Job Description

The successful candidate will serve as the Ombudsperson for adolescent inmates. The Ombudsperson is responsible for soliciting and receivng as well as responding to complaints from adolescents  and others on their behalf to resolve specific issues and propose remedies to root causes of reoccurring concerns. The Ombudsperson will provide a confidential feedback loop to management staff concerning the conditions of confinement affecting adolescents.  The Ombudsperson reports to the Executive Director of Constituent Services.

Responsibilities

• Meet with adolescents individually and in groups to elicit concerns and field complaints; problem-solve issues and recommend corrective actions with facility staff.

• Make rounds to housing, school and program areas to observe facility operations; establish an independent presence with authority and capability to address concerns.

• Observe group forums where information is provided to adolescents and issues are discussed, including as examples new admission orientation, group sessions, and inmate council meetings.

• Provide recommendations and research on improvements in facility operations in general and providing care, custody and control for adolescents in particular.

• Document complaints and inquiries in an electronic database or spreadsheet; maintain confidential records of all contacts.

• Liaise with internal oversight units, including the Inmate Grievance Resolution Program and Legal Division.

Minimum Qual Requirements

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and two years of full-time paid experience in correction, social work, psychology, law, public administration or related field providing direct services to an inmate or detention population within a correctional or related facility; or

2. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State’s Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization and four years of full-time paid experience as described in “1” above; or

3. Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" or "2" above. Service as an inmate in a correctional or related facility may be substituted for a portion of the required experience up to a maximum of two years on a year for year basis. A graduate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in social work, psychology, law, criminal justice or public administration which includes a field placement performing duties as described above may be substituted for up to one year of full-time paid experience as described above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of full-time paid experience as described in "1" above.

Preferred Skills

The ideal candidate must have experience in advocacy and case management working with institutionalized populations; prior experience working with adolescents or juveniles and familiarity with adult correctional systems are preferred.  Skills in problem-solving, counseling, or mediation required.  Ability to maintain neutrality and confidentiality are essential.  Superior written and oral communication skills, record keeping and organizational abilities are required.

To Apply

For City employees: Go to Employee Self-Service (ESS) - www.nyc.gov/ess.  Click on Recruiting Activities > Careers and search for Job ID# 102531.

For all other applicants: Go to www.nyc.gov/careers and search for Job ID#: 102531.

Submission of a resume is not a guarantee that you will receive an interview.
Only those candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Work Location

Robert N. Davoren Center, 11-11 Hazen Street, East Elmhurst, New York 11370

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.