ES-0301-08
INTRODUCTION
This position is located in the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children. The mission of the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children (the Office) 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 Chief Deputy Ombudsperson exercises duties and functions delegated by the Ombudsperson consistent with the enabling legislation of the Office. The Chief Deputy Ombudsperson conducts research, analysis, investigations, report development, presentation, and consultation regarding investigative findings and provides recommendations for systemic improvements. The incumbent provides recommendations to significantly improve the performance, accountability, and efficiency of District’s child and family serving agencies and facilitate interagency communication and coordination. The Chief Deputy Ombudsperson is responsible for developing outreach strategies and directing public outreach activities to encourage communication between constituents, CFSA, other child and family serving agencies and/or juvenile court stakeholders.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Analyzes, investigates, and resolves complaints regarding services provided to children and families by CFSA and other child and family serving agencies.
Provides monitoring and oversight of CFSA and other child and family serving agencies to ensure delivery of quality services.
Identifies and analyzes system-wide issues that adversely affect children and families involved in child protection/child well-being system.
Reviews complaints and inquiries to ensure and track timely response.
Conducts administrative review of critical incidents and child fatalities and maintain data tracking system for system evaluation and reporting.
Establishes and maintains database and filing system to document complaints and follow-up actions.
Identifies systemic issues through analysis of data, complaints, policies, and procedures.
Prepares written reports and recommendations for Ombudsperson, agency officials, the Council, Mayor, Citizens Review Panel, the Office of the Inspector General and any relevant agency or the public.
Research best practices in child welfare systems and services and makes recommendations for system improvement.
Performs educational outreach activities to the community and stakeholders about the child welfare process and other related programs. Refers constituents to the proper parties and/or resources, as appropriate.
Facilitates interagency communication and coordination of child and family serving agencies to ensure high quality service delivery to CFSA children and families.
Represents the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children at meetings, conferences, and public events.
Assists with planning, coordination and technical support of other projects as requested by the Ombudsperson.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION
Must have a Bachelor’s degree in the field of Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Education, or related fields. Master’s degree preferred.
Advanced skill and background in the research and analysis of social work, law, policy, public administration, auditing, or investigations.
Demonstrated knowledge and skill in senior management principles and practices.
Extensive knowledge of the mission, policies, procedures, goals, and objectives of the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children. Extensive knowledge of federal and local budgetary requirements; and extensive knowledge of the local and federal policies regarding the child welfare system and/or juvenile court system.
Demonstrated ability to work at a very senior level in an independent and impartial manner.
Mastery knowledge and ability to effectively interpret and apply statues legislation and policies.
Excellent oral and written communication skills to prepare and deliver reports, briefings, and other types of communications pertaining to complex matters of a technical, programmatic, procurement and/or administrative nature.
Professional knowledge and skills in applying analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to conduct in-depth research of program/operational and project issues to review and analyze complex issues, and to prepare clear, in-depth reports of studies and recommendations.
Ability to collect, evaluate, and interpret a range of data in electronic, written, statistical, or narrative form.
Ability to conduct thorough, objective investigations of complaints, reach appropriate neutral, objective, and expert conclusions based on investigation results, and maintain confidentiality regarding process and outcomes in accordance with all legal requirements.
Ability to analyze and define sensitive issues and problems, evaluate alternatives, and develop independent conclusions and recommendations in accordance with policies, codes, and laws, and the public interest.
Advanced human relations skill to adapt to diverse personalities including extremely confrontational styles, gain trust while working with others in sensitive and difficult situations, resolve conflict, employ lines of questioning for fact finding, deliver reports.
POSITION CONTROLS
The incumbent serves under the general supervision of the Ombudsperson who sets the overall strategic goals and objectives for the agency, as well as define the scope of work to be done. The incumbent will exercise judgment in planning, organizing, and executing assignments. Work is reviewed in terms of fulfillment of program objectives, effect of advice, influence on the overall program and expected results. The incumbent is relied on to plan and carry out assignments and special projects independently drawing upon their own skills, knowledge, and expertise.
Guidelines consist of broad policy directives as well as basic federal, District and agency legislation, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, particularly those involving human resources and budgetary management. Guidelines require the incumbent to use considerable judgment in interpreting the intent of the guidelines as well as generating specific policies, procedures, and guidance for use by subordinate managers in the management of the various areas of the agency’s overall human resources program.
The incumbent uses expert judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness in establishing methods or researching trends and patterns to develop new methods and criteria and propose new policies and practices relative to the agency.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION
None
WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT
The work is performed in an office setting.
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: Monday – Friday, 8:15 a.m.- 4:45 p.m.
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.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
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.
The incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability. This position has been designated as a Safety Sensitive.
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.
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: 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.