ES-0901-08
INTRODUCTION
This position is in the District of Columbia Office of the Ombudsperson for Children (OFC or the Office). The mission of the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children is to improve outcomes for Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) children by providing independent oversight and holding CFSA and other District agencies that impact the lives of the children accountable for fulfilling their responsibilities under the law. The Legal Analyst exercises duties and functions delegated by the Ombudsperson consistent with the enabling legislation of the Office.
The incumbent is responsible for assisting the Ombudsperson with research, analysis, and interpretation of child welfare related Federal and District laws and policies; stays current with changing Federal and District laws and policies; makes recommendations for changes to District child welfare policy, legislation, and other documents.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Conducts extensive legal research and provides guidance concerning legal matters affecting OFC investigations, findings, and recommendations for child welfare and/or juvenile justice system improvements. Reviews, analyzes, and organizes facts and evidence; analyzes legal issues; follows the application of law; conducts fact finding; and creates clear, effective and precise written presentations.
Advises the Ombudsperson on legislation affecting child welfare, juvenile justice, education and all programs administered by child serving agencies.
Assists with the investigations of complaints by interviewing constituents, reviewing client case information in CFSA's database system, and gathering documents to support investigative findings and recommendations.
Reviews qualitative and quantitative data, identifies trends, and makes recommendations for system improvements.
Responds to public inquiries and/or media requests with general information and assistance regarding issues under the purview of the Office.
Reviews online content, documents, forms, office policies and procedures, and letters for communication with constituents regarding pending or closed investigations or other matters.
Maintains legal records or legal reference materials, correspondence or other related documents.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION
Expert knowledge of pertinent local and federal child welfare, juvenile justice, and/or education laws, regulations, legal principles and concepts sufficient to interpret apply, or explain the application of body of law, regulations, precedents and practices.
Demonstrated excellent organizational and research skills to identify child welfare or juvenile justice practice trends, and legal analysis that may be needed during complaint investigations.
Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to prepare a variety of documents, and reports, as needed; to discuss issues and findings; and to provide information.
Ability to prepare and present recommendations or solutions regarding complex and extremely sensitive issues, based on analysis and evaluation, including the preparation and presentation of reports, proposals, charts, and other means of presentation.
Legal education is preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT
The work is performed in an office setting. The work includes the everyday risks and discomforts typical of offices and meeting rooms.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION
None
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: Monday – Friday, 8:15 a.m.- 4:45 p.m. or Varies
Pay Plan, Series, Grade: ES-0301-08
Salary Range: $106,497 - $159,747 Per Annual, based on funding
Promotional Potential: None
Duration of Appointment: Excepted Service
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not in a collective bargaining unit.
Position Designation(s): The position has been deemed “safety-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.
Residency Requirement: In accordance with the DC Office of Ombudsperson for Children all employees of the Office appointed in the Excepted Service are required to maintain the District domicile during the period of the appointment pursuant to Title IX of the District of Columbia Government Comprehensive Merit Personnel Act of 1978, effective March 3, 1979 (D.C. Law 2-139; D.C. Official Code 1-609.01 et seq.). Failure to maintain District domicile during the period of the appointment will result in forfeiture of employment. If you do not currently reside with the District of Columbia, you have 180 days from the date of your appointment to establish residency within the District
The Legal Analyst is responsible for providing recommendations to significantly improve the performance, accountability, and efficiency of the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA), juvenile justice and child welfare system; legal analysis and support for the Office; and assist with facilitating interagency communication and
coordination. Routine duties that justify the position's safety sensitive suitability designation include maintaining impartiality and confidentiality while investigating, analyzing, and resolving complaints regarding the CFSA services to children, youth, birth parents, foster parents, kinship caregivers, guardians, and adoptive parents.
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: March 28, 2025
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.