Why you should act now: The Department of Correctional Services has opened a new round of recruitment for professional posts across South Africa. The deadline is fast approaching, and these roles are not the typical correctional‑officer jobs you may have seen before.
What the opportunity is
The Department is looking for skilled people to fill five different categories. The roles involve Human Resources, Occupational Health & Safety, community participation, parole administration and leadership on the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board. These positions are advertised in DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 39 of 2026 (published 30 October 2026).
Who can apply – eligibility and requirements
- Education: A relevant diploma, degree or NQF Level 7 qualification, depending on the post.
- Experience: Usually 1–5 years of professional or supervisory experience as outlined for each vacancy.
- Other: Computer literacy and a valid driver’s licence (exempt for applicants with disabilities).
- Location: Vacancies are available in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West.
What you will gain
- Annual salaries for head‑office posts range from R338 106 to R487 197.
- Parole Board posts are paid according to National Treasury statutory‑board rates (Category D, Sub‑category D1).
- Experience in a national public‑service environment and the chance to influence offender rehabilitation and public safety.
How to apply – step‑by‑step
- Read the full advertisement. Download the official circular here: DPSA Circular 39 of 2026 (PDF). Confirm the position title, reference number and region that match your qualifications.
- Complete the Z83 form. Government applications require the prescribed Z83 form. Fill it accurately and sign where required.
- Prepare a detailed CV. Your CV must clearly show how you meet each listed requirement (qualifications, years of experience, specific skills).
- Gather the required documents. At this stage you only need the completed Z83 form and your CV in PDF format. Certified copies of qualifications will be requested later if you are shortlisted.
- Submit online. Go to the official portal and upload your documents: DCS Online Recruitment. Use the correct vacancy reference number for each application.
- Meet the deadline. Applications close on Monday 16 November 2026 at 15:45 SAST. The portal will not accept late submissions.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that you have read the entire circular; missing a single requirement can disqualify you.
- Tailor your CV to the specific role. For example, an HR Practitioner should list experience with placement administration, employee records and any exposure to PERSAL.
- Do not claim experience you do not have (e.g., PERSAL or security vetting) – the department verifies all details.
- If you are re‑applying for a re‑advertised post, submit a fresh application with updated documents.
- People with disabilities are encouraged to apply; the driver’s licence requirement does not apply to you.
Quick overview of the vacancies
| Recruiting organisation | Department of Correctional Services (DCS) |
| Sector | South African Government / Public Service |
| Advertisement | DPSA Circular 39 of 2026 |
| Publication date | 30 October 2026 |
| Categories advertised | 5 |
| Positions | Assistant Director (Injury on Duty), HR Practitioner (Placement Administration), Parole Board Chairperson, Vice‑Chairperson, Community Member |
| Locations | National Head Office and correctional‑management regions (Gauteng, EC, WC, Limpopo, MP, NW) |
| Minimum qualifications | Relevant diploma, degree or NQF Level 7 qualification, depending on the post |
| Experience required | Generally 1–5 years, as specified per vacancy |
| Head Office salary range | R338 106 – R487 197 per annum |
| Parole Board remuneration | National Treasury statutory‑board rates, Category D, Sub‑category D1 |
| Application method | Online only via the DCS portal |
| Required documents | Completed Z83 form and detailed CV (PDF) |
| Closing date & time | 16 November 2026 – 15:45 SAST |
| Official portal | DCS Online Recruitment |
Details of each vacancy
Assistant Director: Injury on Duty
- Post number: 39/02
- Reference: HO 2025/11/109
- Directorate: Employee Wellness and Occupational Health & Safety
- Location: National Head Office
- Salary: R487 197 per annum
Minimum requirements
- Degree or diploma in Occupational Health, Safety Management or related field.
- 3–5 years of OHS experience.
- Computer literacy and a valid driver’s licence (exempt for disabilities).
- Knowledge of OHS legislation, employee wellness policies and related HR procedures.
Key duties
- Manage occupational injury and disease administration.
- Ensure compliance with OHS policies and legislation.
- Monitor health‑and‑safety procedures and conduct related research.
- Oversee reporting, compensation processes and departmental assets.
HR Practitioner: Placement Administration
- Post number: 39/03
- Reference: HO 2026/11/110
- Directorate: HR Administration and Utilisation
- Location: National Head Office
- Salary: R338 106 per annum
Minimum requirements
- National Diploma or degree in Human Resource Management.
- 1–2 years of HR experience.
- Computer literacy and a valid driver’s licence (exempt for disabilities).
- Knowledge of PERSAL is an advantage.
Key duties
- Administer employee transfer benefits and relocation payments.
- Process accommodation, bond‑fee and removal claims.
- Maintain placement‑payment registers and respond to enquiries.
- Apply HR policies, keep personnel records and provide general admin support.
