ACCREDITATION SPECIALIST

State of Arkansas • AR

85d • $39,171 - $57,973

About The Position

The Accreditation Specialist within the Arkansas Department of Corrections is responsible for ensuring that the department and its facilities maintain compliance with national and state accreditation standards. This includes coordinating the accreditation process, managing documentation, conducting internal audits, and ensuring that policies and practices align with best practices in corrections. The Accreditation Specialist works closely with senior leadership to maintain or achieve accredited status, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This position requires a high level of detail-oriented work, strong organizational skills, and an understanding of correctional facility operations and standards.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of one year of experience in a role related to corrections, compliance, auditing, or accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Leads and coordinates the accreditation process for the Arkansas Department of Corrections and its facilities.
• Monitors ongoing compliance with accreditation standards set by national organizations, such as the American Correctional Association (ACA).
• Conducts regular internal audits and inspections of the department’s facilities to assess adherence to accreditation standards.
• Prepares audit reports and works with facility management to address non-compliance issues or potential areas for improvement.
• Reviews, develops, and recommends policy revisions to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements.
• Collaborates with department leadership to implement any necessary changes to internal procedures and protocols.
• Provides training to staff at all levels on accreditation standards, compliance requirements, and internal audit procedures.
• Recommends improvements to internal systems and processes based on audit results and feedback from accreditation bodies.
• Serves as the primary liaison between the Arkansas Department of Corrections and accrediting organizations.
• Coordinates site visits and ensures that external reviewers have the necessary information and access to assess compliance.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Bachelor's degree