Courtesy Posting: Associate Ombudsman-Client Services Analyst, Office Of The Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman

POSITION INFORMATION

***This is a courtesy posting for the Office of the Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman***

Salary:

$80,000.00 with benefits

MISSION STATEMENT

The Office of Colorado’s Child Protection Ombudsman (CPO) is hiring an Associate Ombudsman – Client Services Analyst to make a meaningful impact in Colorado’s child protection system. This entry-level role is an opportunity to educate, investigate, and collaborate to empower families and enhance system-wide outcomes.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES

As an Associate Ombudsman, you’ll serve as a vital resource to Colorado’s children and families, handling complex and sensitive complaints related to child welfare services, Medicaid, behavioral health, and more. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing a dynamic caseload and performing thorough investigations into systemic and individual concerns.
• Reviewing and interpreting applicable laws, regulations, and policies to provide meaningful guidance and solutions.
• Engaging with families, agencies, and stakeholders to identify and resolve systemic issues.
• Crafting high-quality reports, policy briefs, and educational materials to inform public discourse and drive improvements.
• Monitoring trends and identifying systemic challenges within the child protection ecosystem.
• Ensuring every client interaction is an opportunity to educate, inform, and connect.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

How to Apply:

To be considered for this position, you must apply here: https://coloradocpo.bamboohr.com/careers/25

and submit the required items outlined below.

Applications will not be accepted through any other state or government website or application process.

Applications must include:

• Cover letter
• Resume identifying specific experience and dates of employment.
• A professional writing sample that demonstrates knowledge of the child protection system.
• Please include answers to the Supplemental Questionnaire. The questions are listed below or may be accessed by clicking below.

Official Position Full Job Description Link:

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:2b74429a-0a97-4470-b3a2-41bddfa18ea4

Supplemental Questionnaire Link:

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:2aeab83f-6df2-4af5-8614-99be3e99366d

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

• Less than 1 year

• 1-3 years

• 4-6 years

• 7-9 years

• 10 or more years

2. Do you have any working knowledge of or professional experience with the following: the Colorado Children’s Code (Title 19) or Colorado Code of Regulations (Volume 7)? If yes, please explain that knowledge or experience.

3. Do you have any professional experience effectively working with diverse children, youth, families in personal crisis or confrontational situations? If yes, please provide details of that experience.

4. Please describe any experience you have interpreting and applying law, regulation, or policy to your professional work.

5. Do you have any knowledge of or experience with Colorado’s child protection laws, adoption code, sibling bill of rights, expected child abuse and neglect practice, administrative and social services rules regarding child welfare services, child placing agencies, foster family home; juvenile and/or juvenile delinquency court procedures. If yes, please explain that knowledge or experience.

6. In your opinion, does strict adherence to law, policy, and administrative rule always provide the best outcome? Please support your opinion to the question with an experience or an example from your professional work.

7. Did you provide a resume, cover letter, and writing sample? See additional requirements section of posting for information.

Deadline to Apply:

All applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Preferred Skills and Experience:

While not required, the following qualifications will help you excel in this role:

• Advanced Expertise:
• An advanced degree in fields such as public administration, law, social sciences, or journalism.
• A deep understanding of Colorado’s Children’s Code (Title 19), administrative regulations, or juvenile court procedures.
• Professional Experience:
• Direct work with diverse children, youth, or families in crisis situations or conflict resolution.
• Experience with Colorado’s child welfare framework, including foster care, adoption systems, or child-placing agencies.
• Additional Strengths:
• Bilingual skills to connect with Colorado’s diverse communities effectively.
• Experience drafting policy briefs, systemic trend analyses, or public-facing educational materials.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS CONT.

Why Work Here?
The CPO is an independent agency housed within the Colorado Judicial Branch, providing you with the opportunity to contribute to systemic reform in a collaborative and supportive environment. With a dedicated team of professionals, our mission is to empower families, educate stakeholders, and enhance the child protection system.

Application Process:

To apply, submit the following documents by 5:00 PM on February 28, 2025:

• Review the official position Job Description and respond to the Supplemental Questionnaire (Links at bottom of posting).
• Cover letter detailing your qualifications and passion for this role.
• Resume listing relevant experience with dates of employment.
• Professional writing sample showcasing your knowledge of child protection systems.

Join us in transforming the lives of children and families across Colorado. Apply Now!

Why This Role?
This is more than a job—it’s a chance to join a mission-driven organization improving child welfare systems in Colorado. As part of the CPO team, you’ll work directly with families, stakeholders, and policymakers to address critical issues in child protection and drive systemic change. This role is ideal for candidates passionate about social justice, child advocacy, and public service.

What You’ll Do:
As an Associate Ombudsman, you’ll serve as a vital resource to Colorado’s children and families, handling complex and sensitive complaints related to child welfare services, Medicaid, behavioral health, and more. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing a dynamic caseload and performing thorough investigations into systemic and individual concerns.
• Reviewing and interpreting applicable laws, regulations, and policies to provide meaningful guidance and solutions.
• Engaging with families, agencies, and stakeholders to identify and resolve systemic issues.
• Crafting high-quality reports, policy briefs, and educational materials to inform public discourse and drive improvements.
• Monitoring trends and identifying systemic challenges within the child protection ecosystem.
• Ensuring every client interaction is an opportunity to educate, inform, and connect.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

We’re looking for someone who thrives in a high-stakes environment and is committed to excellence in public service. The ideal candidate will possess:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as social work, law, behavioral sciences, journalism, or public administration.
• Professional Experience: At least 1 year of relevant experience in child welfare, investigative work, conflict resolution, law, or journalism, with demonstrable knowledge of Colorado’s child protection system.
• Communication Excellence: Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to adapt to diverse audiences and simplify complex regulatory language.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Exceptional analytical skills to identify core issues, synthesize data, and deliver actionable solutions.
• Empathy and Composure: The ability to maintain professionalism and empathy in high-stress, confrontational, or emotionally charged situations.
• Technological Proficiency: Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and experience using research databases such as Westlaw or Lexis.
• Self-Management: Proven ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage a high caseload while delivering consistent, quality outcomes.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

We’re looking for professionals who bring energy, focus, and expertise to a fast-paced environment. To succeed in this role, you must demonstrate:

• Education and Experience:
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field (social work, law, public administration, journalism, behavioral sciences, or similar).
• At least 1 year of professional experience in child welfare, legal analysis, investigative reporting, conflict resolution, or related fields.
• Core Skills:
• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and adapt your style for diverse audiences.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to analyze complex issues, identify patterns, and deliver actionable recommendations.
• Research proficiency using tools like Westlaw, Lexis, and the Colorado Code of Regulations.
• Personal Attributes:
• Composure and empathy to handle emotionally charged situations with professionalism and compassion.
• Time management skills to independently balance a high caseload with competing priorities.
• A proactive mindset, demonstrating initiative and accountability in all tasks.



Preferred Skills and Experience:

While not required, the following qualifications will help you excel in this role:

• Advanced Expertise:
• An advanced degree in fields such as public administration, law, social sciences, or journalism.
• A deep understanding of Colorado’s Children’s Code (Title 19), administrative regulations, or juvenile court procedures.
• Professional Experience:
• Direct work with diverse children, youth, or families in crisis situations or conflict resolution.
• Experience with Colorado’s child welfare framework, including foster care, adoption systems, or child-placing agencies.
• Additional Strengths:
• Bilingual skills to connect with Colorado’s diverse communities effectively.
• Experience drafting policy briefs, systemic trend analyses, or public-facing educational materials.