Attorney 3 - 20025650

Work Location: 9894 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035. Contact: gina.seel@drc.ohio.gov. Permanent full‑time, 1st shift. Classified position, OCSEA union.

About the role

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is guided by the mission “To reduce recidivism among those we touch.” Staff embrace core values of dignity, respect, and pro‑social behavior. The Division of Parole and Community Services seeks a dedicated, security‑minded criminal justice professional to serve as an Attorney 3 (Violation Hearing Attorney) in Lorain County.

Responsibilities

• Work under direction and present and advise on administrative hearings as violation hearing attorney for the Adult Parole Authority, requiring considerable knowledge of substantive and procedural law to provide legal advice and consultation.
• Develop and present cases and testimony at revocation and violation hearings on behalf of the Adult Parole Authority (APA) for parolees or other releasees charged with violating conditions of community supervision.
• Interpret legal issues regarding the violation process.
• Review evidence, documents, records, and reports to be presented at hearings and make determinations regarding subpoenas to be issued.
• Interact and correspond with witnesses, defense attorneys, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and other criminal justice officials in preparation for violation hearings.
• Interview inmates, releasees, and witnesses.
• Examine and cross‑examine witnesses.
• Prepare and submit legal pleadings and memoranda.
• Review and evaluate reports to make recommendations regarding community sanctions or confinement.
• Conduct legal research.
• Review agency programs and policies for legal implications and draft new policies.
• Prepare reports and maintain records and metrics.
• Maintain security of confidential records.
• Provide legal advice to Adult Parole Authority staff and respond to inquiries and correspondence, including public record requests from the community and various criminal justice systems.
• Attend meetings with attorneys and/or in‑house counsel, training, and conferences; may give presentations and conduct training.
• Work on special projects and/or committees as assigned.
• Conduct oneself professionally and in a law‑abiding manner at all times in accordance with Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Standards of Employee Conduct.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Pay

All external candidates start at Step 1. At six months of employment, you proceed to Step 2, then advance one step each subsequent year:

• Step 1: $34.53/hour
• Step 2: $36.20/hour
• Step 3: $38.01/hour
• Step 4: $39.86/hour
• Step 5: $41.81/hour
• Step 6: $43.90/hour
• Step 7: $46.00/hour
• Step 8: $48.28/hour
• Step 9: $50.66/hour

Schedule

• Full‑time, 1st shift.
• Requires extensive travel and may require overnight stays.
• 365‑day probationary period for all new hires.

Qualifications

• Admission to the Ohio Bar pursuant to Section 4705.01 of the Revised Code.
• Six months of experience as a licensed attorney.
• Equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment may be substituted for the experience requirement, but not for the mandated licensure.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• Free Dental, Vision, and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period.
• Paid time off including vacation, personal leave, 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 (OPERS, STRS, SERS, HPRS) and Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation).

Benefits eligibility depends on a number of factors; the agency contact can provide specifics for this position.

Additional Requirements

• Tobacco‑free workplace.
• Pre‑employment drug testing (urinalysis) for illegal drug use, including marijuana. A positive test disqualifies the applicant unless medical documentation of legally prescribed medications or a medical marijuana recommendation is provided.
• Pre‑employment background investigation with individual assessment of prior criminal convictions.
• The Department is prohibited from hiring:
  • Individuals under a federal or state weapons disability if the position requires firearms certification/recertification and use.
  • Individuals who have engaged in sexual abuse in a prison or other confinement facility; have been civilly or administratively adjudicated, or convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, implied threats of force, or where the victim did not or was unable to consent.
  • Individuals convicted of soliciting or providing support for an act of terrorism, terrorism, or money laundering to support terrorism.
  • Individuals convicted of or who pled guilty to a felony where a direct correlation exists between the position and prior criminal behavior (e.g., fraud, deceit, or theft from a position with substantial management or control over state agency property).