Self-assessment Questionnaire - Primary Worker/Kimisinaw (CX-02)

We strongly encourage you to complete this self-assessment questionnaire before applying to become a Primary Worker/Kimisinaw for the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC).
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The CSC, as part of the criminal justice system and respecting the rule of law, contributes to public safety by actively encouraging and assisting offenders to become law-abiding citizens, while exercising reasonable, safe, secure and humane control. CSC contributes to public safety by administering court-imposed sentences of two years or more, ensures safe transition of eligible offenders into the community, ensures safety and security for staff and offenders in our institutions and enhances capacity to provide effective interventions for First Nations offenders.

The objective of this self-assessment questionnaire is to give you a better idea of the role, requirements, skills and expectations related to a Primary Worker/Kimisinaw's position. Situations presented are part of the daily job and the working environment of the Primary Worker/Kimisinaw.

This questionnaire was designed for your personal use and is not an assessment tool for the selection process.

DO NOT send this questionnaire with your application.

1. The roles and responsibilities of the Primary Worker/Kimisinaw are to help ensure security inside Canadian institutions, contribute to the inmates' reintegration into society, and as a result, contribute to public safety.  Do you agree with CSC's Mission?
   • Yes
   • No
2. Do you believe in an inmate's ability to participate in and successfully complete treatment programs, and that they have the capacity to become a law-abiding citizen again?
   • Yes
   • No
3. Primary Workers/Kimisinaws are in continuous interaction with inmates and colleagues. Do you believe that you can maintain good interpersonal relationships with people you are in contact with on a daily basis?
   • Yes
   • No
4. Inmates from various ethnic origins are incarcerated in Canadian institutions. Would you be comfortable interacting with people (e.g., inmates, visitors, colleagues) of different cultures and different ethnic backgrounds?
   • Yes
   • No
5. The selection process for Primary Workers/Kimisinaws selection process includes strict verification of security and reliability. Do you consider yourself an honest person who is respectful of laws and regulations, demonstrated by your attitude, behaviours and lifestyle?
   • Yes
   • No
6. Do you believe that you have personal qualities and values that match those required to deliver our mandate as indicated on the previous page?
   • Yes
   • No
7. All Primary Workers/Kimisinaws must successfully complete the Correctional Training Program which includes a Women-Centred Training component before being able to perform correctional duties. Would you agree to live in government or commercial accommodation if your permanent residence was too far from the location where training is offered? Please note that meals and accommodation costs are covered by CSC under these circumstances.
   • Yes
   • No
8. Would you consider completing the Correctional Training Program knowing that there is no training allowance or salary for the duration of the 10-week training program?
   • Yes
   • No
9. Do you believe you would be able to complete online theoretical modules which require the use of and extended access to a computer?
   • Yes
   • No
10. Would you agree to follow a training program that includes self-directed and in-class learning sessions, physical training, fire safety training and simulation exercises involving self-defence and the use of equipment?
    • Yes
    • No
11. Following formal training offered by CSC, do you believe that you would be ready to use physical force and the self-defence techniques required, individually or with the assistance of colleagues, to intervene with a non-cooperative inmate showing signs of extreme agitation?
    • Yes
    • No
12. Following CSC formal training, do you believe that you would be able to use equipment (e.g., handcuffs, protective shield, chemical and inflammatory agents, or firearm) on an inmate, individually or with the assistance of colleagues, if the situation required it, in accordance with the law?
    • Yes
    • No
13. Following CSC formal training, do you believe that you would be able to be a first responder and deal with an offender in mental distress and who may have self-harmed, or in case of fire (wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus) or in the case of medical emergency of an inmate or colleague (i.e., proceed with cardio-pulmonary resuscitation [CPR] or automated external defibrillator [AED])?
    • Yes
    • No
14. Do you like to work on a team?
    • Yes
    • No
15. Do you readily accept instructions, suggestions or constructive criticism offered by someone in a position of authority or a colleague?
    • Yes
    • No
16. Do you believe you are able to interact with colleagues and inmates on a daily basis in a respectful and professional manner in stressful or emergency situations?
    • Yes
    • No
17. New inmates are continuously admitted to institutions and new personnel members regularly join the work force. Can you easily adapt to change and interact with people you don't know well or don't know at all?
    • Yes
    • No
18. Interaction between staff members and inmates or between the inmates themselves can sometimes lead to conflict or crisis situations. For example, inmates may use inappropriate language, display inappropriate behaviours, utter obscenities or shout insults at you (e.g., cursing, inappropriate terms with sexual connotations). Your reaction will be critical as it could increase the tension or defuse the crisis. Do you think you would be able to show self-control even under stress and provocation?
    • Yes
    • No
19. Dangerous and unexpected situations for you, your colleagues or for inmates can occasionally occur in prison. Do you believe you would be able to react effectively during situations where your personal safety and/or that of another person could be threatened?
    • Yes
    • No
20. Do you believe in your ability to make effective decisions in ambiguous or complex situations?
    • Yes
    • No
21. Would you accept a job that required you to work various rotating shifts (days/evenings/nights), weekends and statutory holidays (i.e., Canada Day, New Year's Day, etc.)
    • Yes
    • No
22. Unforeseen situations can happen in an institution which leads to certain consequences for the personnel on duty, such as the requirement to continue a shift in order to address an incident. Would you accept a job that required you to work overtime on short notice?
    • Yes
    • No
23. The responsibilities of a Primary Worker/Kimisinaw include numerous tasks, such as case management functions, program support, monitoring inmate behaviour and movement, counts, supervision of inmates, visitor and staff movement inside and outside the institution, and conducting searches. Some of the tasks have to be performed within a confined environment (e.g., towers, control posts, inmate cells). Would you be able to work in such an environment?
    • Yes
    • No
24. As part of their functions, a Primary Workers/Kimisinaws must wear a uniform and use various equipment. Would you agree to wear the required uniform, along with a protective vest and job-related equipment (e.g., handcuffs, CPR mask)?
    • Yes
    • No
25. Primary Workers/Kimisinaws must have good physical capabilities in order to achieve the tasks associated with their work, such as climbing stairs, carrying heavy equipment, searching vehicles, physically handling inmates, etc. Do you believe you possess the physical capability required to carry on these tasks?
    • Yes
    • No
26. Interventions with inmates bring interesting challenges, however, they can sometimes lead to difficult situations on a personal level and have an impact on your family life. Do you have a positive attitude, good self-esteem and is your family supportive of your plan to apply?
    • Yes
    • No

If you have answered YES to all or a majority of the above questions and feel you meet all essential qualifications identified on the advertisement you may be personally suitable for a Primary Worker/Kimisinaw position. We encourage you to apply. Please note that each essential qualification listed on the statement of merit criteria will be formally assessed and validated as part of the recruitment process.

However, if you have answered NO to one or more of the above questions, we encourage you to reassess if this job opportunity is for you. You can also contact a Recruitment Officer from your region to obtain additional information related to the position of Primary Worker/Kimisinaw:

Contact Information:

Atlantic Region (NB, NS, PEI, NFLD): (506) 851-6090 or email atlanticrecruitment@csc-scc.gc.ca
Ontario Region (Ontario, Nunavut): (613) 545-8910 or email ontariorecruitment@csc-scc.gc.ca
Quebec Region (Quebec): (450) 967-3495 or email quebecrecruitment@csc-scc.gc.ca
Pacific Region (BC, Yukon): (604) 557-4557 or email pacificrecruitment@csc-scc.gc.ca
Prairie Region (AB, SK, MAN, NWT): (306) 975-4413 or email
prairiesrecruitment@csc-scc.gc.ca