Assistant Director – Probation – 13 Posts at Public Service Commission Kenya (PSCK)

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – PROBATION (13 POSTS) PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION KENYA ABOUT THE ROLE The Public Service Commission invites applications for 13 positions of Assistant Director in its Probation division. This is a strategic role within Kenya's criminal justice system, responsible for overseeing probation services, offender management, and rehabilitation across the country. Successful candidates will be deployed to Headquarters, Regional Offices, or Probation Institutions, where they will drive policy implementation, supervise high-risk cases, and coordinate community-based rehabilitation programs. CORE REQUIREMENTS To be considered for this position, you must meet all the following criteria: A minimum of three years' service at the grade of Principal Probation Officer (CSG 8) A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Sociology, Criminology, Law, Counselling Psychology, Social Psychology, or an equivalent qualification from a Kenyan-recognized university Demonstrated track record of professional competence and managerial capability, evidenced by strong work performance and measurable results KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Your specific duties will vary based on your deployment location. AT HEADQUARTERS You will shape the strategic direction of probation services by developing, implementing, and reviewing national probation and aftercare policies. Your analytical work will include evaluating offender treatment interventions, assessing the effectiveness of supervision reports from field stations, and designing evidence-based intervention models for offender-specific needs. You will coordinate critical functions including compliance reporting for presentence assessments, bail reviews, and sentence review boards. Additionally, you will establish and maintain comprehensive databases on case committees, compile gazettement records, oversee pre-release coordination with the Power of Mercy Committee and Borstal Institution Boards, and liaise with government agencies and stakeholders on emerging trends in offender management. You will also drive child and youth justice initiatives and coordinate evaluations of victim and offender service programs. AT REGIONAL OFFICES You will directly oversee probation operations including Community Service Orders, probation and aftercare administration, and quality assurance functions. Key responsibilities include conducting social inquiries for high court cases, preparing bail assessment reports for complex cases, supervising high-risk offenders, facilitating resettlement and rehabilitation through home visits and follow-ups, and coordinating restorative justice programs. You will identify and train Community Probation Volunteers, organize case conferences and committees, undertake comprehensive risk assessments, and lead prevention initiatives on sexual and gender-based violence. Your work will ensure that appropriate interventions are delivered to each offender based on their risk profile. AT PROBATION INSTITUTIONS You will oversee institutional operations by coordinating admission, assessment, and classification procedures for all probationers. You will lead the development and implementation of individualized supervision plans, ensure provision of safe accommodation and essential services, and coordinate rehabilitation and vocational training programs. Your role will include facilitating formal education and skills training for school-going probationers, guiding staff on case committee recommendations, and orchestrating offender reintegration and resettlement support. You will also coordinate stakeholder engagement on broader offender management initiatives. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Kenya's rehabilitation and justice system while advancing your career in probation management.