioritises projects and tasks efficiently, in line with team commitments. Demonstrates flexibility to changing expectations by proactively adapting own approach to reflect new requirements. Gains insight into issues by analysing the available information in a critical manner. Demonstrates judgement about when to escalate issues.

Results: Communicates in a clear, succinct and deliberate manner, adjusting the message so that it resonates with different stakeholders. Welcomes challenges in the delivery of work and demonstrates persistence in working through obstacles. Demonstrates careful planning and organisation to achieve results.

Accountability: Understands and works with legislative and policy frameworks. Analyses information, identify risks and evaluates possible solutions to mitigate risks. Evaluates possible solutions and takes appropriate steps to mitigate risks. Demonstrates a commitment to improving performance through feedback and learning.

Technical expertise: Written communication, research and analytical skills, including preparing complex reports. Knowledge and experience of public administration and detention services. Ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders, including First Nations people and other relevant stakeholder groups.

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.

• Guidelines for Applicants (PDF, 486KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  Senior Inspection Officer - role description (PDF, 395KB)
  Role Description