Certification Specialist-AG

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office has played a vital role in shaping Ohio’s past and present and the work it does today helps chart the state’s future. The office consists of nearly 30 distinct sections that advocate for consumers and victims of crime, assist the criminal justice community, provide legal counsel for state offices and agencies, and enforce certain state laws. In these and other capacities, staff members interact with tens of thousands of Ohioans each year.

About OPOTA:

OPOTA houses both Commission and Academy staff. Commission staff oversee training standards, curricula, and certification requirements for peace officers, private security personnel, corrections officers, jail staff, K-9 units, humane agents, and firearm certifications for additional public safety roles. Academy staff provide instruction and training in basic, advanced, and specialized technical subjects, utilizing contemporary research and best professional practices.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a Model Employer of Individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The Attorney General’s Office is a dynamic organization that offers career opportunities across many different disciplines to people from all backgrounds and experiences. We do not discriminate in any way. All people are equal under the law, and it is so at the AGO. This is a workplace where talent gains you entry and performance determines your career path.  Staff can join and lead employee resource groups and participate in online or in-person events to learn about the experiences of others.

Employees of the Attorney General's Office must have been in their current positions for at least 12 months in order to be eligible for consideration.

The Attorney General's Office may fill additional, similar positions as a result of this posting.

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

AGO#\: 25-05-099

Selected candidate(s) will be subject to the following background checks:
Criminal history
Driving record
Taxes
Drug Test

In addition, an Internet search may be conducted of publicly available and job-related information through social media
(Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) or through the use of search engines (Google, Bing, etc.).

Completion of undergraduate core program in criminal justice, public administration, or related field; 2 years’ training. or experience in auditing, compliance techniques; 2 years’ training or experience in public relations.

-Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.

Job Skills\: Auditing, Attention to Detail, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Customer Focus, Problem solving

What You'll Do:

The Ohio Attorney General's Office is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented, and public-minded individual to serve as a Certification Specialist at the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA). This position is based in-office at our headquarters in London, OH, with occasional travel required based on operational and training needs. The Certification Specialist will perform the following duties:

 Coordinates certification process for basic training schools and programs approved by OPOTC.

• Receives and reviews applications to determine regulatory compliance.
• Ensures school and programs follow OPOTC minimum standards, the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC), and the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) (e.g., required topics taught, commander and instructor certifications, timely submissions).
• Assigns school number and maintains application data.
• Monitors training programs to ensure compliance with Commission standards (e.g. verifies eligibility of individuals).
• Closes OPOTC approved programs (e.g., reviews final records submitted by schools and compliance officer reports, confirms topic and hour requirements, ratios, student attendance, instructor certifications).
• Authorizes issuance of OPOTC certification documents to OPOTC programs attendees, commanders and instructors.
• Conducts and prepares investigative reports (e.g., OPOTC schools and programs).
• Implements and monitors policies and procedures for OPOTC certifications.
• Evaluates OPOTC commander on an ongoing basis for compliance in all OPOTC policies and procedures.

Determines compliance of certifications (e.g., peace officer, OPOTC commander, OPOTC instructor):

• Verifies training standards for certification are met (e.g., reviews applications, determine eligibility).
• Conducts training determinations.
• Establishes breaks-in-service time.
• Consults with law enforcement agencies regarding OPOTC required documents.
• Analytical review of required agency reporting.
• Reviews and evaluates submitted training documents.
• Monitors and evaluates certification eligibility (e.g., de-certifiable offenses).
• Investigates non-compliance issues and completes investigative reports for administrative action.
• Performs other duties as assigned

What’s in it for you:

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

• Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the available Ohio Med plans. 

Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

• Dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums are free after completed eligibility period. Length of eligibility period is dependent on union representation.

Time Away From Work and Work/Life Balance

• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave 
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth/Adoption leave

Employee Development Funds

• The  State of Ohio offers a variety of educational and professional development funding that varies based on whether you are a union-exempt employee or a union-represented employee.

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

• OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees.  The employee contributes 10% of their salary towards their retirement.  The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary.  Visit the OPERS website for more information.

Deferred Compensation

• The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.