Criminal Justice Researcher (#114010)

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CLASS SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Director of Probation (Chief Probation Officer), or his/her designee, this position is responsible for planning, organizing and conducting research, continuous quality improvement, coaching, implementing and developing Evidence-Based Practices training and curriculum, and evaluation of programs and services provided by the Probation Department. Researches and applies new or expanded knowledge in the criminal justice field by exploring and defining problems, planning the approach for the study, analyzing data, interpreting results, documenting and reporting findings, and recommending program and technological changes.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This class is distinguished from the:

· Assistant Director of Probation which assists the Director of Probation in conducting affairs of the department by managing the operations of the department.

· Probation Services Manager which plans, organizes and directs the operations of a Probation Field or Institutional Services Division of the County Probation Department.

Supervision Received and Exercised

· Supervision is provided by the Director of Probation (Chief Probation Officer) or his/her designee.

· No supervision is exercised over others.

Essential Duties

This class specification represents the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department.

· Plans, organizes and conducts research and evaluation studies for the Department’s programs and services: determines goals and objectives and develops strategies to achieve objectives; designs data collection procedures; obtains data; performs statistical analysis and interpretation of data; develops and implements performance and outcome measures; monitors program fidelity; documents findings; prepares reports and makes presentations to discuss results and recommendations with stakeholders.

· Conducts quality assurance digital electronic recordings review, strength-based and accurate coaching and feedback; prepares written reports; attends informational meetings; implements, develops, and facilitates Evidence Based Practices training and curriculum.

· Evaluates efficiency and effectiveness of department programs: performs management audits and organizational studies to promote the optimum use of departmental resources; analyzes trends and forecasts and makes recommendations for short and long-range planning; researches laws and regulations to ensure both (1) current Department compliance and (2) legality of recommendations regarding new programs or program changes; makes programming and service recommendations to include contracting out of services provided, seeking new sources of revenues, implementing new programs, initiating and drafting new legislation, revising current programs to increase service levels and efficiency, and/or implementing other options based on research conducted.

· Identifies and applies for external funding opportunities: identifies and reviews grant opportunities; prepares grant applications; serves as liaison between the department and federal/state agencies; contacts and obtains necessary third-party information; consults with prior grant awardees; attends and participates in federal/state agency grant workshops; monitors application of grants to ensure compliance and continued funding.

· Represents the Department in contacts with other county probation departments in discussing criminal justice programs, research projects, problems, concerns, issues and solutions; serves on county and state-wide committees such as those regarding criminal justice system programs, grants, contracting of services, criminal justice legislation, etc.

· Leads others on research projects by establishing goals and milestones, training administrative, technical and clerical staff, assigning and reviewing work for quality and timeliness, and monitoring progress toward completion.

· Performs other duties of similar nature or level as assigned.

Education and Experience

· Education: A Doctorate degree in policy analysis, public administration, political science, criminology, criminal justice, social work, statistics and/or a related field;

· Education: A Master’s degree in policy analysis, public administration, political science, criminology, criminal justice, social work, statistics and/or a related field;

AND

· Experience: Two years of experience analyzing data, conducting research, and making recommendations for the solution of complex problems ideally within criminal justice organizations or programs.

· Education: A Bachelor’s degree in policy analysis, public administration, political science, criminology, criminal justice, social work, statistics and/or a related field;

AND

· Experience: Four years of experience analyzing data, conducting research, performing quality assurance, coaching and or training in Evidence Based Practices, behavior reinforcement or contingency management, risk/needs assessments, cognitive interventions, and making recommendations for the solution of complex problems ideally within criminal justice organizations or programs.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQ

· Applicants are required to possess a valid California Driver’s License, Class C.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Independent travel is required.

CLASS: 114010;