Job Description:

Short Description:

Provides independent monitoring, investigation, and reporting on DYRS facilities and services on behalf of the Client, to improve systemic outcomes, safety, and service access for youth in DYRS care and custody.

Complete Description:

Employment Type: 1099/ W2

Project Overview & Objective

The purpose of this contract is to secure the services of a Juvenile Justice Oversight Director to provide independent monitoring, data analysis, and reporting on Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) facilities and services. The objective is to improve systemic outcomes, safety, and service access for youth in the care and custody of DYRS.

Scope of Work & Duties

Facility Monitoring & Site Visits

• Conduct regular, unannounced, and announced onsite visits to YSC, NBYDC, and other local and out-of-area facilities as necessary to ensure youth are housed in constructive environments contributing to their rehabilitation.
• Evaluate physical facility conditions and document data trends affecting resident youth.
• Evaluate facility operations against established juvenile justice program best practices.

Complaint Investigation

• Receive, log, and investigate complaints on an as-needed basis regarding facility conditions and service delivery.
• Investigate allegations of policy and legal violations affecting youth safety or resource access.
• Identify themes and underlying systemic reforms necessary to address issue areas found across investigations.

Systemic Reviews & Advocacy

• Track and monitor DYRS's adherence to requirements of the ROAD Act (Recidivism Reduction, Oversight, and Accountability for DYRS Act of 2024), enacted in February 2025.
• Track DYRS's progress in achieving Jerry M Work Plan Goals, including critical Work Plan indicators not achieved prior to the Superior Court's termination of the Jerry M lawsuit.
• Investigate and report on broader, systemic issues identified during routine monitoring, including timely needs assessments and service planning; consult with relevant District agencies and departments to assess structural modifications or service delivery improvements.
• Track, monitor, and verify all corrective actions implemented by DYRS to ensure compliance.

Deliverables & Reporting Schedule

The Contractor must submit all formal work products to the Client for initial review and approval. All formal work products should consider legal requirements, best juvenile-justice practices, and other criteria to objectively and accurately review and assess DYRS's policies, procedures, programs, and practices. These should aim to identify any systemic problems, the reasons for the systemic problems, and, if possible, suggest possible solutions to those problems.

• Quarterly Performance Reports: Submitted every three months, detailing:
• Total number of facility site visits completed during the quarter.
• Volume, nature, and source of complaints received.
• Status and descriptions of ongoing investigations or addressed issues.
• Summary of interagency communications.
• Corrective Recommendation Documents: created on an as-needed basis to summarize outcomes and outline required DYRS improvement measures, shared with Council quarterly.
• Public Web Postings: Format and finalize approved reports for timely publication on the Client website.

Review and Sign-Off Protocol

• Client Approval: Contractor submits draft reports to the Client for initial approval.
• DYRS Review Period: Approved drafts are provided to DYRS, giving them the right to review and submit comments prior to submission to the D.C. Council.
• Council Presentation: The final report, including or addressing DYRS feedback, is formally presented to the D.C. Council.

Contract Administration & Supervision

• Administrative Authority: this contract is fully administered by the Client.
• Supervision: the Contractor reports directly to and operates under the supervision of the Client.

Qualifications

Bachelor's or graduate/higher-level degree with major study in juvenile justice, social work, or a related field appropriate to the position; experience may include criminal justice, case management, or facilities management.

Skills Matrix

• Bachelor's or graduate/higher-level degree with major study in juvenile justice, social work, or a related field appropriate to the position.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding process and outcomes in accordance with all legal requirements.
• Demonstrable ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to prepare and present recommendations or solutions regarding complex and extremely sensitive issues, based on analysis and evaluation.
• Demonstrable advanced comprehensive knowledge of juvenile justice policies and procedures, Federal and District legislation.
• Conduct thorough DYRS facility assessments and complaint investigations, reaching neutral and objective conclusions.

Flexible work from home options available.