Are you looking to advance your career in administration within the public sector? The Administration Supervisor position at Community Corrections offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while gaining invaluable experience in government operations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the role, the application process, and how to stand out as a candidate.
Role Summary
Below is a detailed overview of the Administration Supervisor role:
| Title | Administration Supervisor |
|---|---|
| Organisation / Entity | Community Corrections |
| Job Location | Bankstown, Blacktown, Burwood, Campbelltown, City (Darlinghurst), Fairfield, Hornsby, Leichhardt, Liverpool, Long Bay, Mount Druitt, Parklea, Parramatta, Penrith, Silverwater, St Leonards, Sutherland, and Windsor |
| Work Type | Full-time – Ongoing |
| Base Pay | Clerk Grade 3/4, $79,032 – $86,539 per annum plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading |
| Closing Date | 24/11/2024 |
Why the Administration Supervisor Role in Community Corrections is a Great Opportunity
As an Administration Supervisor, you’ll coordinate and lead a team of up to five administration professionals, ensuring efficient operation of Community Corrections offices. You’ll interact with a diverse range of stakeholders, from staff and other agencies to members of the public and offenders.
One of the standout features of this recruitment is that it’s a talent pool recruitment. This means you’re not competing for a single position but multiple roles that are either currently vacant or will become available over the next 18 months. Being part of this talent pool significantly increases your chances of securing a role and provides opportunities for future placements.
This position is ideal for those looking to gain substantial experience in government administration. It serves as a launching pad to numerous other roles within the public sector, offering career growth and the chance to make a tangible difference in the community.
Want help with your cover letter?
Get your cover letter reviewed by a NSW Government Recruitment Expert.
How to Apply for the Administration Supervisor Position
To embark on this exciting career path, you need to submit your application online through the official NSW government job portal.
Your application must include:
- Up-to-date Résumé: Maximum of 5 pages.
- Cover Letter: Maximum of 3 pages.
Note that three pages is longer than average for a government role – so make the most of this opportunity to tell your story and sell yourself!
Essential Criteria and Target Question
Your cover letter should address the following:
- Essential Requirement: Current driver’s licence and preparedness to drive a vehicle in the course of performing the role.
- Target Question: Using a workplace example, describe how you have contributed to developing team capability.
Application Checklist for Aspiring Administration Supervisors
Ensure your application is complete and meets all the requirements by following this checklist.
1
Résumé
Highlight relevant skills and achievements.
Align your experience with the role and focus capabilities.
Limit to 5 pages.
2
Cover Letter
Emphasise how your skills match the focus capabilities listed below
State your current driver’s licence status.
Address the target question with a specific workplace example.
Limit to 3 pages.
3
Additional Requirements:
Secure a Working with Children Check clearance in line with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.
Be prepared for reference checks.
Obtain a National Criminal History Record Check as per the Disability Inclusion Act 2014.
Want help with your cover letter?
Get your cover letter reviewed by a NSW Government Recruitment Expert.
Understanding the Focus Capabilities for the Role
The focus capabilities are crucial competencies required for the Administration Supervisor position. These will be assessed throughout the recruitment process, including your application and interview.
| Capability Group/Sets | Capability Name | Behavioural Indicators | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manage Self | Show drive and motivation, an ability to self-reflect and a commitment to learning |
| Intermediate |
| Commit to Customer Service | Provide customer-focused services in line with public sector and organisational objectives |
| Intermediate |
| Deliver Results | Achieve results through the efficient use of resources and a commitment to quality outcomes |
| Foundational |
| Technology | Understand and use available technologies to maximise efficiencies and effectiveness |
| Intermediate |
| Manage and Develop People | Engage and motivate staff, and develop capability and potential in others |
| Foundational |
How to Address the Focus Capabilities in Your Application
All NSW Public Sector roles specify focus capabilities that are essential for the position. For the Administration Supervisor role, you need to demonstrate proficiency in the capabilities listed above. Customise your résumé and cover letter to reflect these capabilities, using similar language and highlighting relevant experiences.
Example:
If one of the focus capabilities is “Commit to Customer Service”, you might describe a previous role where you improved customer satisfaction by implementing a new feedback system. Use specific examples to showcase how you meet each capability.
By aligning your application with these capabilities, you make it easier for hiring managers to see that you are a suitable candidate, increasing your chances of progressing to the interview stage.
Meet Jane: An Aspiring Administration Supervisor
Jane Smith currently works as a retail manager at a popular department store. With over five years of experience in customer service and team management, she’s honed her skills in leadership, problem-solving, and operational efficiency. Jane is eager to transition into the public sector to contribute to her community and grow her career.
She’s particularly drawn to the Administration Supervisor role in Community Corrections because it aligns with her passion for helping others and offers the opportunity to develop new skills in a government setting.
Sample Cover Letter from Jane
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am excited to apply for the Administration Supervisor position with Community Corrections. With over five years of experience in retail management, I bring a solid foundation in leadership, operational excellence, and customer service, which I believe make me an ideal candidate for this role.
