The Peer Review is an integral component of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) audit oversight function. The PREA Management Office (PMO) within the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) at the DOJ, with coordination support from the PRC, is accepting applications from experienced auditors to serve as peer reviewers.
The primary purpose of peer review is to evaluate an auditor’s interpretation and application of the PREA Standards by comparing the auditor’s findings and report discussions against the quantity and quality of the documentation and other evidence retained from the audit. This work requires reviewers willing and able to rigorously apply analytical methodology to the work of their peers, and draw informed and critical conclusions about the reliability, accuracy, and validity of that work.
Peer reviews will be assigned on a rotating basis, so the quantity of peer review instances any particular reviewer will be asked to conduct will vary depending on the number of reviewers available and the number of reviews scheduled. PRC anticipates that reviewers can expect a maximum of 1 review every few months.
Audit Peer Reviewer Application Requirements
Applicants selected to serve as peer reviewers will be expected to:
- Commit to at least 40 hours of work on each peer review instance
- Commit to at least 8 hours of advanced training (some of which may require travel) and refresher training as necessary
- Work collaboratively in teams of two
- Engage constructively with PMO and PRC staff throughout the peer review process, and
- Produce appropriate written materials stating their findings and other relevant information as required.
In order to be considered for peer review work, interested candidates must:
- Have conducted a minimum of three (3) formal compliance audits as lead auditor
- Be up-to-date on all reporting requirements
- Be current on all continuing education requirements
- Not be in any disciplinary status, including suspension, with the PMO
Required Experience (which must be clearly demonstrated in the resume or CV):
- Experience conducting PREA audits (i.e., the conduct of a minimum of 3 formal PREA audits as lead auditor)
- Experience conducting peer reviews of complex written materials, or closely related experience in a supervisory role which includes detailed review and critique of the written work of others (such as investigative reports, audit reports, or inspection reports). Preferably, this experience will have been gained in a criminal justice, juvenile justice, or law enforcement setting.
- Proven investigative experience and skills, or closely related skills, such as site inspections to determine compliance with law and regulations, performance auditing, compliance monitoring, quality assurance, or substantially similar work experience
- Experience writing, reviewing, and analyzing policy and similar types of official documentary materials, including directives, procedures, memoranda, and others)
Required Skills (which must be clearly demonstrated in the resume or CV, or in the applicant’s supporting materials):
- Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills: Applicants must demonstrate that they are comfortable thinking critically, navigating large volumes of complex information, and identifying key issues.
- Excellent communications skills: Applicants must be able to articulate their views and findings clearly and precisely verbally and in writing.
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently: Applicants must be able to work collaboratively and to develop productive working relationships quickly. Applicants must also able to work independently with minimal supervision.