Criminal Justice Counsel

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

2d • $89,627 - $128,045

About The Position

Criminal Justice Counsel assists the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission (OCSC) in researching, developing, and recommending effective strategies relative to criminal justice issues, e.g., sentencing, diversion, access to justice, community supervision, etc. Assists the Criminal Sentencing Commission in its work to revise Ohio’s criminal statutes, to prepare summary materials designed to make the law more workable for practitioners, and to assist the Commission in responding to routine inquiries.

Requirements

• Requires a law degree, membership in good standing of the Ohio bar.
• Requires two or more years relevant experience in the criminal justice field; prior experience in the Ohio Court System strongly preferred.
• The position also requires exceptional organization, communication and interpersonal skills and requires demonstrated understanding of the Commission's work, procedures, and research.
• Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information.
• The position also requires the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts & draw valid conclusions; the ability to prepare meaningful, concise & accurate reports; the ability to distill and simplify complex statutes; the ability to work with diverse groups on policy development; proficiency in the use of legal research methods, performing complex analyses and exceptional writing skills; and good communication skills.
• Requires a high level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint; the Internet, and Westlaw or Lexis and other legal-research resources.
• Requires occasional travel within Ohio and occasional out of state travel and the ability to work non-standard work hours when appropriate.
• Requires the ability to perform all aspects of the job with fairness, equity, patience, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Must possess proven skills to demonstrate strong public speaking and sound grammar/writing abilities.
• This position is regularly exposed to sensitive information and the employee is expected to keep any such information strictly confidential.
• Requires ability to work extended hours as needed and to travel on Court business is required, including overnight stays.
• Valid driver’s license required
• In completing the duties and responsibilities of the position, the Commission expects the employee will adhere to all Commission policies, guidelines, practices and procedures; act as a role model; exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others; and work to maintain constructive working relationships.
• In addition, the Commission expects the employee to maintain a positive and respectful approach with superiors, colleagues, and individuals.
• Further, the Commission expects the employee to demonstrate flexible and efficient time management, the ability to prioritize workload, the ability to perform duties in a timely, accurate and thorough manner, and to communicate regularly with the incumbent’s supervisors about work-related issues.

Nice To Haves

• prior experience in the Ohio Court System strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the director of the OCSC in preparing Commission work product, facilitating Commission and committee meetings and general duties of the office.
• Monitor trends developed through case law and promising practices relative to criminal justice issues and disseminate pertinent information to the commission director, the commission and its advisory committee, interested parties and justice system partners.
• Track bills in the Ohio Legislature and prepare written and oral updates for the Commission.
• Conduct legal and non-legal research.
• Write memos and other documents on criminal justice issues for the Commission and provide legal advice on Commission matters, as needed.
• Make presentations on the work of the OCSC, its advisory committee, other working committees and criminal justice issues at seminars, judicial and court personnel courses, and other meetings and sessions.
• Write and edit Commission documents, including legislative drafting.
• May serve as liaison to the General Assembly, administration and other interest groups as designated by the Commission Director.
• May provide work direction as it relates to specific tasks and/or projects to administrative staff and/or interns placed at the OCSC.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is required.

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees