County of Alameda

Detention and Corrections Ombudsperson (#1290)

Bargaining Unit: ACMEA - Non-Sworn Sheriff Dept (029)
$47.26-$57.43 Hourly / $3,780.80-$4,594.40 BiWeekly /
$8,191.73-$9,954.53 Monthly / $98,300.80-$119,454.40 Yearly

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DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, to serve as the contact for inmates, their families, attorneys, community-based groups other agencies and institutions in facilitating the investigation and resolution of inmate grievances, claims, lawsuits, and other critical issues within Santa Rita Jail involving the care and custody of inmates; to act as a neutral third party to provide advice and consultation and make recommendations to executive level staff regarding departmental policies, procedures, and programs applicable to detention and correctional facilities; serve as a key policy and public relations expert; analyze, research, gather and interpret information on evidence-based practices, legislation, and inmate programs; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Detention and Corrections Ombudsperson is a single-position classification located in the Management Services Division of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. The Incumbent is responsible for the development, data collection, analyses, and reporting requirements for all inmate grievances and complaints related to the safety, care, and custody of inmates. The incumbent functions as an independent entity to serve as an Ombudsman or Special Advisor on sensitive and/or critical issues relating to Santa Rita Jail and works collaboratively with Jail Executive Management Staff to resolve issues in order to increase the safety and security of Santa Rita Jail, the public, and the inmate population.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

Conducts confidential interviews with inmates, attorneys, staff, community groups, and legislative bodies and responds to allegations made related to inmate care and custody at Santa Rita jail.
Investigates and mitigates the most sensitive complaints/appeals that require immediate resolution to decrease the likelihood of future litigation and to increase the safety and security of the Santa Rita Jail facility.
Provides advice and consultation to executive management and makes recommendations for the development and implementation of new policies, procedures, and inmate programs.
Interprets a wide variety of complex data and information and conducts comprehensive and in-depth research to identify issues, options, and projected outcomes.
Serves as the Ombudsman for the Agency/Department in meetings with representatives of special interest groups, inmate family members, other agencies, departments, and the public.
Works collaboratively with Agency/Department staff and provides input into the decision-making process.
Prepares and presents written and oral reports on recommendations, impacts, options, strategies, and conclusions that are based on analyses.
Interprets and applies various codes, regulations, laws, policies, and guidelines related to detention and correctional facilities.
May direct the work of others on a project or day-to-day basis.
Operates a variety of standard office equipment including a computer.
Perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EITHER I

The equivalent of two (2) years of full-time experience in the classification of Administrative Specialist II in the Alameda County Classified service.

OR II

The equivalent of two (2) years of full-time experience in the classification of Program Specialist in the Alameda County Classified service.

Substitution:

Completion of the Alameda County Management Academy “Management & Supervision Certificate Program” may substitute for six (6) months of the required qualifying experience for Patterns I and II.

OR III

Education:

Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (180 quarter units or 120 semester units) with major coursework in business or public administration, criminal justice, social welfare, or a field related to the work.

AND

Experience:

The equivalent of three (3) years of full-time professional-level experience in independently providing complex administrative or management services, including planning, organizing, and conducting high-level administrative, organizational, or related studies at a level equivalent to or higher than the County classifications of Administrative Specialist II, or Program Specialist, preferably in a law enforcement agency setting.

Substitution:

Additional professional or paraprofessional administrative services experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis in Pattern III.

Special Requirements:

A thorough background investigation will be conducted of all prospective employees to ensure they are suitable for law enforcement related work.
Candidates must have a valid California Driver’s License prior to appointment.
May be required to drive a County or personal vehicle to attend meetings.

Working Conditions:

Incumbent must work effectively and remain calm and organized while performing duties in a noisy enclosed jail environment that includes:

Interaction with potentially hostile and challenging individuals.
Exposure to health risks and odors associated with a jail environment.
Exposure to anti-social inmate behavior.
Using walkways in sections of Santa Rita Jail that are also used by escorted and unescorted inmates.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of the specification.

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of operational, policy, and programmatic research and analysis.
Federal, State, and County detention and correctional facility regulations.
Agency policies, procedures, programs, and services within the correctional facility setting.
Practices and techniques of administrative and statistical analysis and report preparation.
Knowledge of state and federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) policies and laws.
Knowledge of computer systems and applications related to the job.
Office administrative practices and procedures including records management.
Conflict resolution techniques.
Interviewing techniques.

Ability to:

Develop/collect data to be analyzed and used for reporting requirements for all inmate grievances and other complaints related to the safety, care, and custody of inmates.
Research, compile, and summarize varied information, evaluate alternatives, and reach sound conclusions.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
Handle high-pressure, crisis situations professionally and extract appropriate information in such situations.
Interpret, explain, and apply complex policies, regulations, and procedures.
Deal effectively and tactfully with hostile, disorganized, or aggressive clients/inmates.
Work cooperatively with varying interest groups and coordinate them toward solving a problem.
Organize and prioritize work to meet critical deadlines.
Represent the Agency and County in meetings with others.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

NewSpec 1290.docx

SA:saa 11/30/2023

CSC Date:02/21/2024

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being. These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
Vision or Vision Reimbursement
Share the Savings
Basic Life Insurance
Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
County Allowance Credit
Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
Short-Term Disability Insurance
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

12 paid holidays
Floating Holidays
Vacation and sick leave accrual
Vacation purchase program
Management Paid Leave**
Catastrophic Sick Leave
Pet Insurance
Commuter Benefits Program
Guaranteed Ride Home
Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
Child Care Resources
1^st United Services Credit Union

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement. This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.