20022913 Parole Board/Release Authority Hearing Officer

Who We Are…
Guided by a single mission “To reduce recidivism among those we touch,” the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction believes that everyone is capable of positive change. Our staff embrace these core values and serves as role models for pro-social behavior conveying an attitude of dignity and respect in the treatment of others. The Division of Parole and Community Services is looking for a dedicated security-minded criminal justice specialist to assume the duties and responsibilities of a Parole Board Release Authority Hearing Officer in Stark County.

• Reviews journal entries, and completes post release control screenings.
• Conducts violation hearings in field for parolees or other releasees who have been charged with violating conditions of their community supervision.
• Arranges for witnesses, documents and other evidence to be presented at hearings.
• Determinations and outcome of hearings may affect public safety.
• Responsible for monitoring and maintaining order within hearing setting.
• Interacts and corresponds with defense attorneys, law enforcement officials, prosecutors and other criminal justice officials on preparation for and conducting of release violation hearings at local jails, correctional institutions, halfway houses or other community agencies.
• Interviews inmates, releasees and witnesses.
• Researches applicable statutes and regulations.
• Assists in development, enforcement and interpretation of policies and procedures.
• Assures due process, takes testimony, analyzes and rules on motions, objections, timeliness of hearing and admissibility of evidence.
• Reviews and evaluates reports to determine if community sanction or if confinement in state correction facility is warranted and if so, for how long.
• Considers affect of hearing outcome on public safety when rendering determination.
• Completes hearing summary digest on evidence and testimony presented at hearings, writes required reports, maintains necessary records and is proficient in use of a computer.
• Reviews and approves requests for special conditions and reduction of Post Release Control supervision period.
• Meet with offenders who are sanctioned by the APA in order to conduct a parole board summons using department approved interventions.
• Assist with developing and implementing training as needed in any of the above areas under the guidance and direction of parole board staff.
• Maintains security of files and operates automobile to travel to and from hearings and to transport confidential files.
• Responsible for maintenance of high-volume specialized records.
• Responsible for interpreting complex legal issues regarding violation process and addressing of post release control status.
• Provides work direction and training to DPCS staff.
• Participates in reentry initiatives, including reentry courts.
• Maintains and promotes public and human relations which includes preparing and delivering speeches and responding to telephone inquiries and written correspondence to include public record requests from members of community and various other criminal justice systems.
• Meets with victims, victim’s families, offenders’ families prior to parole hearings to obtain any pertinent information not reflected in institution or electronic files.
• Complete victim searches as assigned.
• Must conduct themselves professionally, and in a law-abiding manner, at all times and in accordance with Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Standards of Employee Conduct. Completes other related duties as assigned.

• Or completion of associate core coursework in criminal justice, criminology, political science or public administration; 7 yrs. additional exp. in investigation, &/or supervision of adult felons or youth offenders which included interviewing, participation in criminal court or parole board/release authority release &/or violation proceedings; or 3 yrs. additional exp. in administrative or court hearings that includes presenting witnesses and evidence; submitting and/or ruling on motions, objections, briefs and arguments, taking testimony, researching and interpreting applicable law (e.g., prosecutor, defense counsel, magistrate, administrative law judge, hearing officer, arbitrator); valid driver's license.

• Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.