Youth Justice Ombudsman & Systemic Advocate

State of Washington; Tukwila (WA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Diversity & inclusion

Health benefits

Paid time off

State retirement

Job summary

The Washington State Office of the Family and Children's Ombuds (OFCO) seeks an Ombuds Investigator to safeguard youth within DCYF/JR facilities, investigate complaints, monitor compliance, and identify systemic improvements. You will engage communities, respond to inquiries from lawmakers and the public, and contribute to statewide investigations.

The role requires extensive knowledge of child welfare/juvenile systems, investigative skills, and a commitment to equity.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of child welfare, juvenile rehabilitation and/or juvenile legal systems.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse families and children in crisis.
• Experience handling confidential information and confidentiality requirements.
• Ability to translate laws/policies into strategic decisions for navigating complex casework.
• Knowledge of interview and investigation techniques.
• Experience in conflict management and working with individuals under stress or trauma.
• Ability to gather and analyze data impartially.
• Ability to manage multiple activities with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to promote accountability and collaborative work.
• Understanding of inequities impacting BIPOC youth and families in DCYF/JR.
• Experience writing reports with clear analysis.
• Proficiency in using external databases for investigation/research.
• Understanding of challenges facing incarcerated youth and ombuds work.

Responsibilities

• Promote public awareness about navigating the juvenile rehabilitation system and rights/responsibilities of youth.
• Represent OFCO at multidisciplinary meetings with diverse groups.
• Investigate complaints about DCYF/JR actions and potential harm to youth.
• Monitor practices in DCYF/JR to ensure safe facilities and appropriate services.
• Identify systemic issues and develop recommendations to improve services and outcomes.
• Provide information to the public through reports, presentations, and speaking engagements.

Skills

Child welfare knowledge

Crisis work experience

Confidential info handling

Legal/regulatory translation

Interview techniques

Investigation skills

Conflict management

Data analysis

Prioritization

Collaboration

Equity awareness

Report writing

Research skills

Education

Social work degree

Public administration degree

Public policy degree

Job description

The Washington State Office of the Family and Children's Ombuds (OFCO) seeks an Ombuds Investigator to safeguard youth within DCYF/JR facilities, investigate complaints, monitor compliance, and identify systemic improvements. You will engage communities, respond to inquiries from lawmakers and the public, and contribute to statewide investigations.

The role requires extensive knowledge of child welfare/juvenile systems, investigative skills, and a commitment to equity.