Department of Correctional Services: Security Officers (X381 Posts) 2026 Intake

Job Description

South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services has opened 381 Security Officer posts in the Free State and Northern Cape Region, based at Mangaung Maximum Correctional Centre. This is one of the largest Correctional Services recruitment drives currently open, and it creates a major opportunity for candidates who already completed the Correctional Science Learnership / Basic Training.

If you are aiming to build a stable government security career, this opportunity is not just a job — it is a long-term correctional services career pathway with structured salary progression from CB1-1 → CB1-2 → CB1-3 levels.

Quick Overview

Position: Security Officers (CB1-1 / CB1-2 / CB1-3)
Reference Number: FSNC 2026/04/26
Number of Posts: 381
Employer: Department of Correctional Services
Location: Mangaung Maximum Correctional Centre (Free State & Northern Cape Region)
Salary Levels:

• CB1-1: R212 358 per year
• CB1-2: R257 895 per year
• CB1-3: R313 521 per year

Minimum Requirement:

• Matric (Grade 12)
• Correctional Science Learnership / Basic Training completed

Closing Date: 08 May 2026 (15h45)
Application Method: Email / Post / Hand delivery
Application Form Required: Z83 Form

Understanding the CB1 Salary Structure

Correctional Services uses structured salary bands.

This vacancy includes three levels:

CB1-1 Level

Salary: R212 358 per year

Requirements:

• Grade 12
• Correctional Science Learnership completed
• No experience required

This is the entry point level.

CB1-2 Level

Salary: R257 895 per year

Requirements:

• 10 years experience at CB1-1 level

This level reflects mid-career correctional officers.

CB1-3 Level

Salary: R313 521 per year

Requirements:

• 10 years experience at CB1-2 level

This level reflects senior operational correctional security staff.

Responsibilities

• Key Competencies DCS Is Looking For
• Correctional Services recruits officers who demonstrate:
• Operational discipline
• Professional conduct
• Communication ability
• Security awareness
• Teamwork capacity
• Rehabilitation support mindset
• Successful applicants normally show:
• ability to work shifts
• calm decision-making under pressure
• responsibility with firearms
• strong observation skills
• Duties of a Correctional Security Officer
• Security Officers perform several structured responsibilities inside correctional facilities.
• These include:
• Access Control
• Monitoring entry points
• Checking authorised movement
• Preventing unauthorised access
• Movement Control
• Supervising inmate movement between:
• units
• facilities
• work areas
• hospitals
• courts
• Escort Duties
• Escorting inmates:
• internally within facilities
• externally to institutions
• during transfers
• Security Inspections
• Checking:
• cells
• fences
• locks
• surveillance zones
• equipment
• Control Room Monitoring
• Managing:
• alarms
• surveillance systems
• communication channels
• emergency response coordination
• Store and Equipment Management
• Handling:
• security equipment
• firearms control
• monitoring logs
• reporting shortages
• Supporting Offender Rehabilitation
• Correctional officers also help:
• maintain discipline
• ensure structured programmes run safely
• create stable rehabilitation environments
• This is a major part of modern correctional services work.

Requirements

• To qualify, applicants must have:
• Grade 12 (Matric)
• Completed Correctional Science Learnership / Basic Training
• Computer literacy
• Firearm competency
• Strong communication skills
• Report writing ability
• Knowledge of correctional policies
• Understanding of security procedures
• You must also understand:
• correctional centre movement control
• access control procedures
• offender supervision standards
• minimum security operational protocols
• These are not optional.
• Applications without Correctional Science training will not be considered.
• Documents You Should Prepare Immediately
• Prepare these early:
• Certified ID
• Certified Matric certificate
• Correctional Science certificate
• Updated CV
• Z83 form
• Certification should normally be within 6 months.
• How to Apply
• Applications must include:
• Z83 form
• Certified ID copy
• Certified Matric certificate
• Correctional Science qualification proof
• Supporting documents
• Send applications to:
• Post:
• Regional Commissioner
• Free State and Northern Cape Region
• P/Bag X20530
• Bloemfontein
• Hand delivery:
• Zastron Street
• Agrimed Building
• Bloemfontein
• Email: FSNCHRM@dcs.gov.za
• Always include: Reference number: FSNC 2026/04/26
• Edupstairs Advice for Applicants
• Security Officer recruitment inside Correctional Services is competitive but predictable.
• Applicants who succeed usually:
• apply early
• submit complete documents
• follow Z83 instructions correctly
• prepare for security screening
• understand correctional environment expectations
• If you completed Correctional Science Basic Training, this vacancy is one of the strongest government entry-level opportunities currently open.
• Submit your application before the deadline.

Additional Job Details

• Company: Department Of Correctional Services
• Job Type: Full Time
• Work Model: On Site
• Location: Free State & Northern Cape
• Country: South Africa
• Salary: R212 358
• Posted Date: 2026 04 18
• Closing Date: 2026 05 08