Associate Correction Ombudsperson

State of Connecticut • Hartford, CT

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Office of Correction Ombuds (OCO), within the Office of Governmental Accountability (OGA), is seeking an Associate Correction Ombudsperson to assist the Correction Ombuds in all aspects of the Office's work. This role is critical as the Associate Ombuds assumes the role of Acting Correction Ombuds in the event of any vacancy. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, with standard work hours from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, though hours may fluctuate based on operational needs and may occasionally require work outside standard business hours. The role is located at 55 Farmington Avenue in Hartford, CT 06105. Candidates must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. This is a hybrid opportunity, combining in-office and remote work in accordance with the Telework Policy. Significant travel to correctional facilities, halfway houses, and other locations throughout Connecticut is required for oversight responsibilities, with a state-issued fleet vehicle provided for official business and facility travel.

Requirements

• Nine (9) years of experience advocating for the rights of individuals under the care and supervision of the Department of Correction and/or Board of Pardons and Parole.
• Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a supervisory capacity.
• College training in social work or a closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
• A Master's degree in social work, public policy or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
• Closely related fields include criminal justice, human development and family relations, social and/or human services, and public administration.
• Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and practices.
• Ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations.
• Knowledge of issues related to services and supports of individuals who are incarcerated and/or on parole and their families.
• Considerable interpersonal skills.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to use computers.
• Candidates must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supervising staff and managing investigations, programs, operations, compliance activities, or organizational initiatives.
• Experience conducting investigations, compliance reviews, inspections, audits, or other fact-finding inquiries in correctional, governmental, institutional, legal, civil rights, or human-services settings.
• Experience interpreting or applying the Prison Rape Elimination Act, sexual abuse prevention requirements, victim-services requirements, or comparable institutional compliance standards.
• Experience working with correctional facilities, community corrections, halfway houses, reentry programs, incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individuals, or other justice-involved populations.
• Experience interpreting statutes, regulations, policies, contracts, or administrative requirements and preparing investigative findings, recommendations, reports, compliance analyses, or policy guidance.

Responsibilities

• Assists the Correction Ombuds in directing the daily operations of the Office and implementing the Office’s statutory oversight responsibilities.
• Provides oversight for assigned correctional facilities, including complaint review, facility monitoring, investigations, follow-up, and identification of systemic concerns.
• Oversees matters involving halfway houses and community-based correctional programs, including complaints, conditions, services, policies, contracts, and operational concerns.
• Leads the Office’s independent oversight of compliance with the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), including review of complaints, investigations, policies, practices, audit findings, corrective actions, and systemic compliance concerns.
• Supervises and provides direction to staff as assigned by the Correction Ombuds.
• Conducts announced and unannounced visits to correctional facilities and other programs within the jurisdiction of the Office.
• Receives, reviews, and investigates complaints concerning conditions of confinement, treatment, programs, services, policies, practices, and other matters affecting individuals in Department of Correction custody.
• Leads and assists with complex and systemic investigations, including interviews and review of records, policies, video, data, incident reports, grievances, and other evidence.
• Reviews Department of Correction and contracted-provider policies, procedures, practices, and proposed changes and evaluates their impact on incarcerated individuals and Office oversight priorities.
• Develops investigative findings, recommendations, reports, correspondence, policy analyses, and other written work on behalf of the Office.
• Monitors implementation of Office recommendations and identifies recurring or systemic issues requiring additional review or intervention.
• Maintains relationships and coordinates with incarcerated individuals, family members, advocates, community organizations, service providers, correctional officials, state agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Represents the Office at meetings, hearings, working groups, public engagements, and other forums as assigned by the Correction Ombuds.
• Assists with the development and implementation of Office policies, procedures, strategic priorities, performance measures, and organizational initiatives.
• Participates in recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and development of Office staff as assigned.
• Assumes responsibility for designated Office functions in the absence of the Correction Ombuds, as assigned and consistent with applicable law and Office procedures.

Benefits

• Professional growth and development opportunities
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees
• State-issued fleet vehicle is provided for official business and facility travel.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager