DOC Jail & Detention Standards Criminal Justice Specialist II

Illinoiscomptroller; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 76,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Corrections is seeking a Criminal Justice Specialist II to perform complex reviews and on-site inspections of county jails to verify compliance with standards.

Under the unit manager, you will gather data, prepare reports, and communicate findings to stakeholders, with extensive travel and a strong focus on public safety and corrective practice improvements.

Qualifications

• Requires four years of college with coursework in law, criminal justice, government, or related fields.
• Requires two years of professional experience in planning, development, implementation or assessment of programs in criminal justice or related fields.
• Prefers 3+ years' experience conducting inspections, audits, and compliance reviews of prisons, county jails, and/or municipal lockups.
• Prefers 3+ years’ experience working as a consultant to criminal justice entities, law enforcement or state/local correctional entities.
• Prefers 1 year of experience presenting in a training environment within corrections settings.

Responsibilities

• Travel for on-site inspections of County Jail and Municipal lockups to verify data.
• Develops and presents professional information to Detention Standards management and other agencies.
• Investigates unusual or extraordinary offences within facilities.
• Researches data collection forms to track individuals in custody.
• Performs training and presents educational programs to local officials on jail procedures.

Skills

Criminal justice knowledge

Public administration understanding

Data collection/analysis

Education

Four-year college degree with relevant coursework

Job description

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We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Position Title: Criminal Justice Specialist II

Job Requisition ID: 57233Opening Date: 09/22/2026Closing Date: 10/05/2026 11:59 p.m.Agency: Department of CorrectionsClass Title:CRIM JUSTICE SPEC II - 10232Skill Option:NoneBilingual Option:NoneSalary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,820 a month; Full Range $6,820-$10,323 a monthJob Type: SalariedCategory:Full TimeCounty: CookNumber of Vacancies: 1Bargaining Unit Code:RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCMEMerit Comp Code:

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

While not required, a Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) is recommended. When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Corrections must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

Marketing Statement:Under direction of the unit manager, the criminal justice specialist II performs complex technical functions related to reviewing, designing, and developing plans to monitor offenders incarcerated in accordance with state standards, Illinois Revised Statutes and Federal guidelines. This position is responsible for ensuring minimum standards of incarceration are met, and aids local county jails and municipal lockups in improving operational and programmatic services through on-site inspections; data gathering, and preparation/interpretation of reports. This position requires the ability to work within the corrections setting, observing jail living units, and facility services. The ability to communicate with stakeholders including detainees, jail staff, and elected officials is necessary. Extensive travel is required with occasional overnight travel. The Illinois Department of Corrections strongly encourages correction’s professional interested in a challenging and fulfilling career in the criminal justice system to apply.

Essential Functions

• Travels to conduct on-site inspections of County Jail, Municipal lockups with the potential to hold individuals in custody in order to verify previously submitted population data.
• Develops and presents specialized professional and confidential information and advice to Dept. of Correction's Detention Standards management and other outside Agencies, Grant providers, etc.
• Investigates unusual or extraordinary offences, e.g., jail breaks, fires, disease outbreak, officer assault.
• Research, develop and revises data collection forms utilized to track individuals in custody.
• Makes formal presentations and assists in training and presenting educational program regarding inmate detention to local officials with specific reference and jail removal.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college with coursework in law, criminal justice, government, public administration, sociology, accounting or political science.
• Requires two (2) years of professional experience in planning, development, implementation or assessment of programs in criminal justice, government, public administration, sociology, accounting, political science or equivalent advanced academic work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers at least three (3) years’ experience conducting, inspections, audits, and/or compliance reviews of prisons, county jails, and/or municipal lockups.
• Prefers at least three (3) years’ experience working in the capacity of consultant to criminal justice entities, law enforcement agencies, and/or state and local correctional entities.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience conducting internal review and report writing of unusual or extraordinary incidents specific to a correctional facility.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience tracking and interpreting data specific to correctional facilities; including development of policies, procedures, and forms that ensure compliance with local, state and federal compliance requirements.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience presenting in a training environment specific to the corrections setting.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires a valid, appropriate driver’s license, and the ability to travel extensively with occasional overnight stays.
• Requires ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited.
• Required to utilize digital technology, tools, platforms, and processes in managing and supporting various digital enhancements for greater efficiency, productivity, and digital transformation efforts within the department.
• Applicants are requried to abide by all vaccine and/or other medical standards as set out by the employer.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours: See below

8am-4pm Mon-Fri, Sat/Sun off

Headquarter Location: 555 W Monroe St, Chicago, Illinois, 60661
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: Jamie Barrett
Email: [e-mail]

Posting Group: Public Safety

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).