Deputy

TJJD - Ombudsman II - Deputy Ombudsman - (AUS) - 42212 (******** ) Organization : TEXAS JUVENILE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Primary Location : Texas-Austin Work Locations : Austin Central Office George H.W. Bush Building, Suite 13.******** N. Congress Ave. Austin 78701
Job : Legal
Employee Status : Regular
Schedule : Full-time Standard Hours Per Week : 40.00
State Job Code : 3662
Salary Admin Plan : B
Grade : 19
Salary (Pay Basis) : 4,841.58 - 4,841.58 (Monthly)
Number of Openings : 1
Overtime Status : Exempt
Job Posting : May 10, 2024, 8:52:32 AM
Closing Date : May 20, 2024, 11:59:00 PM
Description
HOW TO APPLY Complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and the following additional forms (available at
TJJD Employment Application Supplement (HR-003) Child Abuse Registry Check Consent Form (HR-028) Disclosure of PREA Employment Standards Violation (HR-975) Authorization to Release Information (HR-074) Failure to complete and submit the above forms will cause delays in your consideration for this position.
Apply Online at ******** &tz=GMT-05:00 and attach to the application the above additional forms along with copies of high school/college diploma(s), copy of official college transcripts, any licenses/certifications, and, if a military veteran, any Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214).
Apply through Work-In-Texas at You will also need to complete and attach to the application the supplemental questions/forms indicated above along with a copies of high school/college diploma(s), copy of official college transcripts, any licenses/certifications, and, if a military veteran, any Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) . The additional forms are available at: and can be submitted via email to: .
PLEASE NOTE Your job application must be completely filled out and include all employment, do not limit employment to the past 10-15 years. Your application must contain complete job histories, which include job titles, name of employer, dates of employment (month & year), supervisor's name and phone number, and a description of duties performed, and whether it was full-time or part-time and hours per week. If any of this information is not provided, your application may be rejected as incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information. Applicants must be able to pass a Criminal Background Check and any other requirements listed under Minimum Qualifications.
BENEFITS State of Texas Benefits and Retirement Information can be found at 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.
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 as any 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. Audits TJJD-operated facilities and TJJD halfway houses for compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards. Such audits are conducted in accordance with the Department of Justice guidelines.



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.

If certified as a PREA auditor and authorized and directed to do so, conducts PREA audits for TJJD state-operated facilities. Work involves reviewing all relevant agency-wide policies, procedures, reports, internal and external audits, and accreditations relevant to the audited facility; observing all areas of the facility; interviewing a sampling of the facility's youth residents and staff; and preparing the audit report for review by the Chief Ombudsman, and collaborating with agency and facility administrators to develop 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 FUNCTIONS 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 investigations 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 investigative findings; submits objective and factual 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.
Determines PREA compliance with DOJ guidelines if authorized and directed to do so; determines compliance with PREA standards through review of all relevant agency-wide policies, procedures, reports, internal and external audits, and accreditations relevant to the audited facility; and observes all areas of the facility, and interviews a sampling of the facility's youth residents and staff.
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.
Testifies and presents evidence in formal hearings or legal proceedings as directed.
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.
Reports any presence or perception of racial, ethnic, and/or gender disparities and recommends actions to address disparities.
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.
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.

Preferred:

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.
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. An active Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Peace Officer license may be substituted for one year of experience. 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. 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. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS The following physical demands and working conditions are representative of those encountered while performing 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


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES Knowledge of:

Local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the operation of juvenile facilities and the delivery of services to juveniles. Or ability to acquire knowledge of TJJD rules, policies, procedures, and standards. Investigative principles, techniques, procedures, best practices and related legal/regulatory issues.
Skill in:

Identifying measures or indicators of program performance. Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. Operating computers, and using applicable computer software and high level data and informational reports as an administrative tool. Using interpersonal techniques. 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. Gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts and data. Work with youth in an empathetic and understanding manner and foster the cooperation of youth in the investigation process. Evaluate findings, prepare correspondence and professional technical reports, and collaborate in preparing corrective action plans. Interpret and apply policies, procedures, and standards. Advise others in the juvenile justice field of relevant policies, procedures, and standards. Testify in hearings. Follow ethical standards and enforce agency policies. Devise solutions to problems or make recommendations for improvement. Express ideas clearly in writing; write appropriately for different audiences; and critically evaluate written communications. Work collaboratively with all stakeholders and maintain a professional, courteous demeanor. Prioritize and manage multiple tasks; plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments; and meet deadlines. Process information logically, make decisions, and demonstrate the soundness of those decisions. Work irregular hours in excess of 40 hours per workweek, be on call some weekends and holidays, and travel extensively. VETERANS In order to receive veteran's preference, a copy of your DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), VA disability rating (if applicable), or a DD Form 1300 (Report of Casualty) must be attached to your application.

Go to or for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor's Office at Legal MOS Codes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION If you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls you to schedule your interview. Whenever possible, please give the hiring representative sufficient time to consider and respond to your request.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center ( you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.

Thank you for considering employment with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The Texas Juvenile Justice Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services