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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.

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 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:

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

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

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.

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 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

By 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.

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)

Note that enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Shawn McConnell at staffing@azdoa.gov for assistance