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Justice Information Services Specialist

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Job Overview
Under the direction of the Director of Law and Policy, the Justice Information Services Specialist provides technical assistance consulting services to justice and non-justice agencies across the country, with an emphasis on state criminal history record repositories. This assistance supports tribes, agencies, courts and jurisdictions in the crafting and implementation of effective laws, policies, practices and technology applications associated with the collection and use of criminal history records. This includes assistance with legal, policy and regulatory issues; the management and operation of criminal justice information and identification systems; and guidance for the development of privacy policies in information sharing systems.

The assistance is provided on-site throughout the United States, as well as in-house with consultation via phone, e-mail and fax. The Justice Information Services Specialist also makes presentations at a wide range of conferences and events throughout the country and may sit on advisory committees and task forces. Projects can range from small to medium county and local projects to very large statewide, regional and national initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Justice Information Services Specialist provides assistance to policy makers and practitioners on all governmental levels in justice as well as noncriminal justice entities, including but not limited to courts, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, probation agencies, social service providers and employment and licensure screener/decisionmakers. Key duties include:

  • Develop and deliver presentations, and facilitate meetings. Effectively communicate complex policies, concepts, tools, technologies and standards topics to executives and operational managers and staff.
  • Research and write white papers, issue briefs, technical bulletins and guides, Web text, in-depth reports and other documents for national and online publication.
  • Monitor and report on the progress of key legislation impacting the collection, use and dissemination of criminal history record information (CHRI). Review, analyze and critique proposed, draft, and enacted state and federal legislation involving the use of criminal history records and other areas of interest.
  • Author survey instruments to support policy development and information collection initiatives to assist SEARCH Members, federal granting agencies, the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact Council and others.
  • Organize educational events that bring together practitioners from local, tribal, state and federal justice agencies in national forums to work toward improving the quality and utility of criminal records, sex offender registries, and other justice information.
  • Plan, coordinate and implement activities in specific grants and contracts, developing, scheduling and meeting deliverable deadlines.
  • Organize, develop curriculum, and recruit speakers for national conferences, training and educational workshops and seminars.
  • Organize task forces of subject matter experts to deliberate upon specific developments or events that may impact Criminal History Record Information use, management and dissemination and to make recommendations on how these factors may affect laws, policies and procedures designed to govern CHRI use.
  • Serve on national task forces and advisory groups.
  • Monitor social trends, technological developments, legislative activities and other events with the potential to affect the criminal history record environment and to take these factors into account when designing program activities.
  • Assist with national standards development and implementation.
  • Collaborate and coordinate with other national associations and industry working groups.
  • Assist in coordinating on-site technical assistance activities, including consultation with technical assistance requestors, contractors (if hired to provide technical assistance) and SEARCH management staff. Write reports as follow up to technical assistance.
  • Serve as liaison between justice entities, for example between federal and state-level agencies, to facilitate the implementation of policy initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment, Travel and Accommodations
The corporate office is located in Sacramento, California. Telecommuting and Off-site employment is also offered. This position requires frequent travel (approximately 40%).

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Accommodations may not be possible if there is undue hardship for SEARCH. Undue hardship means an action requiring significant difficulty or expense by SEARCH.

Required Education, Experience and Skills/Knowledge
Education: Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, computer science, or related field with considerable and recent experience in the management of state criminal records repository functions, or in a position of responsibility within the criminal justice system. Graduate degree or comparable experience desirable. Law degree preferred.

Experience: Recent and substantial experience as an administrator or attorney in a criminal justice agency or court. Experience working with policy-level stakeholders and working groups. Experience developing and making public presentations. Experience in writing analytical or evaluative reports.

Skills/Knowledge: In-depth knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice process, particularly of the flow of information through the criminal justice system. Operational experience and/or technology experience in the criminal justice system, particularly at a state central criminal records repository. In-depth knowledge of state criminal record repository operations and associated activities such as automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS), arrest/booking/detention, records management, and electronic fingerprint capture helpful. In-depth knowledge of federal criminal justice information systems such as the Interstate Identification Index (III), National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) and how they interact with state-level criminal justice systems. Knowledge of Fair Information Practices helpful.

The ability to work effectively with committees and groups to facilitate exchange of ideas, build consensus and provide leadership in the committee structure. Exceptional writing and oral communications skills.

Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
A current driver's license and proof of auto insurance are required.

Compensation
Annual salary range starts at $74,716, commensurate with experience. SEARCH offers an excellent benefits package including retirement, health, dental, disability, vacation and sick leave. Successful completion of a background check is required.

Interested applicants must submit a resume and cover letter describing concisely how their experience, skills and interests align with the identified job responsibilities. Submit to: jobs@hrtogo.com.

This position will be open until filled.

SEARCH is an Equal Opportunity Employer.