Ombudsperson - Correction (Hybrid)

Introduction

\r\n\r\nThe�Correction Advisory Committee for the�State of Connecticut�seeks candidates to lead the Office as�Correction Ombuds.�. The Ombuds will lead the Office of Correction Ombuds, an independent office within the Office of General Accountability (OGA) responsible for exercising independent oversight over the Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC). In consultation with the Correction Advisory Committee, the Ombuds will be responsible for overseeing the Office and advancing its mission of securing and ensuring the rights of persons in DOC custody.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU\r\n\r\n\r\n Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page!\r\n A healthy work/life balance to all employees.\r\n\r\n\r\nPOSITION HIGHLIGHTS\r\n\r\n\r\n Full time, 40 hours per week\r\n Monday through Friday\r\n 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.�\r\n Located at 55 Farmington Avenue in Hartford, CT 06105\r\n Candidates must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.\r\n Combination of in office and remote work, in accordance with the Telework Policy.�\r\n 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.�\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTHE ROLE\r\nThe Office promotes and advocates for the health, safety, welfare, and legal rights of individuals incarcerated within DOC facilities and/or on parole by investigating and mediating complaints of a systemic nature, examining conditions in DOC facilities, reviewing DOC policies and procedures, advising on best practices in corrections, and taking other actions to advance the interests of those in DOC custody.�\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Office also serves to educate the Governor, legislature, other government agencies, as well as the public, through periodic reports, recommendations, proposed legislative or regulatory reforms, and other communications.\r\n\r\n\r\nNOTE:�The person appointed as Correction Ombuds shall serve for a term of two years, except that on and after January 6, 2027, a person appointed as Correction Ombuds shall serve for a term of four years to run concurrent with the term of the Governor. Such person may serve until a successor is appointed and confirmed in accordance with this section and may be reappointed for succeeding terms.\r\n\r\n

Selection Plan

To Apply:\r\n\r\n\r\nSubmit application package to Correction Advisory Committee, c/o Judiciary Committee, Legislative Office Building, Room 2500, Hartford, CT, 06106 OR E-MAIL all documents via PDF to Jasmyn.Raymond@ct.gov with the subject line 'Ombudsperson Correction Documents' consisting of:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Cover letter explaining interest in and qualifications for position;\r\n Detailed summary of priorities and objectives for the Office during term, including plan for achieving objectives;\r\n List of at least three (3) references. A reference from at least one incarcerated or formerly incarcerated person or a family member of an incarcerated person will be considered a plus.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Correction Advisory Committee will consider applications and conduct interviews on a rolling basis with the aim of interviewing candidates and selecting 3-5 finalists to participate in public hearings in December 2026. Applicants must submit materials on or before November 15, 2026.\r\n\r\n\r\nApplications must be submitted or postmarked by November 15, 2026.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The Advisory Committee will provide a ranked list of 3-5 candidates to the Governor for appointment, with the approval of the General Assembly. The Advisory Committee hopes a candidate will be appointed and begin work in January 2027.\r\n The person appointed shall serve for an initial term of two years, and may be� reappointed to succeeding terms.\r\n Interested parties are encouraged to contact a member of the Correction Advisory Committee for further information. All of the members are identified on the Committee's website: Correction Advisory Committee - C G A - Connecticut General Assembly��\r\n\r\n\r\nPlease note: You do not need to be a Connecticut resident to apply for this position but must be a resident at the time of the interview.�\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nImportant Information After You Apply:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n 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 which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFollow the State of Connecticut on LinkedIn.\r\n\r\n

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Office of Correction Ombuds this class is accountable for directing an office responsible for exercising independent oversight over the Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC) in order to secure and ensure the rights of persons in the custody of the DOC.\r\n

