The Bureau of Climate and Environmental Health's Division of Environmental Health Regulations and Standards (EHRS) works cooperatively with state agencies, local health authorities (LHAs), andvariousotherspecialinterestgroupstohelppreventavoidabledeathandmorbiditythroughenforcementoftheStateSanitaryCode, and related regulations.TheEHRSprovides a wide range of education, technical assistance, and compliance activities in many areas and disciplines, including the minimum health and sanitation standards, inspection procedures, requirements governing medical records of inmates and the conduct of physical examinations in correctional facilities. The Corrections Specialist is responsible for conducting training, outreach, health and safety audits, bi-annual compliance audits, heat surveys and audits, across state and county correctional facilities working collaboratively with division analysts to ensure compliance with Department regulations and promote a safe, healthy environment for the inmate population. In addition, data collection and assessment efforts will be prioritized using variables including population volume; cell sizes; age of facilities; structural, building and ventilation systems and components; extreme heat vulnerabilities and mitigation measures; inspection history and remedial efforts, complaint history and resolve, and other related topics. The collection of this data will be used as the foundation for developing and maintaining a database to establish effective and efficient policies and procedures and help prioritize and track compliance, environmental changes, complaints, responses, and aging infrastructure at correctional facilities across the state. As part of the Bureau of Climate and Environmental Health, trainings, policies, and new initiatives that promote climate resiliency for our most vulnerable populations is a top priority and the Corrections Specialist will, in conjunction with senior leadership, identify opportunities for the division to promote and support this objective. /Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):/ Conduct and assess regulatory bi-annual compliance audits, health and safety audits, heat audits and surveys of correctional facilities as it relates to food, water, bedding, plumbing, ventilation, indoor air temperature and relative humidity, as well as general health and safety provisions. Generate, review, and distribute reports based on findings in accordance with EHRS Standard Operating Procedures. Identify and support inter-agency cooperative efforts to better acknowledge and address the limitations of aging infrastructure of some of the correctional facilities across the state. Evaluate and reply to responsive plans of correction and determine effective enforcement actions or corrective measures to be implemented when violations of laws and regulations are identified. Recommend operational strategies for dealing with compliance and enforcement in the areas of public health and safety. Partner with the Department of Corrections (DOC) and MA Sheriff's Association and other advocates to identify temporary mitigation strategies when funding for capital improvement is needed. Conduct meetings, outreach, trainings, and/or conferences with inter-agency staff, division staff, contractors, advocacy groups and other special interest groups, as the subject content expert on health and safety requirements including climate/environmental issues such as managing, monitoring and mitigating extreme heat and the public health effects. Receive and respond to complaints. Partner with Bureau and IT staff to maintain an electronic database to track complaints and responses from incarcerated individuals, their family, and advocates. Enhance and expand the division standardized response system to better identify and address crucial concerns associated with the living conditions inside correctional facilities. Review, revise and implement standard operating procedures for monitoring correctional facilities including inspection criteria, documentation review and approval requirements, corrective action evaluation checklists and response templates, and decision-making processes including escalation and notification procedures when there are repeated violations of concern and unresponsive facilities that fail to act on corrective action recommendations. Collect data and work with Bureau leadership and IT to build a statewide facility database to identify cell size, air conditioning, population, aging infrastructure, capital projects, and other relevant information related to limitations and the improvement of each correctional facility. Establish and implement an incident response inspection and reporting protocol relating to public health concerns, complaints and conditions at correctional facilities. Promote an effective cooperative working relationship with the Department of Corrections, Policy Development and Compliance Unit and Massachusetts Sherriff's Association as well as inmate advocacy groups to balance competing priorities and provide both health-based and practical solutions and transparency. Review, revise, and implement a model extreme heat management plan for facilities, explore the potential to track health trends from medical record review or other available data sets associated with the environment and weather. Work collaboratively with the Division of Environmental Toxicology, Hazard Assessment and Prevention to analyze and present relevant data. Guide and inform decisions regarding supporting and promoting policies, procedures, guidance and regulatory revisions. Review and discuss health and safety plans for environmental assessments as it relates to state and county correctional facilities and offer technical expertise based on best practices as it relates to remedial construction projects. This list is not exhaustive, and the incumbent is expected to perform other related duties, as necessary Required Qualifications: Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of compliance inspection techniques, principles, practices, regulations, terminology and procedures. Able to read and interpret documents such as laws, regulations, policies, procedures, inspection reports and correction orders. Capacity to adapt to varying work conditions and situations, including at home, inside the office and in the field including inside correctional facilities. Proficient in communicating with individuals to understand and effectively share information both verbally and in written format. Capacity to determine the applicability of data, draw conclusions, recommend appropriate action and support enforcement actions. Ability to understand, explain, and apply the laws, regulations, rules, policies, procedures governing assigned Program activities. Proficient in training methods and techniques including planning and conducting training in a correctional setting. Capable to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with diverse professionals and the public. Highly skilled in technical and concise report writing methods, including effective structuring, formatting, and content organization. Capacity to collect, organize and maintain accurate records. Capable of responding calmly and providing constructive feedback. Familiarity with the instruments and equipment used in measuring environmental conditions and to perform mathematical calculations to solve environmental science problems. Capability to work independently and virtually with minimal direction while collaborating in a team environment. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Teams, Outlook, and Word. Able to supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of subordinates and available resources; controlling work through periodic reviews and/or evaluation; determining subordinates' training needs and providing or arranging for such training; motivating subordinates to work effectively; determining the need for disciplinary action and either recommending or initiating disciplinary action. Preferred Qualifications: Proficient in interpreting different chapters of the State Sanitary Code while offering insight and expertise. Valid MA driver's license and reliable transportation. Ability to operate a motor vehicle. Capacity to determine the applicability of data, draw conclusions, recommend appropriate action and support enforcement actions. Ability to recommend operational strategies for dealing with compliance and enforcement in the area of public health and environmental protection. Ability to understand, apply, and explain the policies, procedures, specifications, standards, guidelines, laws, rules and regulations governing assigned Bureau activities, specifically environmental health-related research and industry standards. /DPH Mission and Vision:/ The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism. We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances. Learn more: MA Department of Public Health Pre-Hire Process: A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website. ADA Reasonable Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. 4 First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health, of which (B) at least two years must have been in a professional capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. An Associate's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology,. natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience. II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience. III. A Graduate degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required (A) experience and one year of the required (B) experience. Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience. Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range. Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Job: Science Organization: Department of Public Health Title: Correction Specialist Location: *Massachusetts-Marlborough - 67 Forest Street Requisition ID: 2600033T
