Clemency Specialist

Secretary of the commonwealth; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Secretary of the Commonwealth in Virginia is seeking a Clemency Specialist to provide administrative, procedural, and operational support to the clemency process at the Patrick Henry Building. You will manage pardon and restoration of rights applications, maintain case files, and draft official documents with strict confidentiality and timely handling.

Responsibilities include data entry, responding to inquiries, and coordinating with the Clemency Manager on administrative projects while

Qualifications

• Three years of professional experience in behavioral sciences, social work, or criminal justice, with a bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, or related field.
• Experience providing case management services, including collecting, reviewing, organizing, and maintaining client records to facilitate case processing.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in processing documents and managing records.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with standard office software and document management systems.

Responsibilities

• Receive, review, and process incoming Restoration of Rights and Pardon applications.
• Scan, upload, and maintain digital and physical case files.
• File and organize documents following retention schedules.
• Complete Grant Order requests and draft/issue Affidavits.
• Manage inquiries via email and phone; provide courteous, accurate responses.
• Document and update internal systems with pardon grants, denials, and case progress.
• Assist the Clemency Manager with administrative projects and data entry.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow legal and departmental protocols.

Skills

Case management

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Communication skills

Office software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work or criminal justice

Tools

Document management systems

Scanning equipment

Microsoft Office

Job description

Title: Clemency Specialist

State Role Title:

Hiring Range: $55,000 to $60,000

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Secretary of the Commonwealth

Location: Patrick Henry Building

Agency Website:https://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Clemency Specialist provides administrative, procedural, and operational support to the Commonwealth’s clemency process. This role is responsible for processing pardon and restoration of rights applications, managing case files, preparing official documentation, and serving as a primary point of contact for applicants and external stakeholders. The specialist ensures the accuracy, confidentiality, and timely handling of all materials related to restoration of rights, pardon petitions, grants, and denials.

• Receive, review, and process incoming Restoration of Rights and Pardon applications
• Scan, upload, and maintain digital and physical case files according to office procedures.
• File and organize documents, ensuring adherence to retention schedules and office procedures.
• Complete Grant Order requests and draft and issue Affidavits
• Manage incoming inquiries via email and telephone; provide courteous, accurate, and timely responses to applicants and the public.
• Document and update internal systems with information related to pardon grants, denials, and case progress.
• Assist the Clemency Manager with administrative projects, data entry, and workflow coordination as needed.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and follow legal and departmental protocols.

Minimum Qualifications

• Three years of professional experience in behavioral sciences, social work, or criminal justice, supported by a bachelor's degree in social work, criminal justice, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and professional experience also satisfies this qualification.
• Professional experience providing case management services, including collecting, reviewing, organizing, and maintaining client records and supporting documentation to facilitate case processing, ensure accurate recordkeeping, and support service delivery.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in processing documents and managing records.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency with standard office software, scanning equipment, and document management systems.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities, with capacity to prioritize multiple tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a legal, judicial, corrections, or governmental environment.
• Familiarity with clemency, pardon processes, or other administrative review procedures.
• Experience drafting official documents and handling large volumes of records.
• Strong customer service skills and comfort interacting with the public.

Additional Considerations

This At-Will position is appointed by the Governor of Virginia.

There is no teleworking in this position.

Special Instructions

The selected candidate must successfully complete a fingerprint background check.

Contact Information

Name: Cheryl Oppan

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.