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

The Ombuds will be responsible for performing�all “ombuds services,” as set forth in Conn. Gen. Stat. � 18-81qq(a)(2)�including the following:\r\n\r\n\r\nADMINISTRATION\r\n\r\n\r\n In collaboration with the Office of Governmental Accountability and the Correction Advisory Committee, develop a budget for the Office of Correction Ombuds within appropriations provided by the Connecticut General Assembly and supplemented by private grants.\r\n Recruit and hire staff for the Office of the Correction Ombuds, within appropriations provided by the General Assembly and any supplemental grants.\r\n Oversee the Office of Correction Ombuds, including training and management of staff and ensuring compliance with state and federal employment laws.\r\n\r\nENGAGEMENT WITH CORRECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND OTHER STATE OFFICES\r\n\r\n\r\n Develop and maintain relationships with Correction Advisory Committee, Office of the Governor, Department of Correction, Office of Government Accountability, and Joint Committee on the Judiciary.\r\n Prepare and submit periodic reports to the Correction Advisory Committee summarizing activities of the Office of the Correction Ombuds, as required by statute and/or requested by the Correction Advisory Committee.\r\n Prepare and submit annual reports to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary regarding conditions of confinement in the state’s correctional facilities and halfway houses, as required by statute and/or requested by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary.\r\n\r\n\r\nEXAMINATIONS\r\n\r\n\r\n Monitor and examine conditions of confinement within facilities operated by the Department of Correction and prepare reports as necessary to advance the wellbeing of those in custody.\r\n Conduct scheduled and unscheduled inspections of Department of Correction facilities to examine and document conditions and services.\r\n Review and evaluate regulations, policies, and procedures implemented by Department of Correction and individual facilities.\r\n Maintain a reporting system for purpose of gathering and collecting data pertaining to Department of Correction.\r\n\r\n\r\nINVESTIGATIONS\r\n\r\n\r\n Maintain and improve procedures for receipt and investigation of complaints from incarcerated persons and their families or advocates concerning serious violations of individual rights and systemic issues within the Department of Correction.\r\n Investigate complaints and report findings and recommendations.\r\n Take all possible actions, including but not limited to, conducting programs of public education, undertaking legislative advocacy, making proposals for systemic reform, in order to secure and ensure the rights of persons in the custody of DOC.\r\n Identify trends and provide recommendations to Department of Correction and Correction Advisory Committee concerning root causes of systemic complaints.\r\n\r\nEDUCATION AND ADVOCACY\r\n\r\n\r\n Maintain public website summarizing the activities of the Office of Correction Ombuds and making available reports, examinations, policy recommendations, etc.\r\n Keep abreast of developments and best practices in corrections nationwide and internationally.\r\n Work with the Department of Correction and Correction Advisory Committee to develop, implement, and amend regulations, administrative policies, and procedures to promote transparency, accountability, and fairness for incarcerated people.\r\n Where appropriate, recommend and advocate for legislative reforms as necessary to promote the rights and wellbeing of incarcerated persons.\r\n Assist incarcerated people and their families in advocating for reforms necessary to improve the wellbeing of incarcerated people.\r\n\r\n\r\nCONSTITUENT AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT\r\n\r\n\r\n Act as an independent and confidential resource for incarcerated persons, their families, and Department of Correction staff, to resolve concerns and complaints.\r\n Develop and deliver training programs on complaint resolution, conflict management, and communication skills for Correction staff and incarcerated persons.\r\n Represent the Office of the Correction Ombuds at public meetings, forums, and conferences on issues related to prison conditions, treatment of incarcerated people, complaint resolution, conflict management, and any training materials or reports generated by the Correction Ombuds.\r\n\r\nOther related duties can be found here.\r\n\r\n

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

\r\n Considerable knowledge of\r\n \r\n and ability to apply management principles and practices;�\r\n and ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;�\r\n issues related to services and supports of individuals who are incarcerated and/or on parole and their families;�\r\n \r\n \r\n Considerable\r\n \r\n interpersonal skills;�\r\n oral and written communication skills;�\r\n \r\n \r\n Ability to use computers.\r\n\r\n

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

\r\n\r\n Demonstrated interest and experience in advocating for the rights and wellbeing of incarcerated persons\r\n Leadership experience, with a preference for candidates with prior experience building, managing, and supervising teams\r\n Experience in fact-gathering, investigations, examining systems, and conflict resolution\r\n Experience with state and federal laws concerning corrections and the rights of incarcerated persons\r\n Ability to marshal and analyze data and other information to inform policy recommendations\r\n Organizational skills, including ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously\r\n Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences\r\n Demonstrated cultural responsiveness and experience serving individuals who have experienced mental-health challenges, trauma, and substance use disorder\r\n Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including incarcerated persons and their families, Department of Correction staff, other government agencies, and community organizations.\r\n\r\n\r\nThough not required, preference will be given to candidates:\r\n\r\n\r\n With personal experience with the Connecticut Department of Correction (e.g., as an incarcerated person or family member of an incarcerated person);\r\n With an advanced degree in a field related to civil rights, criminal justice, criminal-justice reform, public health, social work, and/or human services; and/or\r\n With prior experience in Connecticut state government in executive, legislative, or judicial branches.\r\n\r\n\r\n

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The Ombudsperson shall be a resident of the State with expertise and experience in the fields of correction and advocacy for the rights of individuals under the care and supervision of the Department of Correction and/or Board of Pardons and Parole.\r\n

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER\r\nThe State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.\r\n

APPOINTMENT

Appointed by the Governor with the approval of the General Assembly for a term of two years, not including any time served as acting ombudsperson, in accordance with the provisions of Public Act No. 22-18.\r\n\r\n\r\n*In accordance with CGS�Sec. 18-81jj (m), effective January 7, 2027 the�term of this appointment shall be four years.\r\n