ES-0185-07
Introduction
This position is located in the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children. The mission of the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children (OFC) is to improve outcomes for children and families involved with the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) by providing independent oversight and holding CFSA and other District agencies that impact the lives of the children who are accountable for fulfilling their responsibilities under the law.
The incumbent is responsible for conducting research, analysis, investigations, report development, presentation, and consultation regarding investigative findings and provides recommendations for systemic improvements. The incumbent provides recommendations to significantly improve performance, accountability, and efficiency of the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) and assist with facilitating interagency communication and coordination. The incumbent has primary responsibility for receiving and processing complaints involving an administrative act of CFSA or a CFSA affiliate.
Organization Title of Position: Deputy Child and Family Agency Ombudsperson
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Maintains impartiality and confidentiality reporting directly to the Ombudsperson or designee and responsible to the independent Office of the Ombudsperson for Children, while working collaboratively with the Child and Family Serving Agency (CFSA) serving in the capacity of an accountability mechanism.
Investigates, analyzes, and resolves complaints regarding the CFSA services to children, youth, birth parents, foster parents, kinship caregivers, guardians, and adoptive parents and offers an objective perspective and follow-up to resolve issues of concern in consultation with Ombudsperson and/or designee. Responsible for conducting preliminary investigations and analysis in response to complaints received and identification of systemic issues.
Provides consultation to children, youth, birth parents, foster parents, kinship caregivers, guardians, adoptive parents, and other external parties as appropriate, who have a complaint regarding the agency’s policies, procedures, and practices.
Review complaints to determine validity and ensure a timely and professional response. Advises the Ombudsperson and/or designee on any recommendations for resolution.
Maintains and updates the OFC database system to ensure that all critical details of complaints are accurately captured to include all requisite data and information.
Reviews policies, procedures, regulations, and directives as established, implemented, or practiced by CFSA or a CFSA affiliate as part of the investigative review process. Incumbent review policies being developed or revised that affect CFSA practices; providing feedback and making recommendations on language and content.
Performs educational outreach activities for stakeholders about the child welfare process and other related programs. Refers clients to the proper party and/or resources, as appropriate and Coordinates with stakeholders and prepares for outreach opportunities.
Qualifications and Education
Basic Requirements
Degree: Must fulfill all of the requirements for Bachelor’s or graduate/higher level degree: major study in social work in a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or a related equivalent appropriate to the work of the position.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled.
Specialized Experience to include:
Advanced comprehensive knowledge of child welfare policies and procedures, Federal and District legislation and regulations that govern and affect child welfare services and programs sufficient to investigate, analyze, and resolve complaints regarding the CFSA services to children.
Advanced knowledge of concepts and theories in conflict management and resolutions include alternative dispute resolutions, and ability to apply skills appropriately in response to specific circumstances presented and to offer objective perspective and follow-up to resolve issues of concern in consultation with Ombudsperson and/or designee.
Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough and objective investigations of complaints, reach appropriate, neutral, objective, and expert conclusions based on investigation results, and to maintain confidentiality regarding process and outcomes in accordance with all legal requirements.
Advanced knowledge of child welfare practices and services including human behavior dynamics, child development, and group dynamics, as well as other social work theories, principles, concepts, and techniques to conduct educational outreach activities for stakeholders about the child welfare process and other related programs
Working Conditions/Environment
The work is primarily sedentary with intermittent periods of walking, bending, standing, and carrying light objects such as files, books, and reports.
License and Certification
Must be a licensed independent clinical social worker, or equivalent, with experience in child and family welfare issues, case management, and data management systems.
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: Monday – Friday, 8:15 a.m.- 4:45 p.m.
Pay Plan, Series, Grade: ES-0185-07
Salary Range: $93,188 - $139,778 Per Annual, based on funding
Promotional Potential: None
Duration of Appointment: Excepted Service – Permanent Appointment. This is an “at-will” position and not covered under Career, Legal, or Management Supervisory Service appointment.
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not in a collective bargaining unit.
Position Designation(s): The position has been deemed protection-sensitive, pursuant to section 410 of Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations. Accordingly, the incumbent will be subject to pre-employment checks (criminal background and traffic records, if applicable) as a condition of employment, and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks, and traffic records for the duration of your tenure.
Domicile Requirement
This position requires the selected individual to become a domiciliary of the District of Columbia. The selected individual must either: (1) be a domiciliary of the District of Columbia at the time of appointment and maintain such domicile during the period of the appointment; or (2) become a domiciliary of the District of Columbia within 180 days of the date of the appointment and maintain such domicile during the period of the appointment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
Closing Date: February 16, 2026
Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume to Petrina Jones-Jesz, M.Ed., MBA, at [email protected]. Only individuals who meet the minimum qualifications will be contacted. Applications will be screened as they are received.