ROLE DESCRIPTION
1.
POSITION DETAILS
Position Title
Position No
Division
Branch/Unit
Reports To
2.
GM, Pre-Release and Women’s
Prison
CS tbc
Classification Code
Custodial Services
Adelaide Women’s Prison and
Adelaide Pre-Release Centre
Director, Custodial Services
Date Created
MAS3
Discipline
Date Approved
September 2009
Review Date
POSITION CONTEXT
Organisational
Overview
The Department for Correctional Services as part of the Justice Portfolio, has a central role in the
criminal justice process in South Australia, which is reflected in the Department’s purpose and aim
to “contribute to public safety, the reduction of crime, and the protection of victims through the
effective, safe and humane management of offenders under our supervision and the provision of
opportunities for rehabilitation.” The professional operation of prisons and Community Corrections
is directed to achieving this vision.
The Department is building high standards in the management of prisoners in safe and secure
environments and in the supervision of offenders in the community. At the same time, it is working
to integrate offender management and target intervention services, provide advice and support
services to sentencing and releasing authorities, and encourage reparation to the community.
The Department is also striving continuously for more effective and innovative programs and
services with fair and humane treatment of offenders, and a strong commitment to equity and
cultural diversity.
The Department employs approximately 1600 staff and has responsibility for nine prisons and
sixteen Community Correctional Centres across the State. The South Australian prison system
accommodates approximately 5000 persons per annum.
On average 1900 people are
incarcerated daily, the current maximum capacity comprising 1966 men and women. The
Department is also responsible for supervising around 5500 offenders in the community.
The Department is headed by Chief Executive with an Executive comprising the Directors,
Strategic Services, Custodial Services, Community Corrections, Offender Development, Human
Resources and Finance and Assets Services.
The Custodial Services Directorate is responsible for the safe and secure operation of the State’s
prisons through the recruitment, training and supervision of correctional staff, the rigorous
application of policies and procedures for staff safety, the humane management of prisoners, and
the monitoring of electronic and other security systems.
A regime-based approach to prisoner management ensures that prisoners have incentives to
progress from high to medium to low security prisons, targeted at addressing their offending
behaviour.
Prisoners often present with high risks and complex needs. Prisoner assessment, case planning,
intervention, and case management, particularly of high-risk, serious offenders, are therefore of
central importance in the management of sentences. The Custodial Services Directorate
collaborates closely with other Directorates and their component business units with specific
responsibility for the provision of these services.
The continued improvement of staff and organisational development is critical to achieving positive
results for the community. That is our commitment, and we are actively encouraging motivated
people to seek a career with the Department.
Safety is a core value of the Department.
Position
Purpose
The GM, Pre-Release and Women’s Prison is accountable to the Director, Custodial Services for
overall management of the Prison’s facilities and leadership of the management team and staff
through:
 Achieving the highest level of safety and security within the Adelaide Women’s Prison and Adelaide
Pre-Release Centre for the protection of the public, staff and prisoners
 Contributing to the development and implementation of an effective, humane and quality
correctional system within the state
 The proper, efficient and effective management (financial, human and capital resources) of
General Manager, Pre-Release and Women’s Prison
September 2009
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Adelaide Women’s Prison and Adelaide Pre-Release Centre in line with best practice standards
and the Departmental Strategic and Business Plans.
 Providing a secure and safe prison environment conducive to the rehabilitation, effective case
management, personal development and welfare of prisoners
 Development and maintenance of a positive relationship and promotion of service excellence
between the Prison and both community and key partners/agencies
Line
Management
Responsibility

Responsible for overall management of custodial and administrative operations at Pre-Release
and Women’s Prison
Key
Interactions/
Relationships

Director, Custodial Services
Departmental senior management including, Directors, other prison General Managers,
Community Corrections Regional Managers, and Branch Managers.
Key internal and external staff and stakeholders in relation to custodial issues
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Scope of
Influence
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Women’s Prison
Staff:
88.4 FTE
Prisoner numbers:
148
Annual Operating Budget: $ 1.3 m
Staff Salaries:
$ 3.4 m
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Human Resources Delegations Level 3
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Authority to Act
/ Delegations
3.
Pre-release
31.5 FTE
60
$ 0.4 m
$ 1.7 m
PRIMARY OUTCOMES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
KEY RESULT AREA
KEY INDICATORS
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Prison and
Prisoner Security
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Provide strong and constructive leadership in the management of the Pre-Release and
Women’s Prison staff, prisoners, and facilities consistent with best practice standards,
financial constraints and the Department’s Strategic and Business Plans
Proactively manage risk and duty of care obligations
Plan, develop, implement, monitor, evaluate and modify the operations and programs of the
Prison
Develop and implement effective consultation strategies with staff and communication with
prisoners
Lead, encourage and facilitate an operational management culture in the Prison which builds
mutual respect between staff, and between staff and prisoners
Promptly undertake investigations with regard to risk management, critical incidents and
disciplinary issues, and prepare Departmental and Ministerial reports and briefings
Implement and validate the Prison’s compliance with legislative requirements, Departmental
policies, and with Departmental and Government standards and operating procedures
Monitor the Prison’s emergency response capacity and develop and implement
comprehensive emergency plans
Monitor the compliance of non-custodial staff with the Prison’s security and safety standards
and procedures.
