ARIZONA OMBUDSMAN CITIZENS AIDE

2020 North Central Avenue Suite 570

Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Annual Salary Range: $62,000 - $80,000

Grade: 01

This position will remain open until filled  

The Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide is looking for a highly motivated individual to join our team as a Senior Investigator 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 state agencies within the jurisdiction of the office.

The Senior Investigator will research and analyze state statutes, rules, and policies for DCS and draft reports on behalf of the State Ombudsman. The position will also 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, and other laws, rules, and regulations 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

• 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

• Investigate complaints regarding DCS, as well as the administrative acts of state agencies within the jurisdiction of the office

• 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 agency staff during investigations

• Become proficient in DCS case management systems to research case records

• Maintain proper investigative files by standards set by the State Ombudsman

• Develop training and educational material related to DCS, as needed

• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge:

• Methods, techniques, and practices of conducting investigations, examining and evaluating evidence

• DCS organizational structure, purpose, covered populations, and services

• Arizona state government structure, functions, operations, and processes

• Basic techniques for writing concise and comprehensive reports

• Arizona Legislature's processes and parliamentary procedures

• 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:

• 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

• Quick to adapt to added information and changing circumstances/priorities

• Represent the State Ombudsman’s mission, vision, and goals for the office

• Maintain a team-oriented, collaborative attitude

• Work independently and with little supervision

• Highly ethical and dependable

Minimum:

• Experience working in a child safety and welfare role or position related to the duties and responsibilities specified in the job description

• Bachelor's degree

Preferred:

• Experience drafting executive-level reports or other written material for executive-level management

• Experience working with the Arizona Legislature or working in the government sector

• Master’s degree in social work, public administration, or related field

• Familiarity with the Department of Child Safety

• 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

• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance

• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year

• Health and dental insurance

• Retirement plan

• Sick leave

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• 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