DOC Jail & Detention Standards Criminal Justice Specialist II

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 CMS.DisabilityResCen@illinois.gov or call (217) 524-7514 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.

Date:  Feb 25, 2026
Location: 

Springfield, IL, US, 62702

Job Requisition ID:  53792

Position Title: Criminal Justice Specialist II

Job Requisition ID: 53792 
Closing Date: 03/13/2026 11:59 p.m.
​Agency: Department of Corrections
Class Title: CRIM JUSTICE SPEC II - 10232 
Skill Option: None 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,589/month; CBA Applies; Full Range: $6,589-$9,974/month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit 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.

 

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

 

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

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 offenders 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 offenders.
  • 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 required 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: IDOC - 1000 E. Converse Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702
Work County: Sangamon
Agency Contact: Jamie Barrett
Email: Jamie.L.Barrett@illinois.gov

Posting Group: Public Safety

 

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

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.  If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

 

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

  • donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
  • systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

 

The Illinois Department of Corrections is a multicultural agency deeply committed to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion. This commitment is at the forefront of our operations, hiring, policies and procedures, and training. We recognize the benefit of workplace empowerment, the importance of diversity and fully support an environment where ALL employees are treated fairly, respectfully, and have equal access to opportunities and resources necessary to thrive and contribute to the agency’s success. IDOC genuinely values the differences of individuals in our custody and is committed to ensuring a healthy living environment where they feel valued, respected, and included. Through our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we shall establish and uphold agency policies and practices conducive to eliminating all forms of exclusion including, but not limited to, racism, ageism, ableism, sexism, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender, and religious oppression. The IDOC team works to serve justice in Illinois and increase public safety by promoting positive change in behavior of individuals in custody, operating successful reentry programs, and reducing victimization. Employees enjoy excellent benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement plan and deferred compensation; state holidays and other benefit time off; and pre-tax benefit programs. The department also offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. The Illinois Department of Corrections is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

 

As a IDOC employee, you are entitled to a robust benefits package that includes:

  • Flexible work schedules in some program areas (flexible time and hybrid options)
  • Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
  • 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
  • Pension Plan – vesting at 10 years for Tier II
  • Full 20-year retirement awards free health insurance during retirement
  • Deferred compensation and other pre-tax benefits programs
  • Paid state holidays 13-14 days annually
  • 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
  • 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
  • 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
  • Personal, sick, and vacation rates modified for 12-hour work schedules. (As applicable.)
  • Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources
  • For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx


Nearest Major Market: Springfield