Senior Inspection

Company description:

Department of Communities and Justice

Job description:

Senior Inspection / Research Officer

Inspector Custodial Services

• Principal location - Sydney - Flexible working arrangements may be negotiated.
• Employment type - Ongoing - Full time (35 hours per week)
• Salary - Clerk Grade 9/10, Base Salary ($129,464 - $142,665), plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

Your role

The Senior Inspection / Research Officer provides expert support to the Inspector of Custodial Services in ensuring custodial centres and services meet statutory standards. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the integrity and transparency of correctional and youth justice systems, leading high-impact inspections and research projects that influence policy and practice across NSW.

What you'll do

As part of the Inspector of Custodial Services team, you will lead and participate in inspections and thematic reviews of correctional and youth justice centres, ensuring compliance with legislative and operational standards. You will contribute to developing inspection methodologies, analysing research findings, and preparing detailed reports for Parliament.

You will also:

• Manage and contribute to special research and thematic projects identified by the Inspector.
• Develop and analyse prisoner and staff surveys to inform inspection findings.
• Prepare high-quality reports and briefings that highlight key issues and recommendations.
• Build and maintain strong networks across custodial agencies and other oversight bodies.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of inspection standards, processes, and manuals.
• Participate in the development and communication of strategic direction and policy.

• Support the ongoing enhancement of transparency and accountability across the correctional and youth justice systems.

• Work as part of a small, professional, and collaborative team dedicated to promoting accountability and improving custodial outcomes, in a dynamic, independent office environment with a strong culture of integrity, respect, and evidence-based practice.

What we're looking for

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience in inspection, policy, or research within justice or human services.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex inspections, evaluations, or reviews in a regulatory, oversight, or operational context.
• Strong analytical, research, and report-writing skills with the ability to translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to manage sensitive issues and build constructive relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Appointments are subject to reference checks. Some roles may also require the following checks/ clearances:

• National Criminal History Record Check in accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014
• Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012

Download the role description.

To apply directly via the DCJ Careers site click here. Search for the job and click the 'Apply now' button.

We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply - you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.

What We Offer

We offer a variety of benefits, including:

• A challenging and rewarding career

• Flexible, autonomous work environment

• Competitive pay and conditions

• Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities

• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.

We do work that really matters

The Inspector of Custodial Services (ICS) is an independent statutory office in New South Wales that plays a vital role in promoting transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement within the custodial system.

Are you ready to join us?

Click apply, attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements of the role as well as an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages).

Applications close: Tuesday, 25 November 2025 at 11:59pm AEST.

Got a question?

Contact the hiring manager Laurie Cullinan at

If you've got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please contact Lois Jebin at

Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.

Other Information

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.