Accreditation Specialist

State of Arkansas

14d

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

• Extensive knowledge of accreditation standards and processes, particularly those related to the correctional field (e.g., ACA, state, and federal regulations).
• Knowledge of correctional facility operations, including security, inmate management, and rehabilitation programs.
• Familiarity with audit and compliance processes in a governmental or correctional setting.
• Skilled in conducting audits, inspections, and assessments with an eye for detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in using office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Excel) and specialized accreditation management tools.
• Ability to analyze complex information and apply accreditation standards to improve facility operations.
• Ability to develop and deliver training programs to educate staff on accreditation standards and compliance 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, including experience in managing or supporting the accreditation process.

Responsibilities

• Leads and coordinates the accreditation process for the Arkansas Department of Corrections and its facilities. This includes gathering and organizing documentation, ensuring that all necessary policies and procedures are in place, and submitting required reports for national and state accreditations.
• Monitors ongoing compliance with accreditation standards set by national organizations, such as the American Correctional Association (ACA), and ensures that all facilities meet or exceed the required criteria. Identifies areas for improvement and assists facilities in addressing deficiencies.
• 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, ensuring timely and effective communication. Coordinates site visits and ensures that external reviewers have the necessary information and access to assess compliance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees