Senior Investigator Child Safety Ombudsman

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.

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

Annual Salary Range: $63,000 - $85,000

Grade: 01

This position will remain open until business needs are met

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…