Child Protective Service Worker

Regional Ombudsman

This posting is for the Regional Ombudsman (RO) within the Office of Inspector General, Office of the Foster Care Ombudsman. The RO position will work under limited supervision, completing intakes, providing information and referrals, and performing dispute-resolution and investigatory work requiring experience and expert knowledge in the area of child welfare. The position will be responsible for advocating for the rights of foster children and foster / kinship parents, and impartially and independently investigating and resolving complaints filed regarding managed care services, state or public agencies, social service agencies, child placing agencies and residential facilities.

The RO will investigate violations of rights for foster children and foster /kinship parents. Other duties include, but are not limited to, independently preparing reports of findings, and making recommendations. Will mediate problem solving discussions between complainants and agencies. Recommend agency and community resources; and participate in systemic-level investigations as assigned. Must be able to follow-up on recommendations to ensure issues are resolved and have the ability to monitor and follow through to agreed commitments to complainants.

The RO will participate in ongoing training programs related to child welfare and other related topics. The position requires excellent written and oral communication skills; will be a liaison to internal and external constituents and must have the ability to work independently and be comfortable with computers and learning new software. Travel will be essential for this position. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in the areas of child welfare.

Training:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

OR

Substitution:
Current West Virginia Social Worker License.

Preference will be given to applicants with a West Virginia Social Worker License, West Virginia PATH System knowledge and experience and West Virginia Child Welfare experience.

NOTE:

Applicants may be appointed for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from date of hire pending verification of licensure. Applicants must agree in writing to verify licensure within sixty (60) days or be dismissed. Employees working under this restriction shall not perform any social work duties until the license is verified.

Conditions of Employment

• Applicants must pass a background check before beginning employment.
• Applicants are subject to recurring background checks as may be required by law, rule, standard, or policy.
• Applicants will be required to work on-call shifts periodically, as assigned by their supervisor.
• Applicants may be subject to mandatory overtime requirements and must be available for travel.
• Applicants must possess a valid driver's license prior to appointment and continuously maintain such license while employed in this classification.
• Applicants shall successfully complete training as may be required by policies established by the Commissioner, or as may be required by law, rule or policy.
• Applicants must possess the ability to perform the essential functions and tasks of the classification with or without accommodation.