Criminal Justice Policy Counsel

The Supreme Court of Ohio is seeking to fill the position of Criminal Justice Policy Counsel in the Office of Court Services. The Criminal Justice Policy Counsel is responsible for providing assistance to internal and external justice system partners through a variety of methods including the dissemination of information to judges, local court staff, and justice system partners; technical assistance; and education in key functional areas with a focus on domestic violence programs and criminal justice matters in Ohio courts.

Duties

What You'll Do:
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Assistance & Support: Provides assistance to judges, court administrators, clerks, local staff, justice system partners, and advisory committees through information dissemination, technical assistance, education, rules, business processes, and projects/grants.
• Trend Monitoring: Monitors innovative trends and identifies effective practices related to domestic violence and criminal justice, disseminating information to judges, court staff, and justice system partners.
• Meeting Coordination: Staffs, coordinates, and monitors meetings for the Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Domestic Violence, following up on suggestions and recommendations.
• Committee Support: Works with and provides administrative support to advisory committees/commissions; acts as staff liaison for court policy projects and recommendations. Serve as a liaison to the Domestic Violence Advisory Committee.
• Program Development & Financial Management: Develops and manages domestic violence and criminal justice programs, prepares budgets, monitors expenses, manages grants and financial resources, and seeks alternative funding sources.
• Event Coordination & Training: Coordinates consultations, seminars, and meetings with experts; serves as a presenter for local court training; participates in regional/national associations and trainings.
• Relationship Building: Develops and maintains relationships with judges, court staff, justice system partners, and relevant agencies at national, state, and local levels.
• Board Participation: Participates in outside agency boards, task forces, or workgroups; reports court-related topics to manager/director.
• Rules & Standards Development: Develops rules and standards to support domestic violence and criminal court programs.
• Evaluation & Research: Directs evaluations and research on domestic violence and criminal court programs.
• Program Support: Assists local courts in developing domestic violence and criminal programs; encourages collaboration with agencies and community resources.
• Facilitation: Facilitates roundtable meetings for judges and staff; attends related committees and public discussions.
• Written Work Support: Assists in rule drafting, contract review, and preparation of written documents.
• Constituent Support: Responds to constituent calls, suggests resources, and maintains ethical standards in providing information.
• Evaluation & Data Analysis: Participates in evaluations and research; compiles and analyzes data to encourage evidence-based decision-making.
• Grant Management: Collaborates with Grant Administrator and Fiscal Officers to write and manage grants; completes grant reports on time; seeks alternative funding for special projects.

STAFF SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Salary

• $85,000 - $105,000

Qualifications

What we’re looking for…

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Juris Doctor from an accredited law school required with admittance to the bar required within the first six months of employment. Upon admittance to the bar, at all times during employment with the Court, must be an attorney properly admitted to the practice of law, be in active and in good standing. Typically requires zero to two years of directly related legal experience. Experience in multiple areas of domestic violence law, criminal or civil, law or other domestic violence public policy experience is preferred. An understanding of effective court management processes is preferred.

COMPETENCIES

• Legal Knowledge (Foundational): Demonstrates knowledge of legal principles, procedures, and practices; applies critical thinking and sound judgment to interpret laws, analyze legal issues, and ensure compliance with applicable statutes and regulations.
• Legal Research: Proficiency in analyzing statutes, case law, and regulations.
• Communication: Demonstrates exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey information clearly and effectively.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess complex issues logically.
• Problem Solving: Ability to troubleshoot, think critically, and solve issues independently.
• Conflict Management: Ability to manage conflict effectively and handle difficult people and conversations effectively.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with all levels of the Court and its constituents.
• Public Speaking: Ability to speak in public and/or deliver engaging presentations.
• Data Analysis: Skill in interpreting and leveraging data insights.
• Legal & Policy Interpretation: Ability to write, interpret, and apply laws, rules, and policies, ensuring compliance and understanding within the context of judicial and governmental frameworks.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position operates in an office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment, including but not limited to computers and phones. This is a largely stationary role; however, the employee may also be required to move about the office and building, and other locations while traveling on Court business. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be required to communicate and exchange information.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

The ability to work nonstandard hours and to travel on Court business is required, including overnight travel. Valid drivers’ license is required.

COURT EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYEE

• Employees may be regularly exposed to sensitive information and the employee is expected to keep any such information strictly confidential.
• In completing the duties and responsibilities of the position, the Court expects the employee will:
• Adhere to all Court policies, guidelines, practices, and procedures;
• Act as a role model both inside and outside the Court;
• Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others;
• Work to maintain constructive working relationships;
• Maintain a positive and respectful approach with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Court;
• Demonstrate flexible and efficient time management, prioritize workload, and perform duties in a timely, accurate and thorough manner;
• Communicate regularly with the employee’s supervisors about work-related issues and
• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

Technical Skills: Attorney/Legal

Professional Skills: Critical Thinking, Ethics and Values, Verbal Communication, Conflict Management

Other Information

Supplemental Information:
This is an exempt unclassified position that reports to the Deputy Director, Court Services. The salary range is $85,000-$105,000.

Application Process
Formal consideration of interested applicants responding to this job announcement will begin on April 10, 2026. To be considered for this position, candidates must submit an application by April 16, 2026, and attach all of the following:
1. Completed application
2. Resume
3. Cover letter with Salary Requirements
Only completed applications will be considered. Interviews will be scheduled as soon as practical. We will contact you if you are selected for an interview. Please note: a skills test may be administered as part of the interview process. Additional details are available to candidates interested in applying, by contacting the Office of Human Resources – Recruiting at recruiting@sc.ohio.gov.

At-Will Employment
The Supreme Court of Ohio is an at-will employer that seeks to attract, employ, and retain highly skilled and motivated individuals, attempts to maintain staff continuity for the efficiency of its operation, and desires to foster and maintain an ethical, professional, and impartial work environment. Pursuant to Adm. P. 4 (At-Will Employment), no person shall be offered or denied a position of employment with the Court, and no employee shall have the employee's employment terminated based solely upon political party affiliation, political activity permitted under Adm. P. 17 (Employee Code of Ethics), or other partisan considerations. Further, no employee shall have the employee's employment terminated with or without cause unless upon the concurrence of a majority of the Court.

The Supreme Court of Ohio is an equal employment opportunity employer that supports an alcohol and drug-free, and a weapons and violence free, work environment.

Background Check Information:
The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant’s prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

ADA Statement

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.

Benefits

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
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.