Juvenile Rehabilitation Ombuds

State of Washington•King County – Tukwila, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Juvenile Rehabilitation Ombuds helps ensure the safety and well-being of youth in Department of Children, Youth, and Families Juvenile Rehabilitation (DCYF/JR) facilities by investigating individual complaints and monitoring compliance with laws and policies. The role also contributes to systemwide investigations, identifies trends, and recommends improvements through research and analysis. The position engages directly with communities affected by the juvenile rehabilitation system and responds to inquiries from the public, lawmakers, and the media. Public speaking and statewide travel are part of the role. The position is based at the physical office in Tukwila, Washington, and is hybrid, with most work allowing telework. Flexible work schedules and locations are offered, with in-person travel for activities, meetings, and events as business needs require. The Washington State Office of the Family and Children’s Ombuds provides information for navigating child welfare and juvenile rehabilitation systems, investigates complaints about agency actions or conduct, intervenes to correct violations of law or policy, and identifies systemwide issues and recommends changes to improve outcomes for children and strengthen families. The office is committed to anti-racism, anti-ableism, and addressing marginalization, and aims to foster a workplace grounded in dignity and respect. The budgeted annual salary range is $75,000–$95,000. The starting offer depends on the successful candidate’s qualifications, and there may be potential for longevity, growth, and salary progression.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of child welfare, juvenile rehabilitation, and/or juvenile legal systems.
Ability to work effectively with diverse families and children in crisis.
Experience handling confidential information and complying with confidentiality requirements.
Ability to identify and understand applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures and translate them into strategic decision-making for complex casework.
Knowledge of interview and investigation techniques.
Experience in conflict management and working with people experiencing stress or trauma.
Ability to gather and analyze data impartially and fairly.
Ability to manage multiple activities, establish priorities, work independently, and pursue objectives with limited supervision.
Demonstrated ability to promote accountability and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Understanding of the disparate impacts of child welfare and juvenile rehabilitation system involvement on BIPOC children, youth, and families, including systemic and institutional contributors to inequitable outcomes.
Experience writing clear, concise reports that summarize information and analysis.
Proficiency in navigating and using external databases for investigation and research.
Understanding of the unique challenges facing incarcerated youth and young adults.
Understanding of the independent, impartial, and neutral role of an ombuds and the principles and practices that support effective ombuds work.

Nice To Haves

Prior demonstrated experience in social work, public administration, public policy, or a related field.
Understanding of the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families structure, divisions, and duties.
Experience conducting administrative investigations involving document review.
Experience working in an ombuds role addressing complex and sensitive constituent concerns.
Multilingual.

Responsibilities

Promote public awareness and provide information about navigating the juvenile rehabilitation system, including the rights and responsibilities of involved youth and young adults.
Represent OFCO at multidisciplinary meetings with various groups.
Investigate complaints about DCYF/JR actions or conduct and potential harm to youth or young adults.
Monitor DCYF/JR practices and procedures for providing services and managing safe, secure facilities that meet the needs of youth and young adults.
Identify systemic issues adversely affecting youth and young adults in DCYF/JR facilities and develop recommendations to improve services and outcomes.
Provide information to the public through reports, other publications, presentations, and speaking engagements with diverse audiences.
Work with the OFCO team on systemwide investigations, identify trends, and recommend improvements through research and analysis.
Respond to inquiries from the public, lawmakers, and the media.
Engage directly with communities impacted by the juvenile rehabilitation system.