Deputy Ombudsman

State of Illinois • Chicago, WA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The State of Illinois is seeking a motivated and experienced leader to serve as the Deputy Ombudsman. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience managing and developing a team, advocating for youth in detention, building trust, addressing concerns, and advancing systemic improvements that protect the rights, well-being, and dignity of justice-involved youth. The Deputy Ombudsman under the direction of the Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson will lead, supervise, and support a team responsible for monitoring juvenile detention facilities and responding to complaints and concerns raised by youth. Key responsibilities include assigning and reviewing staff work, ensuring investigations are conducted thoroughly and consistently, conducting regular site visits to assess facility conditions, interviewing youth about their experiences, and recommending policy and practice reforms to state and county leaders. The Governor appoints the Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate, to serve a four-year term. The Office of the Deputy Ombudsman is administratively housed within and supported by the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. However, the Ombudsperson reports directly to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Office of the Governor.

Requirements

• Requires a bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.
• Requires four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience advocating for the rights of youth.
• Requires ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest.

Nice To Haves

• Prefers specialized knowledge of juvenile delinquency law and procedure at local, state, and federal levels.
• Prefers significant knowledge of and familiarity with state and federal juvenile correctional laws, statutes, and rules, including the Prison Rape Elimination Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
• Prefers specialized knowledge of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) abuse and neglect referrals and procedures, as well as Illinois State Police referrals and investigations.

Responsibilities

• Directs, reviews and monitors implementation of the Department of Juvenile Justice rules and standards.
• Reviews, modifies, and implements existing program objectives or develops new program objective.
• Inspects and reviews periodically DJJ facilities and procedures to ensure that the rights of youth are fully observed.
• Advocates for the rights of youth and provides assistance with obtaining services.
• Promulgates, directs, coordinates, reviews, and responds to hotline and grievance box activities.
• Serves as a full line supervisor.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Benefits

• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Paid parental leave
• Pre-tax benefits programs including but not limited to: Deferred Compensation, Medical, Daycare, etc.
• Employees earn twelve (12) paid Sick Days annually
• New Employees earn ten (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to twenty-five (25) paid Vacation Days annually (based on years of service)
• Employees earn three (3) paid Personal Days annually (pro-rated based on start date)
• Thirteen-Fourteen (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
• Flexible work schedules in many program areas (remote work may be an option for certain positions)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior