Policy Advisor

Policy Advisor

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Office of Justice Programs

Summary

This position is in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Office of Sex Off ender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART). This incumbent serves as a Policy Advisor

Duties

(The duties described reflect the full performance level of this position)

Program Assessment, Planning, and Monitoring

Analyzes and evaluates the administrative aspects of substantive, mission-oriented programs administered by key organizations within an agency. Serves as an expert analyst and advisor on both tribal/Indian Country and state issues with respect to the implementation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), Title I of the Adam Walsh Act of 2006. Serves as the expert analyst in assessment, implementation and improvement of SORNA programs. Performs long-range planning and analysis of new substantive agency programs where precedents and resources are scarce or nonexistent.

Participates in the development and implementation of national programs and policies in all jurisdictions, including tribal jurisdictions, regarding SORNA, sex offender management and accountability, and assessments of current programs in the assigned substantive area. Provides guidance and assistance for improving national programs, identifying weaknesses, expanding and upgrading the quality of existing programs, and formulating new programs in needed areas.

Prepares written requests for resources to support program implementation, including spending plans, discretionary funding requests, major new initiatives and others to leverage resources for priority programs. Assists with the drafting of grant solicitations in assigned areas, answers substantive questions from potential applicants and responds to tribal concerns and inquiries.

Interprets complex issues regarding sex offender management and accountability at the national level. Assesses the adequacy of proposals for national strategies and negotiates with internal and external officials and stakeholders to correct, improve, or expand on weaknesses or strengths of proposed implementation plans. Makes recommendations for action.

Provides expert technical assistance and training to organizations to improve their understanding of the Adam Walsh Act, the ongoing SORNA implementation process, and the quality and effectiveness of sex offender management programs, with a specific emphasis on tribal organizations. Assesses program effectiveness or the improvement of processes encompassing the Adam Walsh Act that affect key aspects of the major components of national programs and practices.

Coordinates the development, administration, implementation and assessment of programs consistent with SORNA, and performs reviews and oversight of program activities and related initiatives. Recommends short-and long-range goals for programs. Within the assigned area of responsibility, represents SMART in establishing and maintaining effective partnerships with national leaders; federal, state, tribal and local agencies; the criminal justice community; and interested organizations and individuals.

Assists SMART's Tribal Access Program (TAP) Coordinator, working with TAP management on deployments and trainings on national crime information systems to participating tribal agencies' SORNA programs. Works collaboratively with TAP Coordinator and management from the Office of Tribal Justice and Justice Management Division's OCIO as well as Department of Justice TAP funding partners on ongoing program activities.

Program and Policy Advice and Guidance

The employee will provide substantive advice and assistance to the Director on policy issues relating to SORNA implementation, as well as issues relating to coordination between states and tribal jurisdictions. The position will develop and disseminate policy guidance; analyze proposed legislation; serve as an expert resource for the Director; and provide training on state and Native American issues as related to SORNA.

Provides expert advice and guidance to resolve, implement, or manage sex offender implementation program or policy issues that involve major areas of uncertainty in approach or methodology pertaining to the Adam Walsh Act and specifically SORNA implementation. Prepares short- and long-range planning guidance in accordance with broad program policies and objectives. Prepares guidance based on analyses of interrelated issues of effectiveness, efficiency and productivity of substantive mission-oriented programs. Scans the field for emerging issues, innovations, best practices, and critical needs regarding SORNA in order to inform program and budget development, legislative initiatives, and agency communication strategies and products.

Develops and reviews products, such as training curricula and publications developed by others, and provides comments on the scope, accuracy and appropriateness of the material for the target audience. Organizes and assists with focus groups and workshops, symposia, and the preparation of professional papers/briefings as necessary to achieve SMART objectives.