PROGRAM PROJECT SPECIALIST II

Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) is committed to creating a safe, secure, and humane correctional system. With public safety top of mind, ADCRR and its more than 8,000 officers and professional staff are driven by a heart for public service and a commitment to deliver perfect effort each day. ADCRR is redefining itself as an agency whose daily work centers on transparency, accountability, and fairness.

About the role

This position performs complex, specialized, administrative work in providing available requested Department records to the general public pursuant to federal, state, and departmental rules and regulations. The role involves reviewing written requests and a wide variety of records, collecting, organizing, compiling, and maintaining hard copies and electronic files. The Program Project Specialist communicates with both internal and external customers regarding document requests and may participate in improving or implementing new policies and procedures related to Public Records Requests.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and redacts records for public release in accordance with applicable laws and Departmental guidelines
• Analyzes each request to ensure appropriate information is provided
• Receives, tracks, and responds to public records requests in accordance with Federal and State laws and Departmental policies and procedures
• Conducts research, analyzes documents and requests, compiles documents, and composes professional correspondence and letters
• Attends meetings and training classes
• Prepares various reports and reconciles cash payments for document preparation and copies
• Supports response efforts for requests for production or documents, subpoenas, and court orders
• Drives on State business
• Performs other duties appropriate to the assignment

Requirements

• Knowledge of State and Federal laws and regulations
• Knowledge of Departmental policies and procedures
• Familiarity with Arizona Correction Information System (ACIS)
• Proficiency in computers using various software (Google Workspace and Microsoft Office)
• Strong spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and math skills
• Understanding of principles and practices of administration and management
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to establish workload priorities
• Proficiency with computers, associated software, and peripheral equipment
• Ability to work on multiple tasks and assignments simultaneously while providing a high level of customer service
• Strong detail and time management skills
• Research and analytical skills
• Critical reading and data analysis abilities
• Ability to lift/carry approximately 40 lbs. and push/pull approximately 40 lbs.
• Ability to walk/run approximately 0.7 miles
• Ability to understand, explain, and apply State and Federal laws
• Ability to work independently and handle various urgent requests simultaneously
• Ability to compose varied correspondence in accordance with relevant policy and procedures
• Ability to plan, analyze, and coordinate activities
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, pressured environment to meet deadlines with short notice
• Ability to exercise judgment regarding policies and procedures with confidentiality
• Ability to interpret policy and procedures for the public and criminal justice agencies
• Ability to utilize critical and analytical thinking in reviewing and redacting department records
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable laws, codes, regulations, and department policies to redact and release records while maintaining confidentiality
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders

Qualifications

• Paralegal Degree and/or Certificate (Selective Preference)
• Experience performing administrative work in a criminal justice or law office environment (Selective Preference)

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Employment is contingent on passing a background investigation
• If driving is required, must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and pass all necessary driver’s license record checks
• Must maintain acceptable driving records and complete required driver training if driving on state business
• Must maintain statutorily required liability insurance if operating a personally owned vehicle on state business
• Must take a Tuberculosis (TB) test during New Employee Orientation and annually thereafter
• Must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify)

Benefits

• Vacation and sick days with 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave: up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
• Robust and affordable insurance plan including medical, dental, life, short-term, and long-term disability options
• Exceptional retirement program through the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) with enrollment eligibility after 27 weeks of employment
• Optional employee benefits such as deferred compensation plans, credit union membership, and a wellness program
• Incentivized commuter club and public transportation subsidy program

Pay

$49,200.00 annually