Title: Corrections Ombudsman Specialist - #00045

State Role Title: Policy and Planning Specialist II; 19132

Hiring Range: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Office of State Inspector Gen

Location: Office of Inspector General

Agency Website: www.osig.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Office of the State Inspector General (OSIG) is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Corrections Ombudsman Specialist within its Administration Division. The purpose of the position is to meet the tasks set forth by legislation regarding the Ombudsman Unit. This position will conduct announced and unannounced inspections of state correctional facilities; monitor conditions of confinement; receive complaints/inquiries from the established Inmate and Family Support Services Line and assist in determining if an investigation is warranted; investigation of complaints or allegations in compliance with Code; provide information, resources, and referrals as needed to inmates and families of inmates; provide technical assistance to local governments, review the administrative remedy process of DOC; and coordinate high quality reporting as required by the Code of Virginia.

Minimum Qualifications

Training or experience in criminal, local or state correctional law and/or a working knowledge of state criminal justice statutes and state regulations; conducting complex administrative investigations and investigation techniques; knowledge of inspection procedures, data collection, and evidence preservation; knowledge of behavioral health, substance use, health care, and human/constitutional rights. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with inmates, family members, advocacy groups, agency leaders, legislators and their staff, and the Governor’s executive staff and cabinet members. Ability to work cohesively within a team and in unpredictable settings with individuals with criminal backgrounds and/or in stressful environments. High School Graduate or equivalent.

Additional Considerations

Considerable experience in state correctional, civil, elder, or health law, advocacy, mediation/arbitration, quality improvement, case management, audit, and risk management skills.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

State employees who have been affected by Policy 1.3 Layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card) must submit the card BEFORE the closing date for this position. The card may be scanned and attached to the application or faxed to (804) 371-7401. Please include your name and the position number of the fax cover sheet. A criminal background investigation and reference check prior to employment is required for the successful candidate. Applicants who are screened in for an interview must participate in an interview to be further considered for the position. Drug screening will be required upon employment. Also, completion of a Statement of Economic Interest at the time of employment and annually is required thereafter. Driver’s License Check required.

Commonwealth’s Alternate Hiring Process
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx or call DARS at 800-552-5019.

Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. AMERICORPS, PEACE CORPS, AND OTHER NATIONAL SERVICE ALUMNI ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. Please call 804-225-2131 for assistance.

Contact Information

Name: Derek T. Mountford

Phone: 804-225-2729

Email: derek.mountford@dhrm.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.