Senior Investigator & Child Safety Specialist

ARIZONA OMBUDSMAN CITIZENS AIDEThe 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 AvenuePhoenix, Arizona 85004Posting Details:Annual Salary Range: $63,000 - $85,000Grade: 01This position will remain open until business needs are metJob 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:Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: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 guidelinesDraft 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 LegislatureExamine and evaluate all available data, analyze results of investigations, and coordinate findings with appropriate administrators and complainantsManage a high caseload involving complaints regarding the administrative acts of DCS and other state agencies within the jurisdiction of the officeEstablish, 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 complaintsConduct and participate in conferences and workshops, committees, and study groups related to DCS and child welfareMaintain timely and courteous communication with complainants and state agency staff during investigationsBecome proficient in DCS case management systems to research case recordsMaintain proper case files by standards set by the State OmbudsmanDevelop training and educational material related to DCS, as neededComplete special assignments as directed by managementPerform other duties as assignedKnowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):Knowledge:Arizona state government structure, functions, operations, processes, ombudsman practices, and administrative proceduresMethods, techniques, and practices of conducting investigations, examining and evaluating evidenceWriting principles and techniques to develop informative, accurate, and effective reportsDCS organizational structure, purpose, covered populations, and servicesCase management systems data entry and reportingSkills:Highly developed verbal communication skills including public speakingAdvanced research skills (statutory & policy)Strong organizational and planning skillsAdvanced conflict resolution skillsSuperior time management skillsAdvanced critical thinking skillsSuperior interpersonal skillsCoalition-building skillsCritical listening skillsStrong writing skillsAbilities: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 informationHighly capable of evaluating impacts of legislative proposals, rules, and policy on statewide, agency-wide, industry-wide, stakeholder, and member levelsHas superior judgment and a sophisticated sense of discretion in interactions with diverse stakeholders regarding issues that may be complex and confidentialHas a high aptitude for critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and strategic planning regarding complex systems and policiesUphold the Classical Ombudsman characteristics of independence, impartiality, and confidentialityTo represent the State Ombudsman's mission, vision, and goals for the officeQuick to adapt to new information and changing circumstances/prioritiesMaintain a team-oriented, collaborative attitudeWork independently and with little supervisionHighly ethical and dependableQualifications: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 descriptionThree years of experience researching and reviewing administrative lawExperience drafting executive-level reports or other written materialThree years of supervisory experience in a government programBachelor's degree in a related fieldPreferred:Experience working with the Arizona Legislature or working in the government sectorDirect work experience with the Arizona Department of Child SafetyMaster's degree in social work, public administration, or related fieldFamiliarity with juvenile and family lawBilingual: Spanish and English, preferredPre-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)If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.Benefits:The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurancePaid time off - earn from 13 to 21 days annually depending on years of serviceGenerous health, vision, and dental insurance with spousal and family plansArizona State Retirement System (ASRS) savings retirement planMedical and dependent care flexible spending accountsLife insurance and long-term disability insuranceWellness incentive programTen paid holidays per yearPaid sick leaveBy providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.Retirement:* Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)* Note that enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employmentContact Us:* If you have any questions please feel free to contact Shawn McConnell at staffing@azdoa.gov for assistance