STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Associate Correction Ombudsperson

Recruitment #251117-5934MP-001

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Introduction



 Are you passionate about serving the public and advancing justice and fairness for incarcerated individuals?
If so, we encourage you to read the posting below and apply today!

The State of Connecticut, Office of Correction Ombuds (OCO) is currently seeking an Associate Correction Ombudsperson (Associate Ombuds) to assist the Correction Ombuds in all aspects of the Office's work. The Associate Ombuds plays a critical role within the agency and, pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat.§ 18-81qq, assumes the role of Acting Correction Ombuds in the event of any vacancy. 

WHAT WE OFFER

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

  • Full time, 40 hours per week
  • Monday through Friday
  • Standard work hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, with occasional early-morning or evening site visits based on investigative needs.
  • Located at 55 Farmington Avenue in Hartford, CT 06105
  • This position requires a valid driver's license and travel throughout the state
  • Hybrid opportunity, combination of in office and remote work, in accordance with the Telework Policy. The expectation is at least two days per week in the Hartford office, when not conducting facility visits.
  • Regular statewide travel to correctional facilities.
THE ROLE

The Associate Ombuds plays a key leadership role in advancing the agency's mission and ensuring oversight that is independent, transparent, and accountable. They will also help carry out the agency's mission through complaint review, investigations, facility visits, policy and data analysis, and resident and family engagement. 
The Associate Ombuds will support the Correction Ombuds in the provision of all ombuds services, as defined in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 18-81qq, and in the daily operations of the Office. This position is the second-in-command within the agency and may assume leadership responsibility as Acting Ombuds in the event of any vacancy. 
Responsibilities include: 

  • Assisting in receiving, reviewing, and investigating complaints from incarcerated individuals, families, and stakeholders.
  • Conducting routine and unannounced facility visits, including interviews, inspections, and monitoring of conditions.
  • Assisting in the development of reports, findings, and recommendations.
  • Supporting community, stakeholder, and family outreach.
  • Supporting data analysis, case management, and quality assurance.
  • Reviewing and analyzing DOC policies, directives, operations, and practices.
  • Assisting with training, presentations, and public engagement.
  • Performing additional duties as assigned, including duties that may arise if serving as Acting Ombuds.

The Office of the Correction Ombuds is an independent state agency within the Office of Governmental Accountability, established under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 18-81qq to monitor conditions in Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC) facilities. The OCO reviews complaints, conducts investigations, issues findings and recommendations, and works to strengthen the safety, health, and rights of individuals in DOC custody.


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Selection Plan

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.  

BEFORE YOU APPLY: 
  • Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.  
  • Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date on the job posting.
  • Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency. 
  • Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift. 
  • Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State.  Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov. 
  • Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
  • Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

    AFTER YOU APPLY: 

    • Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).   
    • Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression! 
    • Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.  
    • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.  
    • Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

    QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP: 

    Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Jasmyn Raymond at Jasmyn.Raymond@ct.gov. 

    Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

    PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

    In the Office of the Correction Ombuds this class is accountable for directing the daily operations and staff of the agency.

    EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

    • Directs staff and operations of the agency;
    • Coordinates, plans and manages office activities;
    • Formulates goals and objectives;
    • Assists in the development of regulations, policies, and procedures;
    • Assists in the investigation of complaints, reports, findings and recommendations;
    • Evaluates staff;
    • Provides staff training and assistance;
    • Acts as primary liaison with other agencies, officials and third parties regarding agency policies and procedures;
    • Prepares agency response to proposed rules and regulations;
    • Prepares reports as directed by the Ombudsperson - Correction;
    • Acts for the Ombudsperson - Correction in their absence;
    • Represents agency at public functions and meetings;
    • Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
    • May conduct inspection of facilities and programs;
    • Performs related duties as required.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

    • Considerable knowledge of
      • and ability to apply management principles and practices;
      • and ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
      • 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.

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

    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.

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

    Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a supervisory capacity.

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

    • 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.
    Note: Closely related fields include criminal justice, human development and family relations, social and/or human services, and public administration. 

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

    • Experience conducting investigations, audits, or fact-finding reviews.
    • Experience working in or with correctional, oversight, civil rights, legal or advocacy settings. 
    • Experience analyzing policies, procedures, or administrative directives.
    • Experience drafting reports, summaries, or written findings.
    • Experience working directly with incarcerated individuals, formerly incarcerated individuals, or individuals in restrictive or institutional environments.
    • Experience interacting effectively with diverse populations, including individuals and families affected by incarceration. 
    • Demonstrated commitment to justice, fairness, or advocacy for impacted communities. 

    SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

    Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

    Conclusion

    AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

    The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

    ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

    As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.


    Click on a link below to apply for this position:

    Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet.


    E-mailPhone: (860) 713-52058am - 4:30pm M-FPowered by JobAps