STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Assistant Child Advocate

Recruitment #190109-0957MP-001

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Office of the Child Advocate is presently accepting applications for a full-time Assistant Child Advocate position.  In the Office of the Child Advocate, the Assistant Child Advocate is responsible for managing and evaluating statewide programs to ensure the legal, civil and special rights of children who reside in the State of Connecticut.

Examples of duties include but are not limited to:

  • Manages statewide programs related to monitoring and evaluating private and public agencies, including State agencies, that are charged with protecting children;
  • manages staff and operations as assigned; determines priorities and work assignments; develops and implements prevention and/or advocacy strategies;
  • develops and implements operational objectives; conducts investigations and periodic reviews;
  • collects and analyzes programmatic data to ensure optimal tracking of trends and outcomes;
  • participates in activities to educate and inform the public of laws and services that affect children and families;
  • acts as a liaison with local and national institutions and organizations;           

Selection Plan

All applicants must include a resume within the “Resume Tab” of their application.   (Note: In order to upload document you must ensure that your internet browser’s ‘pop-up’ blocker is off.  Failure to do so may prevent you from being able to upload documentation and submit your application.)

During the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc. at the discretion of the agency.  

Please ensure that your application is complete.  You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut.  Candidates who submit an untimely, incomplete or inaccurate application will not be considered for this employment opportunity.  

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Kristen Pepin at kristen.pepin@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Office of the Child Advocate, this class is accountable for managing and evaluating statewide programs to ensure the legal, civil and special rights of children who reside in the State of Connecticut.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Manages statewide programs related to monitoring and evaluating private and public agencies, including State agencies, that are charged with protecting children; manages staff and operations as assigned; determines priorities and work assignments; develops and implements prevention and/or advocacy strategies; develops and implements operational objectives; conducts investigations and periodic reviews; develops monitoring and investigation plans based on best practices, law, regulations and/or federal and state accreditation standards; oversees the preparation and maintenance of records, reports and correspondence; shares investigatory/review findings and recommendations with agencies and others as indicated; develops or assists in the development of legislative testimony, regulatory, policy and/or practice initiatives; collects and analyzes programmatic data to ensure optimal tracking of trends and outcomes; prepares reports and correspondence; participates in activities to educate and inform the public of laws and services that affect children and families; acts as a liaison with local and national institutions and organizations; assists with evaluating staff and monitoring budgets; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of relevant State and Federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of child welfare systems; considerable knowledge of mental health and behavioral challenges facing children and youth; considerable knowledge of factors which influence attitudes and behaviors of individuals and families; knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; knowledge of research methods and principles; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; supervisory ability; ability to utilize cpmputer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Eight (8) years of professional experience in the field of child welfare, children's protective services, foster services or adoption.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  1. 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) yeas for a Bachelor's degree.
  2. A Master's degree in social work, public policy or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

NOTE: Closely related fields are child development, child welfare, psychology, counseling, criminal justice, human development and family relations, social and/or human services, marriage and family therapy, nursing, education and public administration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to candidates that possess:

  • Experience working with or on behalf of children impacted by trauma
  • Experience interpreting and applying relevant State and Federal Laws, statues and regulations to the area of child advocacy
  • Experience advocating on behalf of children with special needs (mental health, health, developmental disabilities) and their families
  • Experience in research, analysis and investigation into issues involving child well-being.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
  2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.