Summary

Provides policy analysis and support to the Division of Criminal Justice’s Office of Research and Statistics. Conducts research on current problems to identify policies implemented in other states, identifying best practices based on the academic research/legal literature, and may assist in drafting policy recommendations.

Description

Description of Job

About the Work Unit

The Office of Research and Statistics (ORS) exists to fulfill DCJ’s statutory requirements to administer a statistical analysis program for the purpose of collecting and analyzing statewide criminal justice statistics, to analyze state activities and problems related to the administration of criminal justice, to develop comprehensive plans of action for the improvement of criminal justice in Colorado, and for crime and delinquency control. As such, the ORS plans, secures grants and other funding and conducts criminal justice research projects. The unit collects and disseminates information and analyzes criminal justice policy, activities and problems to assist the General Assembly, the governor’s office, and other state and local agencies and to enhance the quality of criminal justice at all levels of government in the state.

About the Job

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Research and Draft Policy Briefs and White Papers on Relevant Policy Topics Conducts research and policy analysis on best and innovative practices on relevant topics related to behavioral health and criminal justice informing executive, legislative, state, county/local government, and community-based organization stakeholders. This requires the use of publicly available information as well as contacting professionals to obtain additional insights. Drafts policy briefs and white papers using best available information on relevant behavioral health and criminal justice topics. Briefs and white papers should be written to balance accuracy and breadth of available information while also ensuring that non-expert audiences can benefit from work.

Tracks Legislation Relevant to Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health Maintains a list of legislation active before the General Assembly and tracks the progress of the bills. Monitors the agendas of behavioral health and criminal-justice related committees, working groups, task forces, and organizations to identify potential legislation. In collaboration with other staff creates a list of bills as they are read on the floor each session with a brief summary and possible implications for the Division. Tracks legislation by listening to hearings and bill testimony. Position may also regularly search bill numbers on the General Assembly web page to follow bill statuses.

Provide Support to Working Groups, Task Forces, and Commissions Staffed by ORS This position provides support to multiple task forces, working groups, and commissions focused on criminal and juvenile justice-related issues. Supporting these groups includes conducting research on problems and policy solutions as requested by staff. Research could include identifying other jurisdictions experiencing similar challenges and contacting individuals to learn more about causes and solutions Colorado might consider. Prepares briefs and presentations for meetings based on research conducted. Collaborates with staff to identify solutions and recommendations for these groups as requested. Provides presentations of policy solutions and recommendations to the working groups, task forces, or commissions as requested. This position may also take meeting minutes and assist in preparing transcripts from recorded meetings as needed.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

NOTE: To be considered for this position, you must meet one of the following options for consideration.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Six (6) years of specialized experience in conducting policy and legislative reviews, provide recommendations on policy issues and implement policy decisions.

Bachelor's degree in any field and 2 (two) years in conducting policy and legislative reviews, provide recommendations on policy issues and implement policy decisions.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Excellent reasoning and analytical and problem-solving skills.
Superior communication skills.
Collaborative, professional, enthusiastic, positive attitude, able to collaborate, communicate and cooperate with multiple cross-functional partners.
Execute good judgment and acumen in solving problems. Building strong working relationships and responding to the needs of partners and stakeholders.
Ability to work and successfully navigate in a highly politically charged environment at times; ability to maintain relationships.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position will work within a hybrid model with a minimum of two days in the office.
Work environment is mostly sedentary.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam and fingerprint based criminal history search.

APPEAL RIGHTS

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at www.colorado.gov/spb. A standard appeal form is available at: www.colorado.gov/spb. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.

Supplemental Information

ARE YOU IN NEED OF AN ACCOMODATION?

If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Human Resources at cdps_hr@state.co.us .

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Colorado Department of Public Safety is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our Human Resources department at cdps_hr@state.co.us .

NOTIFICATIONS

All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be via email. Include your current working email address on your application and check your email frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "info@governmentjobs.com" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY – RECRUITMENT TIMELINE INFORMATION

Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received.
All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.