Parole Board Chairperson (five‑year term)
Remuneration follows National Treasury Category D, Sub‑category D1 rates.
Minimum requirements
- NQF Level 7 qualification in Criminal Justice, Social Sciences or related field.
- At least 5 years in a management or decision‑making role.
- Strong analytical, written and verbal communication skills.
- High integrity, sound judgement and good knowledge of the criminal‑justice system.
Available centres and reference numbers
Eastern Cape
| Cradock | EC 2026/10/01 |
| Lusikisiki | EC 2026/10/02 |
| Mthatha | EC 2026/10/03 |
| Sada | EC 2026/10/04 |
| St Albans | EC 2026/10/05 |
Gauteng
| Baviaansport | GP 2026/10/01 |
| Johannesburg | GP 2026/10/02 |
| Kgoši Mampuru II (2 posts) | GP 2026/10/03 |
| Modderbee | GP 2026/10/04 |
| Zonderwater | GP 2026/10/05 |
Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West
| Klerksdorp | LMN 2026/10/01 |
| Barberton | LMN 2026/10/02 |
| Witbank | LMN 2026/10/03 |
Western Cape
| Drakenstein | WC 2026/10/01 |
| Goodwood | WC 2026/10/02 |
| Overberg | WC 2026/10/03 |
| Pollsmoor | WC 2026/10/04 |
Parole Board Vice‑Chairperson (five‑year term)
Same remuneration as the Chairperson.
Minimum requirements
- NQF Level 7 qualification in Criminal Justice, Social Sciences or related field.
- At least 3 years of supervisory or community‑leadership experience.
- Good standing in the community, integrity and a keen interest in the criminal‑justice system.
Available centres and reference numbers
Eastern Cape
| Amathole | EC 2026/10/06 |
| Cradock | EC 2026/10/07 |
| Kirkwood | EC 2026/10/08 |
| Lusikisiki | EC 2026/10/09 |
| Sada | EC 2026/10/10 |
| St Albans | EC 2026/10/11 |
Gauteng
| Boksburg | GP 2026/10/06 |
| Kgoši Mampuru II | GP 2026/10/07 |
| Modderbee | GP 2026/10/08 |
| Zonderwater | GP 2026/10/09 |
Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West
| Barberton | LMN 2026/10/04 |
| Klerksdorp | LMN 2026/10/05 |
Western Cape
| Brandvlei | WC 2026/10/05 |
| Breede River | WC 2026/10/06 |
| Drakenstein | WC 2026/10/07 |
| Goodwood | WC 2026/10/08 |
| Overberg | WC 2026/10/09 |
| Voorberg | WC 2026/10/10 |
| West Coast | WC 2026/10/11 |
Parole Board Community Member (five‑year term)
Same statutory‑board rates as the Chairperson.
Minimum requirements
- Degree or national diploma in Criminal Justice, Community Development, Social Science, Policing or Human Rights.
- At least 5 years of community‑development or criminal‑justice experience.
- Strong interpersonal, communication and decision‑making skills.
- Integrity, confidentiality and a clear understanding of the Parole Board system.
Available centres and reference numbers
Gauteng
| Baviaansport | GP 2026/10/10 |
| Boksburg | GP 2026/10/11 |
| Johannesburg | GP 2026/10/12 |
| Kgoši Mampuru II | GP 2026/10/13 |
| Leeuwkop | GP 2026/10/14 |
| Zonderwater | GP 2026/10/15 |
Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West
| Klerksdorp | LMN 2026/10/06 |
Western Cape
| Brandvlei | WC 2026/10/12 |
| Breede River | WC 2026/10/13 |
| Goodwood | WC 2026/10/14 |
| Pollsmoor | WC 2026/10/15 |
| West Coast (2 posts) | WC 2026/10/16 |
Additional help from SETA SA
If you do not yet meet the qualifications, SETA SA offers tools to explore study options and skills pathways:
- University Explorer – find degree programmes that match the required qualifications.
- TVET College Explorer – locate vocational courses that can build relevant skills.
- Career & Qualification Explorer – see which occupations align with your interests.
- Career Discovery Assessment – identify career areas that suit you.
- National Skills Intelligence Explorer – research demand for specific skills.
- SETAs Platform – check learnerships and workplace‑learning programmes (especially SASSETA and PSETA).
- Eligibility Checker – verify whether you meet basic public‑service entry requirements.
- Accredited Provider Finder – confirm that training providers are QCTO‑accredited.
Final thoughts and next steps
These vacancies offer a real chance to join the public sector and work in areas beyond traditional correctional‑officer duties. Read the full circular, compare your qualifications, and submit a complete application before the 16 November deadline.
If you meet the criteria, follow the step‑by‑step guide above. If you do not, use the SETA SA tools to plan the education or experience you need for future openings.
Application deadline: 16 November 2026 at 15:45 SAST.
Apply now through the official Department of Correctional Services portal
