Local Candidates Only

Provide independent monitoring, data analysis, and reporting on Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) facilities and services. The objective is to improve systemic outcomes, safety, and service access for youth in DYRS care and custody.

The Contractor works independently, under the direct supervision of the Ombudsperson and with responsibility to the D.C. Council.

Facility Monitoring & Site Visits

•       Conduct regular announced and unannounced onsite visits to YSC, NBYDC, and other local and out-of-area facilities as necessary, to ensure youth are housed in constructive environments that contribute to their rehabilitation.

•       Evaluate physical facility conditions and document data trends affecting resident youth.

•       Evaluate facility operations against established juvenile justice program best practices.

Complaint Investigation

•       Receive, log, and investigate complaints, as needed, regarding facility conditions and service delivery.

•       Investigate allegations of policy and legal violations affecting youth safety or resource access.

•       Identify themes and the systemic reforms needed to address issues found across investigations.

Systemic Reviews & Advocacy

•       Track and monitor DYRS’s adherence to the requirements of the ROAD Act (Recidivism Reduction, Oversight, and Accountability for DYRS Act of 2024), enacted in February 2025.

•       Track DYRS’s progress toward the Jerry M Work Plan goals, including critical indicators not achieved before the Superior Court terminated the Jerry M lawsuit.

•       Investigate and report on broader systemic issues identified during routine monitoring, including timely needs assessments and service planning. Consult with relevant District agencies and departments to assess structural modifications or service delivery improvements.

•       Track, monitor, and verify all corrective actions implemented by DYRS to ensure compliance.

All formal work products are submitted to the Ombudsperson for initial review and approval. They must consider legal requirements, best juvenile-justice practices, and other criteria to objectively and accurately assess DYRS’s policies, procedures, programs, and practices. They should identify systemic problems and their causes and, where possible, suggest solutions.

•       Quarterly Performance Reports (every three months): number of facility site visits completed; volume, nature, and source of complaints received; status and descriptions of ongoing investigations or addressed issues; summary of interagency communications.

•       Corrective Recommendation Documents: prepared as needed to summarize outcomes and outline required DYRS improvement measures, shared with the Council quarterly.

•       Public Web Postings: format and finalize approved reports for timely publication on the agency website.

1.     The Contractor submits draft reports to the Ombudsperson for initial approval.

2.     Approved drafts go to DYRS, which may review and comment before submission to the D.C. Council.

3.     The final report, including or addressing DYRS feedback, is formally presented to the D.C. Council.

•       Bachelor’s or graduate/higher-level degree with a major in juvenile justice, social work, or a related field appropriate to the position. Experience may include criminal justice, case management, or facilities management.

•       11+ years of experience in each of the following:

–      Maintaining confidentiality regarding process and outcomes, in accordance with all legal requirements.

–      Communicating effectively, orally and in writing, with internal and external stakeholders.

–      Preparing and presenting recommendations or solutions on complex and extremely sensitive issues, based on analysis and evaluation.

–      Advanced, comprehensive knowledge of juvenile justice policies and procedures and Federal and District legislation.

–      Conducting thorough DYRS facility assessments and complaint investigations, reaching neutral and objective conclusions.