Policy Advisor

Policy Advisor
ES-0301-07
District of Columbia Sentencing Commission

INTRODUCTION

The D.C. Sentencing Commission (the Commission) is currently looking to hire a Policy Advisor who supports the application of the District's Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines (Sentencing Guidelines).

The incumbent in this role is responsible for supporting the responding to inquiries about the application of the Sentencing Guidelines, planning and developing potential modifications to the Sentencing Guidelines, researching legal issues related to sentencing in D.C. and other jurisdictions, developing outreach and training materials, tracking legislation that may impact the Commission or the Sentencing Guidelines, assisting with data or research projects, and other similar activities. The incumbent uses considerable discretion and independent judgment in the performance of duties.

This Excepted Service position is in the District of Columbia Sentencing Commission, which is an independent agency of the District of Columbia. The Commission monitors and supports the District's Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines, promotes fair and consistent sentencing policies, increases public understanding of sentencing policies and procedures, evaluates the effectiveness of the Guidelines, and recommends data-driven changes to sentencing policies.

MAJOR DUTIES

A successful candidate will:

• Provides accurate and usable responses to inquiries about the general or specific application of the Sentencing Guidelines from presentence report writers, legal practitioners, judges, court staff, agency partners, and the public.

• Analyzes statutes, orders, proposed and implemented legislation, regulations, and policies to determine their impact on the Commission, agency operations, or the Sentencing Guidelines. Conveys this information to agency management, Commission members, and/or staff in a concise and easy-to-understand manner.

• Under the direction of the Executive Director and General Counsel, develops potential changes to the Sentencing Guidelines or agency policies. Presents these proposals to agency management and/or Commission members and assesses the impact of proposed policy or Sentencing Guidelines changes.

• Reviews, interprets, and conveys information about specific sentencing or court cases, and reviews DC Superior Court sentences to determine their legality and compliance with the Guidelines, allowing the agency to determine and report on Guidelines compliance and sentencing statistics.

• Creates a variety of agency outreach and training materials for use in person, online, or on the agency's website to further the agency's outreach and educational goals.

• Assists in agency outreach activities, including attending community events and meetings, and in training individuals on the purpose, use, and application of the Sentencing Guidelines.

• Contributes to the development and publication of agency policies and research materials. Composes general correspondence pertaining to administrative matters (e.g., emails, letters, memoranda, reports, etc.). Performs administrative and technical tasks, applying a broad range of clerical and technical administrative procedures, methods, and techniques to support agency operations.

• Conducts final reviews of Commission publications or materials for formatting, typographical, and grammatical errors to ensure professional, error-free publications.

• Prepares policy and position statements and papers.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

Specialized experience is experience that is in or directly related to the line of work of the position and has equipped the applicants with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

Preferred Qualifications and/or Experience:

• Knowledge of criminal law and criminal justice policies, including sentencing guidelines or procedures, statutes, rules, regulations, and D.C. criminal procedure.

• Experience drafting legal and policy documents.

• Demonstrated skill and experience in explaining complex legal or policy concepts to diverse audiences, including individuals with little or no prior knowledge.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with Commission staff and senior leadership, take direction, and implement feedback from the General Counsel and Executive Director to ensure the production of high-quality work products that meet the needs of the Commission.

• Ability to organize work and set priorities in order to meet critical deadlines, and complete assignments independently with minimal supervision.

• Knowledge of and the ability to use office automation equipment sufficient to operate the following software programs: Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, and other commonly used remote communication software (e.g., WebEx).

• Ability to prepare clear, concise, professional, and error-free written materials and provide a final "last-eyes" edit to Commission publications and formal materials.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

Work proceeds under the supervision of the General Counsel and the Executive Director. The successful applicant will, to a considerable extent, exercise independent judgment in carrying out assignments, including selection of methods, approaches, problem-solving, and other related functions. Unprecedented problems and proposed solutions are brought to the Executive Director's attention. Work is generally reviewed for the soundness of decisions or conclusions, and to determine compliance with established laws, regulations, rules, and policies.

Working Conditions/Environment

The work is performed in an adequately lighted and climate-controlled office.

Domicile Requirements

Applicants will be subject to the domiciliary requirements for Excepted Service appointees, who must be domiciled in the District of Columbia at the time of appointment or become domiciled in the District of Columbia within 180 days after appointment and maintain such domicile for the duration of his or her appointment.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Monday - Friday (a flexible work schedule may become available)
Pay Plan, Series, Grade: ES-0301-07
Salary Range: $93,188 - $139,770 per year

Note: The annual salary for this position will not start above $105,000 per year.

Promotional Potential: None
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under a collective bargaining unit.
Position Designation: This position is designated as Security Sensitive. The incumbents of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of the DC Personnel Regulations, suitability.

How to Apply: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Only individuals who meet the minimum qualifications will be contacted. Candidates who are scheduled for an interview will be asked to provide a writing sample and three references.

Please include the answers to the following questions in your cover letter:

1. Describe your training or experience with DC criminal law.

1. Describe your experience, if any, working with sentencing guidelines and/or sentencing policy.

1. Describe your training or experience researching and/or drafting statutes, codes, rules, regulations, or policies.

1. Describe your experience explaining or creating training materials on complex topics to individuals who are generally unfamiliar with the subject area.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.