Contribute to developing an integrated custodial system through population planning and
management, and program development across prisons
General Manager, Pre-Release and Women’s Prison
September 2009
ROLE DESCRIPTION
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Preparation for
release and
reintroduction
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Develop, implement and monitor effective systems to support the operation of prison
industries to support productive capacity and vocational outcomes
Develop and implement incentive-based prisoner management regimes
Facilitate prisoner re-integration into the community through the development of pre-release
programs
Partner with the Community Corrections Division to develop complementary programs which
encourage and enable appropriate planning and pre-release preparation of prisoners as a
major component of an integrated approach to case management which will rehabilitate and
reintegrate offenders into the community.
Liaise with Local Government, local industries and local community groups to support prison
industries and community engagement initiatives
Encourage and coordinate the development of programs which are consistent with the
principles of restorative justice, and recognise victims’ rights and expectations

Prisoner
psychological,
medical and other
treatment
Proactively and constructively participate in the development, promotion, implementation and
monitoring of custodial policies, plans and systems
 Develop and maintain a safe, humane, constructive and healthy environment for prisoners
 Develop, implement and monitor effective systems for case management and individual
prisoner programs
 Develop, implement and monitor culturally-sensitive programs spanning education, work,
recreation, health and therapy with the objective of improving the attitudes, behaviour,
knowledge, skills and well-being of all prisoners
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Risk Management
Promote the vision, positive role and image of the Department and the Prison within the local
community.
 Manage industrial issues, and develop and maintain constructive industrial relations with
staff and representative employee organisations.
 Meet changing demands by utilising the Prison’s resources flexibly
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Finance and
administrative
management
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Monitor and review financial expenditure and achieve budget targets
Comply with Government/Departmental delegations and financial management practices
Develop and implement efficiency and cost-effectiveness financial and physical resources
strategies
Collaborate in the development and management of the Prison’s industries which also
contribute to revenue/resource generation
Proactively contribute to the planning and implementation of capital work programs for the
Prison
Authorise and monitor major and minor works
General Manager, Pre-Release and Women’s Prison
September 2009
ROLE DESCRIPTION
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Leadership and
Management
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4.
Develop and implement effective performance management and development review
systems for all staff
Implement people management practices throughout the Prison which are nondiscriminatory, support diversity and equity, promote job satisfaction and are consistent with
legislation, policies and principles for public sector management and equal opportunity
Manage workforce planning and deployment of human resources to meet the Prison’s
priorities and objectives
Apply appropriate people management processes including merit-based selection
processes, effective staff induction, performance management systems, and relevant
training and development programs for all staff
Provide and facilitate counselling and support services to staff.
Develop and implement accountability systems, quality assurance and continuous quality
improvement strategies
Develop services which are efficient and complement the justice system, incorporating
Court, Police and Legal services.
Contribute to, and participate in, corporate decision-making processes and system-wide
service improvement projects
Provide advice to the Chief Executive, the Director Custodial Services, and Senior
Management on operational matters with regard to custodial services within Adelaide PreRelease and Women’s Prison
Model ethical behaviour consistent with Commissioner of Public Employment expectations
for executives and the Department’s stated values.
Promote, implement and comply with DCS Human Resource and OHWS policies and Codes
of Conduct, the Public Sector Management Act, general public sector aims and personnel
management standards, and employee conduct standards.
Comply with legislative requirements that apply to the role, including inter alia the Public
Sector Management Act, relevant industrial awards and enterprise agreements, Correctional
Services Act, Occupational Health Safety & Welfare Act, Equal Opportunity Act, and the
Workers Rehabilitation & Compensation Act.
POSITION COMPETENCY PROFILE
(*Applicants must respond to the Technical and Behavioural characteristics of the position. The individual Attributes are indications of the
way in which a successful applicant will be expected to develop and function.)
TECHNICAL*
ATTRIBUTES
Underpinning
Knowledge
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Qualifications
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Knowledge of strategic and operational policy issues, and of best practice in contemporary
correctional services including custodial operations.
Knowledge of and commitment to the strategic directions of the Department for Correctional
Services
High level understanding of contemporary custodial services issues, trends and practices
with experience in the development and achievement of strategic goals
Sound knowledge of best practice and innovative policy and strategy development,
particularly in a management and justice environment.
A sound understanding of the political and socio-economic sensitivities that impact on the
planning, development, funding, delivery and management of correctional services and
facilities.
