Assistant Ombuds (Special Investigator (General) | Hybrid) #260429-7804AR-001

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!

Under the umbrella of the State of Connecticut , Office of Governmental Accountability , the Connecticut Office of Correction Ombuds (OCO) is currently seeking an Assistant Ombuds (Special Investigator (General)) to perform critical investigatory work necessary to help further the mission and success of the office and commitment to the promotion of justice and fairness within correctional facilities for incarcerated individuals.

What We Can Offer You

• Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees

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)

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.