DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS MONITOR (ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER II) - #24-003235-0051

Introduction

This position is part of a new Department : The Office of the Correctional Ombudsman; which became effective July 1, 2024.

To provide independent prison oversight to protect the safety, health, and well-being of incarcerated people. The Office of the Correctional Ombudsperson acts as an independent set of eyes and ears for the public, opening up the otherwise closed world of prisons.

The Office works to identify and address problems at the individual and system levels to ensure that people housed in both adult and juvenile corrections :

• Are safe,
• Have their medical and mental health needs addressed,
• Have reasonable access to their loved ones, and
• Are engaged in productive activities to prepare them to return to the community.

GRADE : 14

LOCATION OF POSITION : Baltimore City. Travel within the state of Maryland is required. The successful candidate will spend much of their time in correctional facilities.

POSITION DUTIES : The Office of the Correctional Ombudsman (OCO) will provide independent oversight of the adult corrections system in Maryland.

The OCO’s primary purpose is to provide public reports and recommendations concerning the needs and rights of incarcerated individuals, their families, and prison staff.

The Division of Corrections (DOC) Monitor will visit DOC facilities around the State, report on conditions, make recommendations for change, and determine compliance with corrective action plans.

Position duties include but are not limited to :

• Visit DOC facilities to report on the treatment of and services for incarcerated individuals, the physical conditions within facilities, the adequacy of staffing, and other criteria as assigned.
• Review and evaluate incident reports submitted by DOC.
• Track DOC grievance processes and the internal monitoring and investigative processes by reviewing reports and investigations, grievances, and other relevant documents.
• Interview incarcerated individuals and staff, thoroughly inspect facilities, and review camera footage of incidents as needed.
• Write debriefing reports at the end of each visit, reporting key findings and recommendations to the OCO.
• Contribute to the OCO’s public reporting.

Travel within the state of Maryland is required. The successful candidate will spend much of their time in correctional facilities.

You may be exposed to uncomfortable or unpleasant surroundings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Education : Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience : Two years of administrative staff or professional work.

Notes :

• Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for one year of the required experience.
• Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from a college or university for the required experience.
• Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work that included regular use of independent judgment and analysis in applying and interpreting complex administrative plans, policies, rules or regulations or analysis of operational programs or procedures with recommendations for improvement on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Experience working with diverse populations, including incarcerated individuals, their families, and prison staff.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and standards governing correctional facilities.
• Experience conducting audits, investigations, or oversight activities within a correctional or similar setting.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS : Employees in this classification will be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle.

Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS : Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.

All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date.

Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS : The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position.

It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

BENEFITS : Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents.

As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled.

The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS : The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to :

Department of Budget and Management

Read the overview of this opportunity to understand what skills, including and relevant soft skills and software package proficiencies, are required.

Recruitment and Examination Division

301 W. Preston Street, Room 608

Baltimore, Maryland 21201

PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT UNSOLICITED DOCUMENTATION. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

TTY Users : call via Maryland Relay. For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

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