Understanding of OHSW principles and policies and a demonstrated commitment to actively
managing programs and initiatives aimed at ensuring staff and prisoner safety.
Good knowledge of Public Sector General Management Aims, Personnel Management
Standards and Employee Conduct Standards, and Equal Opportunity, Disability
Discrimination and Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare legislation.
It is desirable to have completed or to be undertaking tertiary studies in business
administration, behavioural sciences or justice administration or another qualification
accepted by the Chief Executive
General Manager, Pre-Release and Women’s Prison
September 2009
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Manage Resources
and Risks
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Leadership and motivation of staff to achieve agreed objectives.
Manage conflict and where necessary consult, mediate and negotiate solutions across
diverse viewpoints amongst staff and agencies.
Identify opportunities for program and service delivery change and improvement, and
manage change processes.
Success in cost effective management and planning of financial, physical and human
resources.
Effective planning and management of services and programs appropriate to the needs of
Aboriginal prisoners and other minority groups within the Prison.
Lead the team in the identification and assessment of risks, the implementation of effective
controls and to implement systems to ensure compliance with these controls.
BEHAVIOURAL*
ATTRIBUTES
Shapes Strategic
Thinking and
Change
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Achieves Results
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Inspires and influences others creating a shared sense of purpose and direction toward
achieving organisational goals.
 Actively ensures stakeholders are kept informed of change.
 Analyses problems thoroughly before finding solutions.
 Anticipates emerging issues and changing context and develops timely strategies to solve
problems or seize opportunities.
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Drives Business
Excellence
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Enables the achievement of outcomes by identifying and removing potential barriers to the
success of the business unit.
Creates and aligns structures, systems and resources to better achieve objectives. Plans for
future business unit / agency needs and ensures staff are appropriately skilled and
developed to meet those needs.
Exercises sound judgement, makes timely decisions, initiates and responds to urgent
actions, and remains calm in crisis situations.
Seeks to gather and understand all of the critical information where possible when making
decisions.
Anticipates risks and addresses them quickly.
Abides by the laws, regulations and policies determining public sector activities.
Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely and cost-effective
results.
Delegates authority, responsibility, and accountability to appropriate levels.
Provides objective, credible and timely reporting to the Director, Custodial Services and the
Chief Executive.
Invites others to contribute their knowledge.
Recognises results and deals constructively with setbacks.
Champions new initiatives and stimulates change.
Establishes robust processes to monitor and develop staff performance.
Gives clear and honest feedback and manages non-performance promptly.
Sets clear performance standards and gives timely praise and recognition.
Provides leadership and support for those managed in dealing with staff performance issues.
Promotes continuous learning and the development of others to achieve maximum individual
and organisational potential.
Deploys resources astutely and identifies optimum resourcing combinations.
Is accountable for organisational finance, resource and asset management.
Monitors expenditures and uses cost-benefit thinking to set priorities.
Oversees procurement and manages contracts judiciously.
General Manager, Pre-Release and Women’s Prison
September 2009
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Forges
Relationships and
Engages Others
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Exemplifies
Personal Drive and
Professionalism
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5.
Obtains cooperation from others to gain information and accomplish goals.
Focuses on desired objectives and ensures negotiations remain on track.
Anticipates and takes steps to prevent counter-productive behaviour.
Uses appropriate strategies to constructively manage and resolve conflicts and
disagreements promptly.
Acts decisively and initiates urgent action to overcome difficult problems.
Provides communication links up, down and throughout the organisation and networks.
Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic
relationships and achieve common goals.
Develops and implements effective communication and engagement strategies.
Forges strategic alliances to achieve objectives.
Identifies and communicates priorities, timelines, clear accountabilities and performance
expectations.
Listens carefully to others and ensures their view has been understood.
Structures messages for brevity and presents messages with precision and confidence.
Demonstrates and integrates values and ethics (including the Code of Conduct) into
business unit practices.
Models and builds a culture of respect for people and public sector values and encourages
these standards in others.
Provides impartial and forthright advice and acts with the courage of own convictions.
Is prepared to make tough corporate decisions to achieve desired outcomes.
Seeks guidance and advice where required.
Deals effectively with pressure, and remains optimistic under adversity.
Recovers quickly from setbacks.
Demonstrates tenacity and persists with initiatives that are of benefit to the business unit
and/or organisation.
Engages in regular critical reflection and feedback and acts, as a role model by openly
communicating strengths and development needs.
Sets challenging goals for self to achieve higher quality results / outcomes.
Ensures the workforce has the capacity and diversity to meet current and future needs.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Line Manager
Director, Custodial Services
Signature
Date
Employee
General Manager, Adelaide
Women’s Prison and Adelaide
Pre-Release Centre
Signature
Date
General Manager, Pre-Release and Women’s Prison
September 2009