In my current role as Retail Manager at XYZ Department Store, I lead a team of 15 staff members, focusing on individual strengths and team cohesion. I successfully implemented a structured training program to enhance product knowledge and customer interaction skills, which resulted in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction over six months. Recognizing individual team strengths and providing tailored development opportunities allowed me to build a high-performing team dedicated to quality service and operational success.
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated strong communication and operational skills, both critical for an Administration Supervisor role in Community Corrections. In addition to team management, I frequently coordinate with cross-functional teams such as logistics, finance, and HR, ensuring clear communication of objectives and smooth execution of tasks. This experience would allow me to effectively liaise with other departments within Community Corrections, contributing to streamlined operations and high service standards.
Response to Target Question
Using a workplace example, describe how you have contributed to developing team capability.
In my role as Retail Manager, I recently led a project to improve our store’s inventory management system, a significant change designed to address ongoing issues with stock accuracy and team efficiency. Recognising that adapting to a new system can be challenging, I took a coaching approach to ensure each team member not only adopted the new processes but also developed their skills and confidence along the way.
First, I organised targeted training sessions to introduce the team to the system’s technical aspects. Instead of relying solely on a one-size-fits-all training, I held initial one-on-one discussions with each team member to assess their comfort level with technology and identify areas where they might need extra support. This allowed me to tailor my approach, spending additional time with those less experienced in digital systems and empowering the more tech-savvy staff to become “peer coaches.” By encouraging team members to support each other, I fostered a collaborative environment where learning was both shared and reinforced within the group.
Throughout the rollout, I emphasised the importance of open communication, actively encouraging questions, feedback, and ideas. To create a supportive learning atmosphere, I scheduled weekly check-ins that served as informal coaching sessions. In these sessions, we reviewed individual progress, addressed any roadblocks, and discussed strategies for more efficient use of the system. For example, I coached team members to develop their troubleshooting skills rather than relying on me or a manual, helping them build confidence in their ability to resolve issues independently.
One team member, who initially struggled with adapting to the new system, particularly benefited from this approach. By setting small, achievable goals with her and celebrating each milestone, I saw her confidence and capability grow significantly over time. This individualised support not only helped her but also set a standard within the team that skill development is a priority and that challenges can be overcome with persistence and guidance.
The results of this coaching-focused approach were notable. The team’s quick adaptation to the new system led to a 30% reduction in stock discrepancies within just three months, a clear indicator of the effectiveness of their training and confidence in using the system. More importantly, this experience strengthened the team’s overall problem-solving abilities and instilled a culture of continuous learning, where each member felt valued and supported in their growth.
By fostering an environment that values capability-building through structured coaching, I was able to empower the team to not only adapt to a new system but to elevate their skills in a way that has lasting impact on our operations and team morale.
Compliance, Integrity, and Adaptability
As a manager in a fast-paced retail environment, I am accustomed to maintaining high standards of compliance, transparency, and integrity. I prioritize setting clear expectations, monitoring adherence to policies, and addressing challenges proactively. My adaptability is another asset—I thrive in dynamic environments where policies and practices need continual improvement to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
I hold a current driver’s licence and am fully prepared to fulfill any driving requirements associated with this role.
Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to contribute my skills in leadership, process improvement, and team development to the impactful work of Community Corrections.
Kind regards,
Jane Smith
Mastering the STAR Technique for Your Application
To effectively showcase your suitability for the role, use the STAR technique—Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This method helps you provide structured and impactful examples of your achievements.
- Situation: Describe the context within which you performed a task or faced a challenge at work.
- Task: Explain your responsibility in that situation.
- Action: Detail the steps you took to address the task.
- Result: Share the outcomes of your actions.
By incorporating the STAR technique into your cover letter and interview responses, you provide clear evidence of your capabilities and how they align with the role’s requirements.
Preparing for the Interview: Potential Questions
Congratulations on making it to the interview stage! To help you prepare, here are some example questions that may be relevant for the Administration Supervisor role:
- Can you provide an example of how you’ve managed and developed a team member who was struggling to meet expectations?
- Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change at work. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
- How do you prioritise tasks when faced with tight deadlines and multiple stakeholders demanding your attention?
These questions are designed to assess your focus capabilities, such as managing and developing people, adaptability, and delivering results under pressure.
For more sample questions and to understand how they relate to the NSW Capability Framework, visit the Capability Application Tool.
Final Thoughts
Securing a role as an Administration Supervisor in Community Corrections is a significant step toward a rewarding career in the public sector. By carefully aligning your application with the focus capabilities and showcasing your experiences using the STAR technique, you enhance your chances of success.
If you progress through the recruitment process and secure the position, we’d love to hear about your journey. Congratulations in advance on taking this important step in your career!
This article is intended to guide aspiring candidates through the application process for the Administration Supervisor role in Community Corrections. We hope you find it helpful and wish you the best of luck in your application.
