Senior Case Investigator (Office of the Environmental Justice Ombudsperson)

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Be BOLD... Make a real difference . . .
 Do you have a passion and drive to apply your talent to create a better Colorado? Are you looking for a career that provides you with opportunities to improve the world around you? The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is seeking diverse individuals from all backgrounds to apply for a fantastic position that makes a direct impact on improving the lives of Colorado citizens. Our mission is to protect and improve the health of Colorado's people and the quality of its environment.
  
 If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Our tobacco-free campus offers free parking and is conveniently located near RTD bus lines, Glendale City Set, and the Cherry Creek bike path. In addition to a great location and rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:

• Employee wellness programs and facilities
• Extensive internal professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects
• Bike to work programs, including access to storage lockers and bike racks
• Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the State system
• Flexible retirement benefits including a choice of the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus generous personal time off
• Mentoring program with opportunities for mentors and mentees
• Tuition assistance for college level courses including Masters degree programs
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, and
• A variety of employee resource groups

 Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to:  https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch
 Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to:  
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.  

The Work Unit:
The Environmental Justice Ombudsman seeks to advance environmental justice in Colorado in partnership with disproportionately impacted communities (“DI communities”), the Environmental Justice Advisory Board(“EJAB”), the Environmental Justice Program, and Department and Environmental Division leadership and staff. The Ombudsman functions independently in exercising the duties granted in section 25-1-134(1)(a), C.R.S. The position acts as a liaison between DICs and CDPHE to improve communication and information exchanges, and handle, investigate, and attempt to resolve complaints. The office may advocate on behalf of DICs using informal dispute resolution processes after conducting an impartial investigation. The office works to improve the relationship between CDPHE and residents of disproportionately impacted communities through open, honest, frequent, and straightforward communication. The office aims to earn the trust of disproportionately impacted community residents by responding directly to community questions that pertain to environmental justice matters.

What You Will Be Doing:
This position serves as the staff authority on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the office of the ombudsperson, handling complex, intricate, or precedent-setting complaints and overseeing the use of mediation, conflict resolution, and consensus-building strategies. It also manages large-scale investigations or studies that may extend over lengthy periods. The position is responsible for preparing comprehensive reports, summaries, and documentation of investigative findings, which are shared with both internal and external stakeholders. This position serves as a professional and leader within the Ombuds Office. Reporting to the Ombudsperson, this position plays a pivotal role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the office, ensuring the delivery of high quality services related to case management, investigation and presentation while upholding the principles of confidentiality, impartiality, and fairness.

Responsibilities of the position include but not limited to:

• Uses Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as the staff authority to analyze EJ complaints, applying principles of conflict resolution, mediation, and consensus-building to identify underlying issues and facilitate constructive dialogue among stakeholders.
• Integrates ADR perspectives into the analysis of data, evidence, and stakeholder input related to EJ complaints, recognizing the importance of fostering trust, transparency, and meaningful engagement in addressing environmental injustices.
• Collaborates closely with the Ombudsman to make regular ongoing decisions on the development of clear, concise, and evidence-based recommendations for policy changes, programmatic initiatives, and regulatory reforms to address EJ concerns.
• Provides research, analysis, and strategic input to assist the Ombudsman in regularly deciding on strategic communication and advocacy efforts that promote the adoption and implementation of EJ policies and practices, prioritizing community health and environmental equity.
• Facilitates Dialogue and Collaboration: Leads in bringing together diverse stakeholders to foster constructive dialogue and problem-solving
• Promotes Equity and Inclusion: Advocate for fair and transparent decision-making practices, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.
• Other Duties as Assigned

Residency Requirement: (New)

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. 

Class Code & Classification Description: (New)

H1C4XX

ANALYST IV

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Experience Only:

Seven (7) years of relevant experience in conflict resolution working in or alongside government, non-profits, or community-based organizations with a focus on environmental justice, environmental policy, or civil rights or an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

OR

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education in public policy, public health, environmental science, urban planning, law and/or relevant experience in conflict resolution working in or alongside government, non-profits, or community-based organizations with a focus on environmental justice, environmental policy, or civil rights or an occupation related to the work assigned equal to seven (7) years

**This experience must be substantiated within the Work Experience section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated. A copy of your transcript must be submitted at the time of application (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable).**

**** YOU MUST ATTACH A COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS TO YOUR APPLICATION****  

Preferred Qualifications: 
In addition to the minimum requirements, the successful candidate in this position will have the following highly desirable experience and competencies:

• Relevant experience with the State of Colorado
• Experience conducting policy analysis, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and developing programmatic responses to community feedback or complaints.  
• Demonstrated experience working with disproportionately impacted communities, particularly in Colorado.  
• Project or program management experience including tracking performance, measuring outcomes, and reporting progress.  
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of environmental justice principles and the ability to apply them in a government or regulatory context.  
• Ability to navigate bureaucratic processes with persistence and creativity.
• Bilingual and able to read, write and speak Spanish proficiently.

Conditions of Employment:

• Pursuant to CDPHE policy, a background check is required for all positions at CDPHE. 
• Statewide travel is required to build trust and engage directly with communities facing environmental justice issues. 

Appeal Rights: (Updated)

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department’s action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, atspb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

A complete application packet must include:

1. A completed State of Colorado application.
2. If using education to qualify, a copy of your college/university transcripts. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
3. If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

The Selection Process:

1. All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.
2. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

• Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.

1. A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

E-Verify:  CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
 

You must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. CDPHE does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.  

ADAAA Accommodations:

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Daniel Mckenna at daniel.mckenna@state.co.us or call 303-692-6319.
 
Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).  Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first- ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it. 

Salary : $70,140 - $87,672