Correctional Program Officer (Discipline Hearing Administrator)

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System•Philadelphia, PA

10d

About The Position

Correctional professionals foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into communities. The Correctional Program Officer (Discipline Hearing Administrator) may provide direct input concerning the selection of Discipline Hearing Officers (DHOs) and is responsible for training newly appointed DHOs, Alternate DHOs, and/or Captains. The officer develops policy and procedures to implement and maintain the integrity of DHO programs, which may include Community Corrections Centers and Community Corrections Management offices. The role provides reports on DHO activities, findings, and significant trends; participates in staff assistance visits by inspecting security and correctional operations and related functions at designated institutions; and discusses findings and recommendations with appropriate institution officials. The officer also assists in preparing manuals, bulletins, and memorandums that define Bureau policy on inmate discipline procedures for regional or individual application, and may consult with Federal and non-Federal officials on inmate discipline matters. The role investigates and responds to administrative remedies, congressional inquiries, and general correspondence raised by inmates, Regional office staff, elected officials, and other third parties. The officer directly supervises DHOs assigned to locations throughout the region.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required.
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level.
Specialized experience must involve substantial participation in a correctional program and demonstrate knowledge of correctional techniques, or experience dealing effectively with inmates and associates in a correctional environment.
Experience must demonstrate the ability to perform supervisory or administrative duties successfully, including understanding inmate custody, treatment, training, and release; knowledge of institutional policies and procedures; and the ability to train subordinates, coordinate and direct activities, evaluate performance and program effectiveness, and maintain high work standards.
Qualifying experience must have been gained in an administrative position or another position involving successful direction of, or assistance in directing, an entire correctional program or a major phase of one.
Three years of law enforcement coverage gained in a primary law enforcement position by the vacancy announcement closing date is required for eligibility for this secondary law enforcement coverage position.
Current Federal Law Enforcement Employees must complete the mandatory Introduction to Correctional Techniques (ICT) Phase I and Phase II courses; employees who have not completed them must do so after entering the position.
Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a urinalysis, physical, and background investigation; applicants are also subject to NCIC and credit checks.
Initial appointment to a supervisory or managerial position requires a one-year probationary period.
The incumbent is subject to geographic relocation to meet agency needs.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting fact-finding hearings on misconduct and violations.
Experience reviewing disciplinary records and determining which witnesses should be called.
Experience taking testimony and obtaining, reviewing, and weighing evidence to determine whether allegations are supported.
Experience reviewing and analyzing administrative rules, court decisions, and quasi-criminal procedures.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Relevant experience in community, cultural, social service, and professional association activities may receive credit on the same basis as paid work experience, provided the actual time spent is documented.

Responsibilities

Provide input concerning the selection of Discipline Hearing Officers.
Train newly appointed DHOs, Alternate DHOs, and/or Captains.
Develop policy and procedures to implement and maintain the integrity of DHO programs.
Prepare reports on DHO activities, findings, and significant trends.
Participate in staff assistance visits by inspecting security, correctional operations, and related functions at designated institutions.
Discuss inspection findings and recommendations with appropriate institution officials.
Assist in preparing manuals, bulletins, and memorandums defining Bureau policy on inmate discipline procedures.
Serve occasionally as a consultant to Federal and non-Federal officials on inmate discipline matters.
Investigate and respond to administrative remedies, congressional inquiries, and general correspondence from inmates, Regional office staff, elected officials, and other third parties.
Directly supervise DHOs assigned to locations throughout the region.