Ombudsperson - Correction

State of Connecticut • Hartford, CT

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Correction Ombuds directs the Office of Correction Ombuds, an independent office within the Office of Governmental Accountability responsible for oversight of the Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC). The Office works to secure and ensure the rights of people in DOC custody, including people in correctional facilities and on parole. It promotes their health, safety, welfare, and legal rights by investigating and mediating complaints, examining facility conditions, reviewing DOC policies and procedures, advising on corrections best practices, and pursuing other actions that advance their interests. The Office also informs government officials and the public through reports, recommendations, proposed legislative or regulatory reforms, and other communications.

In consultation and collaboration with the Correction Advisory Committee and other state offices, the Ombuds oversees the Office’s administration, staffing, budget, investigations, inspections, reporting, education, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. The role includes examining conditions and services at DOC facilities and halfway houses, reviewing regulations and policies, receiving and investigating complaints, identifying systemic trends, recommending reforms, and serving as an independent, confidential resource for incarcerated people, their families, advocates, and DOC staff.

This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Standard hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., although hours may fluctuate based on operational needs and occasional work outside standard business hours may be required. The position is based at 55 Farmington Avenue in Hartford, Connecticut, with a combination of in-office and remote work under the Telework Policy. Significant travel throughout Connecticut to correctional facilities, halfway houses, and other locations is required; a state-issued fleet vehicle is provided for official business and facility travel. Candidates must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

The Ombuds is appointed by the Governor with the approval of the General Assembly. The posting describes an initial two-year term, with a four-year term effective in January 2027, and allows for reappointment. The person appointed must be a Connecticut resident and have expertise and experience in corrections and advocacy for the rights of individuals under the care and supervision of the DOC and/or Board of Pardons and Parole. Applicants need not be Connecticut residents when applying but must be residents at the time of the interview.

Requirements

• Expertise and experience in corrections and advocacy for the rights of individuals under the care and supervision of the DOC and/or Board of Pardons and Parole.
• Connecticut residency at the time of the interview; the appointed Ombuds must be a Connecticut resident.
• Valid driver’s license that can be maintained.
• 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 involving services and supports for incarcerated people, people on parole, and their families.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to use computers.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated interest and experience advocating for the rights and wellbeing of incarcerated people.
• Leadership experience; preference for experience building, managing, and supervising teams.
• Experience in fact-gathering, investigations, examining systems, and conflict resolution.
• Experience with state and federal laws concerning corrections and the rights of incarcerated people.
• Ability to marshal and analyze data and other information to inform policy recommendations.
• Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated cultural responsiveness and experience serving people who have experienced mental-health challenges, trauma, and substance use disorder.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including incarcerated people and their families, DOC staff, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Personal experience with the Connecticut DOC, such as as an incarcerated person or family member of an incarcerated person.
• An advanced degree in a field related to civil rights, criminal justice, criminal-justice reform, public health, social work, or human services.
• Prior experience in Connecticut state government in the executive, legislative, or judicial branches.

Responsibilities

• Develop the Office’s budget in collaboration with the Office of Governmental Accountability and the Correction Advisory Committee, within appropriations and supplemental grant funding.
• Recruit and hire Office staff, oversee their training and management, and ensure compliance with state and federal employment laws.
• Develop and maintain relationships with the Correction Advisory Committee, Governor’s Office, DOC, Office of Governmental Accountability, and Joint Committee on the Judiciary.
• Prepare periodic reports to the Correction Advisory Committee and annual reports to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary concerning conditions of confinement in correctional facilities and halfway houses.
• Monitor and examine conditions of confinement at DOC facilities and prepare reports to advance the wellbeing of people in custody.
• Conduct scheduled and unscheduled DOC facility inspections to examine and document conditions and services.
• Review and evaluate DOC and facility regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain a system for gathering and collecting data about the DOC.
• Maintain and improve procedures for receiving and investigating complaints from incarcerated people, families, and advocates concerning serious rights violations and systemic issues.
• Investigate complaints and report findings and recommendations.
• Take actions such as public education, legislative advocacy, and proposals for systemic reform to secure and ensure the rights of people in DOC custody.
• Identify trends and advise the DOC and Correction Advisory Committee on root causes of systemic complaints.
• Maintain a public website summarizing the Office’s activities and publishing reports, examinations, and policy recommendations.
• Keep informed about corrections developments and best practices nationally and internationally.
• Work with the DOC and Correction Advisory Committee to develop, implement, and amend regulations, administrative policies, and procedures that promote transparency, accountability, and fairness.
• Recommend and advocate for legislative reforms to promote the rights and wellbeing of incarcerated people.
• Assist incarcerated people and their families in advocating for reforms to improve incarcerated people’s wellbeing.
• Serve as an independent and confidential resource for incarcerated people, their families, and DOC staff to resolve concerns and complaints.
• Develop and deliver training on complaint resolution, conflict management, and communication skills for correctional staff and incarcerated people.
• Represent the Office at public meetings, forums, and conferences on prison conditions, treatment of incarcerated people, complaint resolution, conflict management, and related training materials or reports.

Benefits

• A healthy work/life balance.
• A state-issued fleet vehicle for official business and facility travel.
• State employee benefits; details are provided through the State Employee Benefits Overview page.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed