State Youth Ombudsman (PROGRAM MANAGER I)

DHS - Social Services Administration; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The State Youth Ombudsman in Maryland serves as an independent legal advocate for youth in out-of-home care across 24 jurisdictions, investigating complaints about rights and safety within the child welfare system. Housed in the Department of Human Services' Social Services Administration, the incumbent ensures accountability through fact-finding reviews and policy-informed recommendations.

The role requires a JD and Maryland Bar, at least five years as an attorney, and preferred experience in

Qualifications

• JD and Maryland Bar at appointment
• Five years practicing attorney
• Preferred: juvenile law or child welfare experience
• Preferred: government agency representation or community advocacy
• Preferred: human services/public policy coursework or legal clinical program

Responsibilities

• Investigate complaints about youth rights and safety in out-of-home care
• Enforce accountability through fact-finding reviews
• Deliver executive-level recommendations to leadership
• Produce statutory reports to drive policy improvements

Skills

Legal expertise in child welfare

Investigative skills

Advocacy

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

The State Youth Ombudsman serves as an independent legal advocate for youth in out-of-home care across Maryland's 24 jurisdictions, investigating complaints about their rights and safety within the child welfare system. Housed in the Department of Human Services' Social Services Administration, the incumbent enforces accountability through fact-finding reviews, delivers executive-level recommendations to leadership, and produces statutory reports to drive policy improvements. The role requires strict legal and investigative expertise in child welfare, juvenile law, and advocacy to represent vulnerable youth and resolve systemic service gaps.

Key qualifications:

• Juris Doctor degree from accredited law school and Maryland Bar membership at time of appointment
• Five years of experience as a practicing attorney
• Preferred: one year experience in juvenile law, child welfare, or human services
• Preferred: one year experience representing a government agency or serving as community advocate
• Preferred: completion of relevant human services/public policy coursework or legal clinical program