C. E. A.

About the role

The CEA A - Foster Care Ombudsperson is the highest level independent advocate in the California Department of Social Services for the safety of children in foster care. This position develops strategic goals, policy, planning, organizing, directing, implementing, and evaluating activities of the Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson (OFCO) that address urgent and systemic issues within the public child welfare system.

Responsibilities

• Develops strategic goals, policy, planning, organizing, directing, implementing, and evaluating activities of the Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson (OFCO).
• Addresses urgent and systemic issues within the public child welfare system.
• Works statewide, with multi-departmental, inter-governmental, and public impact.
• Ensures compliance with California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 16164 (a).
• Requires statewide travel as needed.

Requirements

This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the organization and functions of California State Government including the organization and practices of the Legislature and the Executive Branch; principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management; techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evaluation; methods of administrative problem solving; principles and practices of policy formulation and development; and personnel management techniques; the department’s or agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; and a manager’s role in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures and practices; integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters; develop cooperative working relationships with representatives of all levels of government, the public, and the Legislature and Executive branches; analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; and prepare and review reports; and effectively contribute to the department’s or agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Expertise in child welfare and foster care.
• Knowledge of government programs and processes, including those provided by the California Department of Social Services that support children and youth in foster care, and their families.
• Experience with client-centered processes and decision making in both individual matters and systemic reform efforts.
• Strong communication and relationship building skills, including clear and concise writing, effective listening skills, discernment, empathy and sensitivity.
• Knowledge of program management and staff supervision principles.
• Ability to organize, oversee, and complete work in a timely manner.