GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Office of the Independent Ombudsman (OIO) periodically inspects the facilities and procedures of any institution or residence in which a child has been placed by TJJD, investigates complaints about the administration and delivery of services and programs provided to these youth by TJJD, and investigates rights violations of youth placed in post-adjudication correctional facilities under Section 51.125, Family Code, as well asany other residential facility in which an adjudicated child is placed by court order. The OIO evaluates and secures the rights of such youth; resolves disputes and provides assistance to youth and their families; prepares, reviews and analyzes reports regarding processed complaints; identifies trends in activities resulting in complaints; recommends changes in procedures relating to treatment of youth; and reports possible standards violations by local probation departments to the appropriate TJJD division.

Performs moderately complex (journey-level) mediation work.Periodically reviews the facilities and procedures of any institution or residence in which a child has been placed by TJJD, and periodically visits both post-adjudication correctional facilities under Section 51.125, Family Code and any other residential facility in which an adjudicated child is placed by court order, to interview the youth regarding possible rights violations. Conducts on-site and non-criminal case investigations of applicable complaints at the various TJJD facilities and district parole offices. Investigates complaints alleging rights violations received from youth in county juvenile post-adjudication detention facilities and any other residential facility in which an adjudicated child is placed by court order. Work involves collecting, recording, and analyzing data and relevant information; preparing reports; identifying trends and submitting recommendations for improvement and action to the Chief Ombudsman for review; conducting exit conferences at the close of each site visit; and collaborating with administrators in the development of corrective action plans when necessary.

Works in partnership with the OIO team and interacts with local and state public officials, TJJD executive staff and executive staff from other agencies, facility administrators and staff, general members of the public, youth, and family members of and advocates for youth.

Works under general supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. May be required to work irregular hours in excess of 40 hours per workweek, be on call some weekends and holidays, and travel extensively.

Employment Limitation Note:In compliance with PREA standards relating to facility audits, an individual hired into this position who has held a position with or been contracted by the TJJD is not allowed to conduct PREA audits until at least three years have passed from the termination date of TJJD employment or contract.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Periodically reviews the facilities and procedures of any institution or residence in which a child has been placed by TJJD and periodically visits post-adjudication correctional facilities under Section 51.125, Family Code and any other residential facility in which an adjudicated child is placed by court order, to interview the youth regarding possible rights violations.

Conducts on-site and case inspections of complaints using applicable protocols and in compliance with federal and state regulations and relevant policies and procedures; contacts and interviews the complainant, witnesses, and representatives of the department, program or facility; collects and reviews data; and maintains detailed documentation and records.

Evaluates and summarizes inspection/investigative findings; submits objective and factual inspection/investigative reports that verify or challenge every element of the complaint to the Chief Ombudsman or designee; collaborates with agency and facility administrators to develop corrective action plans when necessary; and ensures follow-up corrective actions are completed in a timely manner.

Collaborates with agency and facility administrators to develop corrective action plans when necessary; and ensures follow-up corrective actions are completed in a timely manner.

Collaborates with the Chief Ombudsman and OIO team in planning and organizing the scheduling of investigations, audits, and related activities to make the most efficient use of time and resources and to expedite completion of investigations and audits to most complete the extent possible.

Collaborates with the Chief Ombudsman and OIO team in meeting established objectives and goals; shares information, identifies concerns, trends, and training needs; recommends improvements to resolve problems or enhance operations; and assists with the development of policies, procedures, guidelines, and forms relevant to the investigative and audit process and in the development of plans to improve programs or to address areas of concern.

Serves as a liaison between the OIO and TJJD staff and local juvenile justice agencies; and explains relevant state and federal rules, regulations, programs, and procedures to agency employees, the general public, youth, and family members of and advocates for youth.

Performs a variety of related duties not listed, to be determined and assigned as needed.

Performs all duties in compliance with agency safety policies and procedures: Reports safety hazards and corrects hazards when possible.

Completes required documentation in the event of an accident/injury within requested time frames. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency attendance and leave policies.

This position requires to travel up to 60% of the time.

Expected to have an understanding of TJJD's treatment programs for the youth including Texas Model 2.0 and be able to evaluate application of the Model by TJJD staff when visiting/auditing facilities and locations where youth are supervised.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree. Four (4) years of full-time wage-earning experience that may be any combination of the following: experience in the investigation of abuse/neglect complaints, serious or unusual incidents, or civil or criminal activities; or experience in auditing, conducting inspections of program operations, compliance monitoring, or in quality assurance.

Experience and Education Substitutions: Certification as a PREA Auditor may be substituted for one year of experience. Certification will be evidence of meeting the experience requirements.

Veterans of the United States Military may receive one year of experience credit for each two years of military service regardless of their MOS.

One year of appropriate experience may be substituted for one year of college (30 course hours) on a year for year basis Completed course hours of graduate study may substitute for up to two years of experience on a basis of 12 graduate course hours for one year of experience. ·A Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Intermediate Peace Officer license may be substituted for two years of experience.

·A Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Advanced Peace Officer license may be substituted for three years of experience.

·A Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Master Peace Officer license may be substituted for four years of experience.

Note:If TCOLE peace officers license is not currently active, it must be considered honorable as of last F-5 entry on file at the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Pro-rated part-time experience may satisfy the experience requirement. Note:Any degree, diploma, high school equivalent, or course hours required to meet minimum qualifications must be from an accredited educational institution.

Requirements for Continued Employment:

·Failure to maintain required licenses/certifications will result in termination of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

·Major course work in criminal justice, behavioral science, social science, public administration, law, or a related field.

·Experience in investigating complaints or serious incidents involving the care or custody of individuals residing in long-term care or correctional facilities or allegations of abuse/neglect.

·Experience in monitoring compliance with regulations in long-term care or corrections facilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the operation of juvenile facilities and the delivery of services to juveniles.

Knowledge of or ability to acquire knowledge of TJJD rules, policies, procedures, and standards.

Knowledge of investigative principles, techniques, procedures, best practices and related legal/regulatory issues. Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance.

Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Skill in operating computers, and using applicable computer software and high level data and informational reports as an administrative tool.

Skill in using interpersonal techniques.

Skill in maintaining confidentiality and demonstrating being fair, impartial, and unaffected by personal biases in professional dealings. Ability to plan, organize, and conduct investigations, audits, and interviews.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts and data.

Ability to work with youth in an empathetic and understanding manner and foster the cooperation of youth in the investigation process.

Ability to evaluate findings, prepare correspondence and professional technical reports, and collaborate in preparing corrective action plans.

Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and standards.

Ability to advise others in the juvenile justice field of relevant policies, procedures, and standards.

Ability to testify in hearings.

Ability to follow ethical standards and enforce agency policies.

Ability to devise solutions to problems or make recommendations for improvement.

Ability to express ideas clearly in writing; write appropriately for different audiences; and critically evaluate written communications. Ability to work collaboratively with all stakeholders and maintain a professional, courteous demeanor.

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks; plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments; and meet deadlines.

Ability to process information logically, make decisions, and demonstrate the soundness of those decisions.

Ability to work irregular hours in excess of 40 hours per workweek, be on call some weekends and holidays, and travel extensively PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The following physical demands and working conditions are representative of those encountered and/or necessary for the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Analyzing

Alphabetizing

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing

Ability to see

Ability to hear (with or without aid)

Ability to perform tactile discernment

Identify colors

Depth perception

Operate motor equipment

Heavy lifting, up to 25 lbs.

Heavy carrying, up to 25 lbs.

Pulling

Pushing

Walking

Standing

Sitting

Prolonged sitting

Repeated bending

Reaching above shoulder

Manual/finger dexterity

Dual simultaneous grasping

Crawling

Twisting

Kneeling

Stooping

Climbing stairs

Benefits include: Retirement plan, paid group health & life insurance for employee, paid holidays, paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, longevity pay, educational assistance program, employee assistance program. Optional add-on benefits include: Dental, Vision, Optional Life Insurance, Voluntary AD&D Insurance, Dependent Health & Life insurance, Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts, etc. Additionally, certain designated positions are eligible for hazardous duty pay, career ladder advancements, and free meals while on duty.