State Youth Ombudsman (PROGRAM MANAGER I)

DHS - Social Services Administration; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The State Youth Ombudsman operates as an independent legal advocate for youth in out-of-home care across Maryland's 24 jurisdictions. Housed within the Social Services Administration, this role investigates complaints about rights and safety in the child welfare system and delivers recommendations to leadership.

The position requires strict legal and investigative expertise in child welfare, juvenile law, and advocacy to represent vulnerable youth and address systemic service gaps.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Investigate complaints about youth rights and safety within the child welfare system.
• Enforce accountability through fact-finding reviews and deliver executive-level recommendations to leadership.
• Produce statutory reports to drive policy improvements.
• Represent vulnerable youth and help resolve systemic service gaps.

Education

Juris Doctor degree from accredited law school

Maryland Bar membership at time of appointment

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