LEAD ADVOCATE

This position is responsible for review and response to requests from the Ombudsman Online Submissions, Advocacy Line, Governor's Office, Legislature's Office, Arizona Ombudsman Citizens' Aide Office and other sources concerning Department of Child Safety (DCS) cases. The position reviews cases for policy compliance and assurance that all components of the cases are completed accurately and all actions taken in a timely manner to ensure best clients outcomes. This position will also update, and assist with, the maintenance of various database tracking system including Actions from the Director's office, legislative complaints and the Office of Ombudsman complaints. This position is critical to the Division as it ensures appropriate actions have been taken on DCS cases and the release of sensitive material is correctly disseminated by the standards set by the legislature to the public.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Job Duties :

• Directs the responses and actions concerning inquiries from the Governors and Director's office, Legislature requests, and Family Advocate Office (FAO) line. Review to ensure appropriate notification of parties involved and policy compliance.
• Directs the coordination of DCS case specific information to the appropriate parties as necessary to ensure accurate release of information concerning sensitive DCS cases.
• Ensures proper DCS case related information is input into the appropriate databases.
• Provides feedback to appropriate parties on DCS cases to ensure policy compliance and system issues.
• Writes reports as requested on outcome of cases, system issues and policy compliance.
• Provides training to agency staff and community as requested.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) :

Knowledge of :

Skills in :

Ability to :

Selective Preference(s) :

The preferred candidate will have direct DCS investigation or ongoing background experience and child welfare advocacy experience. The preferred candidate will have experience using the Guardian system Minimum of 4 year degree in social service field.

Pre-Employment Requirements :

The ability to secure and maintain a Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card; and the ability to secure and maintain clearance from the DCS Central Registry.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply :  Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits :

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including :

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work / life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here.