Senior Investigator & Child Safety Specialist

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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