Associate Correction Ombudsperson

Are you passionate about serving the public and advancing justice and fairness for incarcerated individuals? The State of Connecticut, Office of Correction Ombuds (OCO), within the Office of Governmental Accountability (OGA), is currently seeking an Associate Correction Ombudsperson 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.

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• Professional growth and development opportunities
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees

• Full time, 40 hours per week
• Monday through Friday
• Standard work hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, work hours may fluctuate based on operational needs, and the person may occasionally require work outside of standard business hours.
• Located at 55 Farmington Avenue in Hartford, CT 06105
• Candidates must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Hybrid opportunity, combination of in office and remote work, in accordance with the Telework Policy.
• Requires significant travel to correctional facilities, halfway houses, and other locations throughout Connecticut in connection with the Office's oversight responsibilities. A state-issued fleet vehicle is provided for official business and facility travel.

The Associate Correction Ombuds is a senior management position responsible for assisting the Correction Ombuds with the administration and operations of the office, supervising assigned staff, overseeing complaints and investigations, monitoring correctional facilities and programs, reviewing policies and practices, engaging with stakeholders, and developing findings and recommendations concerning Connecticut's correctional system.

The position requires regular in-person work at the Office of the Correction Ombuds in Hartford and significant field work at correctional facilities, halfway houses, and other locations throughout Connecticut. Remote work may be available consistent with state policy and the operational needs of the Office.

Additional duties include:

• 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…