State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Ombudsperson (1379MP)

$42.64-$58.14 Hourly / $3,411.04-$4,650.85 BiWeekly /
$89,028.00-$121,387.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Departments of Children and Families and Mental Health and Addiction Services this class is accountable for directing the design and implementation of a comprehensive statewide advocacy program for clients, consumers and/or foster and adoptive parents.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives executive direction from the Commissioner or other administrative official of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Directs staff as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Directs design and implementation of a comprehensive  statewide advocacy program for the department; 
  • Coordinates, plans and manages assessment and development of program activities; 
  • Formulates program goals and objectives; 
  • Develops and implements policy, legislative and/or procedural recommendations to enhance and streamline service delivery;
  • Interprets and administers pertinent laws; 
  • Evaluates staff; 
  • Prepares or assists in preparation of program budget; 
  • Maintains contacts with individuals within and outside of program who might impact program activities; 
  • Recommends statewide policies and procedures for receiving, evaluating, referring and resolving complaints; 
  • Establishes procedures for reporting of findings, conclusions and agency actions; 
  • Identifies and documents problems affecting clients, consumers and foster or adoptive parents; 
  • Acts as departmental representative with government officials to resolve problems and communicate services; 
  • Solicits and provides information to community and advocacy groups;
  • Provides advice and assistance to clients, consumers and service providers; 
  • Publicizes purpose and operation of Ombudsman office; 
  • Advises Commissioner regarding program recommendations and operations; 
  • Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of
    • and ability to apply management principles and practices;
    • relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; 
    • issues facing children, families and foster and adoptive parents;
    • issues related to adult mental health and substance use disorders;
  • Considerable
    • interpersonal skills; 
    • oral and written communication skills; 
  • Considerable ability in program planning, development, implementation and evaluation; 
  • Ability to work with diverse populations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Eight (8) years of professional experience providing advocacy services, case management or direct care to children or persons with disabilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a supervisory or consultative capacity.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  • College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
  • A Master's degree in social work or a health care discipline may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Competitive

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(33)-Social Services

BARGAINING UNIT

(02)-MANAGERIAL

EEO

(1)-Officials And Administrators

SALARY INFORMATION

MP 62

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility. 

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Ombudsperson in Salary Group MP 62 approved effective October 21, 2022. (Revised to add Acknowledgement section and modify content) Final 23-001

EFFECTIVE DATE

01/03/2023
CLASS: 1379MP; EST: 4/28/1995; REV: 1/3/2023;