Senior Investigator & Child Safety Specialist

ARIZONA OMBUDSMAN CITIZENS AIDE The Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide is an independent agency of the Arizona Legislature that was established to make the government more responsive to Arizona citizens. It is the office that Arizona citizens can turn to for help navigating government systems or when they believe they have been treated unfairly by a state administrator, agency, department, board, or commission. The services of the Ombudsman are free, and upon request, we will treat cases as confidential. The office is given its authority by Arizona Revised Statute sections 41-1371 through 41-1383 and operates under Arizona Administrative Code title 2 chapter 16. The mission of the Arizona Ombudsman - Citizens’ Aide is to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and responsiveness of state government by receiving public complaints, investigating the administrative acts of state agencies, and, when warranted, recommending fair and appropriate remedies. In addition, the Arizona Ombudsman - Citizens’ Aide promotes open government throughout the state, by providing assistance and education to state and local government officials and members of the public, resolving disputes, and investigating complaints in matters relating to public access. Senior Investigator & Child Safety Specialist All applicants are required to submit a cover letter with their resume. A writing sample will be requested if selected for an interview. Job Location 2020 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004 Posting Details Annual Salary Range: $63,000 - $85,000 Grade: 01 This position will remain open until business needs are met Job Summary The Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide is looking for an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Senior Investigator Ombudsman. The Senior Investigator will handle a high caseload involving complex complaints relating to DCS. The position will require assisting the public, researching and analyzing federal and state statutes, rules, and policies for DCS or other state agencies, and drafting investigative reports on behalf of the State Ombudsman. This position will work directly with the public and investigate complaints relating to the Department of Child Safety (DCS), as well as administrative acts of other state agencies within the jurisdiction of the office. The position will work directly with the public, state legislators, other state officials, other agency representatives, and key stakeholders. Job Duties Research federal, state, rules, regulations, and other laws pertinent to the area of assignment to determine if programs are effective and in keeping with applicable guidelines Draft notices and reports, including recommendations, on behalf of the State Ombudsman based on research, analysis, and evaluation of investigation to present to agency directors, the Governor, and the Legislature Examine and evaluate all available data, analyze results of investigations, and coordinate findings with appropriate administrators and complainants Manage a high caseload involving complaints regarding the administrative acts of DCS and other state agencies within the jurisdiction of the office Establish, develop, and maintain relationships with legislators, legislative staff, Governor's Office staff, counterparts at other agencies, and stakeholders to facilitate communications regarding the purpose and authority of this office, and when appropriate, to investigate complaints Conduct and participate in conferences and workshops, committees, and study groups related to DCS and child welfare Maintain timely and courteous communication with complainants and state agency staff during investigations Become proficient in DCS case management systems to research case records Maintain proper case files by standards set by the State Ombudsman Develop training and educational material related to DCS, as needed Complete special assignments as directed by management Perform other duties as assigned Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge Arizona state government structure, functions, operations, processes, ombudsman practices, and administrative procedures Methods, techniques, and practices of conducting investigations, examining and evaluating evidence Writing principles and techniques to develop informative, accurate, and effective reports DCS organizational structure, purpose, covered populations, and services Case management systems data entry and reporting Skills Highly developed verbal communication skills including public speaking Advanced research skills (statutory & policy) Strong organizational and planning skills Advanced conflict resolution skills Superior time management skills Advanced critical thinking skills Superior interpersonal skills Coalition-building skills Critical listening skills Strong writing skills Abilities The ability to work with individuals in personal stress and crises or confrontational situations as evidenced by the ability to maintain control of an interview and elicit factual information Highly capable of evaluating impacts of legislative proposals, rules, and policy on statewide, agency-wide, industry-wide, stakeholder, and member levels Has superior judgment and a sophisticated sense of discretion in interactions with diverse stakeholders regarding issues that may be complex and confidential Has a high aptitude for critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and strategic planning regarding complex systems and policies Uphold the Classical Ombudsman characteristics of independence, impartiality, and confidentiality To represent the State Ombudsman’s mission, vision, and goals for the office Quick to adapt to new information and changing circumstances/priorities Maintain a team-oriented, collaborative attitude Work independently and with little supervision Highly ethical and dependable Qualifications Minimum Five years of experience working in a child safety and welfare role, or position related to the duties and responsibilities specified in the job description Three years of experience researching and reviewing administrative law Experience drafting executive-level reports or other written material Three years of supervisory experience in a government program Bachelor's degree in a related field Preferred Experience working with the Arizona Legislature or working in the government sector Direct work experience with the Arizona Department of Child Safety Master’s degree in social work, public administration, or related field Familiarity with juvenile and family law Bilingual: Spanish and English, preferred Pre-Employment Requirements Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver license record checks, required to maintain acceptable driving records and complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.11) Driver’s License Requirements. Benefits Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance Paid time off – earn from 13 to 21 days annually depending on years of service Generous health, vision, and dental insurance with spousal and family plans Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) savings retirement plan Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts Life insurance and long-term disability insurance Wellness incentive program Ten paid holidays per year Paid sick leave Retirement Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Note that enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment #J-18808-Ljbffr