PREA Coordinator - Senior Planner

Location: Augusta,Maine,United States

Job Class Code: 0603
Grade: 25
Salary: $ 52,832.00 - $71,240.00 Per Year

Position Number: 04000-2211

Opening Date:  July 1, 2024
Closing Date: July 17, 2024

MDOC is destigmatizing corrections for the betterment of all Maine communities. Through the ‘Maine Model of Corrections’, we promote the safety of our staff and residents while reducing barriers to meaningful rehabilitative opportunities. We facilitate restorative justice practices that equip justice-involved residents and clients with the skills they need to become contributing members of society upon release, including treatment, education, and job training.

The Maine Department of Corrections is seeking a dedicated individual to join our team as a PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) Coordinator. This pivotal role, based in Augusta, offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on maintaining safety and integrity within our facilities. The position entails meaningful work that supports our commitment to zero tolerance for sexual assault and harassment, ensuring compliance with national standards. With the necessity for statewide travel, the role provides a dynamic work environment and the chance to engage with various teams across Maine. We welcome applications from current Maine DOC employees and all external candidates who are ready to contribute to this vital aspect of our operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:         

- Conduct comprehensive research and develop innovative strategies to enhance the sexual safety of incarcerated individuals across the state.

- Establish and oversee the implementation of best practices and policies in alignment with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).

- Serve as a key liaison between the Department and various governmental and community organizations to foster collaborative efforts in preventing sexual violence.

- Draft, revise, and uphold policies pertaining to PREA and the sexual safety of residents within correctional facilities.

- Formulate and execute strategic plans that support the department's initiatives and ensure adherence to all relevant departmental policies, state and federal laws, and professional standards.

- At the direction of the Manager of Correctional Compliance, provide support for a range of compliance-related tasks and projects.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the Prison Rape Elimination Act, policy formation, implementation and evaluation strategies, issues, and services.
• Knowledge of Maine criminal code.
• Knowledge of organizational, functional, and operational systems within an institutional environment.
• Knowledge of professional standards and standards compliance.
• Knowledge of State and Federal sexual assault requirements and laws.
• Knowledge of social service agencies.
• Knowledge of criminal and/or administrative investigatory practices.
• Knowledge of statistical research in evidence-based practice.
• Ability to establish productive and collaborative work groups and relationships.
• Ability to research and to develop correctional policies and strategies.
• Ability to review, evaluate, and integrate PREA issues and initiatives.
• Ability to lead projects and meet expected deadlines.
• Ability to articulate complex ideas, clearly and concisely.
• Ability to identify and implement industry best practices and audit for compliance.
• Ability to design, access, coordinate, identify and deliver training opportunities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor’s Degree and four (4) years of related work experience. Equivalent related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and o