Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To support rehabilitation programs, provide classification, temporary absence coordination and discharge planning services for male and female inmates with diverse needs and security requirements in a maximum security detention centre.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Providing classification, temporary absence coordination and discharge planning services for inmates; seeking pertinent information for the classification, temporary absence and discharge planning processes by interviewing inmates, liaising with other sources (police, family, employer, Ministry staff), reviewing relevant documents e.g. inmate file, Pre-Sentence Report, Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS).
2. Coordinating the participation of intermittent sentenced inmates in the Intermittent Community Work Program (ICWP).Interviewing inmates applying for, or identified for, participation in ICWP; providing information regarding the program and obtaining information regarding inmates' background;
obtaining information for applications by reviewing inmates' files and records and discussing with Ministry staff, social agencies, and the judiciary.
3. Confirming inmates' participation in the ICWP program through on-going contacts with inmates, community-based professionals, police, employers, social agencies and educational institutions; notifying senior administrator of any program violation (e.g. breaches of terms and conditions of Temporary Absence Permit, misconducts, etc.)
4. Facilitating the discharge planning/community reintegration process for inmates requiring assistance.
5. Obtaining and assessing information, with respect to the inmate's return to the community for any risk to the community if released, escape risk of the inmate, and reaction of the community towards the release of the inmate.
6. Determining the current requirements and discharge needs of inmates by reviewing information from all clinical and correctional sources.
7. Referring inmates to specific community agencies such as John Howard Society, Ontario Works, CMHA, etc.
8. Completing, updating LSI-OR reports in accordance with MCSCS policy and procedures.
9. Ensuring that a complete discharge plan is made available for all inmates.
10. Seeking pertinent information for the classification process by interviewing inmates, liaising with other sources (police, family, employer, Ministry staff) and reviewing relevant documents (e.g. inmate file, Pre-Sentence Report, OTIS).
11. Facilitating inmate orientation programs and providing advice, counselling and information pertaining to institutional adjustment, institutional program availability.
12. Completing Ministry classification documents such as Internal Classification Report to assess inmate needs and suitability in order to classify inmates to the appropriate Unit, Intermittent Community Work Program (ICWP) and rehabilitation programs, LSI-OR.
13. Instructing inmates in basic rehabilitation groups that focus primarily on encouraging inmates to enter rehabilitative programs, either in the community or in the institution, including facilitating rehabilitation programs.
14. Participating in various committees including the ICWP, Program Committee and representing classification in various institutional committees as required.
15. Acting as a Liaison/ resource person when dealing with police, courts, family members, lawyers the general public, etc., as it relates to Classification, TAP etc.

Knowledge :

Incumbent requires extensive knowledge of legislation (e.g., Ministry of Correctional Services Act) and Ministry policies/procedures and programs relating to the internal classification process to recommend appropriate institutional unit and program placements; risk/needs assessment tools (LSIOR) relating to the Temporary Absence program to assess an inmate's application to the program against established criteria and to make written recommendation to the Administrator for approval or denial of the application. Requires knowledge of the rules and regulations of a correctional facility to be able to assess an inmate's behaviour and suitability for participation in the program. Proven interviewing techniques to obtain information from inmates and community contacts, to assess motivation of inmate and suitability for placement in the program. Incumbent requires knowledge of community agencies and resources to assist in the rehabilitation of inmates and knowledge of institutional core programs. Working knowledge is required of computerized inmate management system (OTIS), and word processing software packages to input/retrieve inmate data prepare and maintain reports and statistics. Sound knowledge is required of the justice system, court processes and court documentation. Ability to read and interpret CPIC data.

Skills :

Analytical, investigative and evaluative skills to obtain information and determine, based on the established criteria, suitability of the inmate for participation in the program(s) and to make recommendations to the senior administrator for approval or denial of various applications for programs.
Problem solving skills to resolve issues or matters pertaining to inmate participation in the program(s).
Excellent communication skills to convey clearly the nature of the program to inmates, as well as to Probation Officers, the police, lawyers, etc.
Well developed interpersonal skills when dealing with requests or complaints, interpreting/clarifying information and/or encouraging compliance and cooperation (e.g., when inmate must return to the institution by a certain time/date); interpersonal skills when dealing with various institutional staff.
Interpersonal skills are required when meeting with inmate applicants and screening inmates for suitability for institutional unit and program placement.
Consultative skills when communicating with community agencies.
Providing counselling based upon inmate needs.
Computer skills to utilize a variety of software packages such as Word, Excel, OTIS, etc. to input/retrieve inmate data, prepare and maintain reports, statistics and LSI-OR.

Freedom of Action :

Working in accordance with legislation and Ministry policies/procedures relating to the classification and programs.
Proven decision-making skills to make sound recommendations regarding inmate suitability for institution and program placement. Incumbent's completed tasks to be reviewed to ensure recommended classification and discharge planning decisions adhere to Ministry standards and procedures.