Assistant Child Ombudsman for Child Welfare

Overview

The Assistant Child Ombudsman (Child Welfare), under the direction of the Child Ombudsman, serves in an independent, appointed role responsible for monitoring, evaluating, and advocating for the welfare and rights of children as outlined in R.S. 24:525. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that the rights of children are protected and that their voices are heard within Louisiana’s child welfare system. This role involves reviewing state policies and procedures, advocating systemic reforms, and ensuring the protection and best interests of children.

The Assistant Child Ombudsman serves as a key advocate for the rights, interests, and well-being of children and youth in custody of and/or receiving services from the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. This position is responsible for reviewing and resolving complaints related to child protection investigations, foster care, family services, extended foster care services, and other related matters impacting children and their families.

Working both independently and in collaboration with the Child Ombudsman and other stakeholders, this role promotes accountability, transparency, and systemic improvement within the Louisiana child welfare system.

The Assistant Child Ombudsman (Child Welfare) will receive comprehensive training on the functions and responsibilities of the office and will provide cross-functional support to colleagues handling matters related to agencies beyond the child welfare system, as needed.

This position requires occasional travel for stakeholder engagement, relevant meetings, and conducting on-site visits to monitor child welfare conditions.

Responsibilities

Advocacy and Representation• Represent the Child Ombudsman's Division in advocating for the rights of children in the child welfare system in various forums.• Act as a liaison between the Child Ombudsman Division and external stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations.• Advocate systemic reforms that are in the best interest of children at the legislature.

Reviews and Complaint Resolution• Receive, review, and assess complaints concerning child protection investigations, foster care, family services and related matters. • Work collaboratively with families and the child welfare system, including service providers, CASA volunteers, foster parents, and others, to resolve complaints through mediation or other appropriate means.• Identify trends and systemic concerns arising from complaint review.

Policy Analysis and Development• Evaluate policies, procedures, and practices impacting children interacting with the child welfare system. • Conduct research on current policies affecting children's rights and make recommendations for policy improvements.• Contribute to the development of new policies and initiatives aimed at safeguarding children's safety and well-being.• Contribute to reports and legislative recommendations.

Community Engagement• Engage with the community to raise awareness of children's rights and the role of the Child Ombudsman's Division.• Organize and implement outreach programs and educational initiatives to empower children and their families.

Collaboration with Government Agencies• Collaborate with government agencies to ensure the implementation of appropriate child-centered policies and practices.• Foster positive relationships with key stakeholders involved in child welfare, juvenile justice, education and health services, including behavioral health for children.• Advocate for system reform to protect the safety and well-being of children.

Qualifications

Education Requirements• Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree in a related field such as education, social work, child welfare, law, public policy, psychology, social services or a similar discipline, and• Advanced Degree: An advanced degree in a relevant field: Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Public Administration, Master of Education (MEd), or Juris Doctorate (JD)

Experience Requirements• Relevant experience in child welfare or related field

Additional Qualifications• Knowledge of federal and state child welfare laws and practices; child development and family dynamics; and child service systems.• Training and experience relevant to performing the duties outlined in this section.• Strong communication, advocacy, and conflict resolution skills. • Ability to conduct thorough reviews and make recommendations for improvement.• Capacity to build professional relationships while maintaining independence. • Commitment to protecting and promoting the rights and best interests of children.• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in compliance with office policies.• Ability to pass a background check