Introduction
Are you passionate about serving the public and making a positive impact to our state's correctional system and the environment of incarcerated individuals? If so, we encourage you to read the posting below and apply today!
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
WHO WE ARE
The Office of the Correction Ombuds is an independent state agency within the Office of Governmental Accountability, charged with monitoring conditions of confinement, investigating complaints, and issuing findings and recommendations to the Department of Correction and the General Assembly. The Office works to ensure transparency, accountability, and humane treatment within Connecticut’s correctional facilities.
THE ROLE
The Assistant Ombuds will be responsible for:
- Conducting independent investigations into complaints and systemic issues related to conditions of confinement in Department of Correction facilities;
- Gathering, reviewing, and analyzing records, surveillance footage, and other evidence to determine compliance with state law and DOC administrative directives;
- Conducting interviews with incarcerated individuals, staff, and other stakeholders;
- Drafting reports, findings, and recommendations for the Correction Ombuds, the Department of Correction, and legislative leadership;
- Participating in facility site visits, monitoring conditions, and identifying potential risks to the safety, security, or rights of incarcerated individuals.
This position requires the possession and retention of a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license and travel throughout the state.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
- Monday - Friday
- Full-time (40 hours per week)
- First shift (Standard work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.)
- Location: 55 Farmington Avenue in Hartford, CT 06105
- Hybrid opportunity (combination of in-office and remote work, in accordance with the Telework Policy)
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
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 listed 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 (Opens in a New Window).
- 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:
- Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly.
- For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.”
- 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 Frank DeCusati at frank.decusati@ct.gov (Opens in a New Window).
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a state agency or quasi-public entity this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in conducting investigations related to alleged violations of state laws and regulations or sudden and unexplained deaths.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Conducts investigations related to assigned complaints, alleged violations of state laws and regulations or sudden and/or unexplained deaths;
- Interviews witnesses, complainants, medical and hospital personnel and others to obtain information;
- Secures evidence in form of statements, documents, records and exhibits which may be used in administrative hearings and/or court proceedings;
- Researches, collects and evaluates data; compiles information;
- Writes reports and recommends appropriate corrective action; answers public inquiries;
- May prepare affidavits and applications for arrest warrants;
- May prepare search and seizure warrants;
- May issue citations;
- May testify at hearings and in court;
- May conduct surveillance;
- May secure samples for testing;
- May conduct legal research;
- Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
- Knowledge of investigatory methods and techniques;
- relevant state laws and regulations;
- relevant professional terminology;
- Skills
- interpersonal skills;
- oral and written communication skills;
- interviewing skills;
- Ability to utilize computer software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Five (5) years of investigatory experience in health care, insurance claims, law enforcement or a regulatory field.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
- College training in
consumer protection, health care, law enforcement 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 a
closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the
General Experience.
- Successful completion of
a Connecticut Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of
Administrative Services may be substituted for the General Experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience conducting investigations in a correctional, law enforcement, legal, or oversight setting
- Experience with correctional operations, inmate rights, and relevant state and federal laws
- Experience preparing written reports to accurately disseminate investigatory findings
- Experience analyzing complex information and evidence to identify patterns and issues
- Experience working with diverse populations while maintaining neutrality
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Incumbents in this class may be required to be a Notary Public.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
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.