Child Advocate

Office of the Child Advocate
Child Advocate Position
One Ashburton Place
Boston, Massachusetts

Posting ID# J48647

The Child Advocate is appointed by the Governor to ensure that the child-serving executive agencies deliver timely, safe, and effective services. The Child Advocate ensures that children in the care of the Commonwealth receive humane and dignified treatment at all times. This critical position is charged by the Legislature with examining on a system-wide basis the care and services that executive branch agencies provide children, and advises the public and those at the highest levels of state government about how to improve services to children and families. The Child Advocate must be a highly experienced and respected professional who can provide leadership, influence high-level decision makers and have a broad vision for the child welfare system. The Child Advocate is a leader to those both inside and outside of state government and speaks for the welfare of our most vulnerable children and families.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the direction and overall opera- tion of the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA)
• Primary spokesperson for the OCA in its interactions with the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, Cabinet Secretaries, Agency Lead ership and the public, including the press
• Testifies before legislative committees, speaks at numerous public events, and represents the OCA in meetings with key stakeholders in the public and private sectors
• Identifies and recommends legislative and policy changes for improved services for chil- dren and families in the Commonwealth
• Leads OCA staff in developing and implement- ing the OCA’s strategic plan and projects relat- ed thereto
• Educates the public about the work of the OCA by speaking to constituent groups about the OCA’s role in child welfare and juvenile justice
• Oversees the publication of the OCA Annual Report
• Oversees the core mission of the OCA, includ- ing review of Critical Incident Reports (CIRs), operation of the Helpline, and review of reports of abuse and neglect in out-of-home settings
• Determines which critical incidents to investigate and oversees the investigation and production of investigative reports
• Directly supervises the OCA Deputy Director and Counsel and has ultimate supervisory responsibility for five OCA staff, including hiring, promotion, and employee retention

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced professional degree in law, social work, public health, or related field
• Minimum ten years’ experience in areas related to child welfare and juvenile justice
• Highly regarded expertise and commitment to child welfare and juvenile justice
• Extensive knowledge and experience in advo- cating on behalf of children and families
• Professional degree (and relevant licensure/ board admissions) and professional experence relevant to that degree (e.g., J.D., M.D., Ph.D., M.S.W. or equivalent)
• Knowledge of child welfare, juvenile justice, child health/behavioral health, education and judicial systems, particularly as those systems impact children
• Knowledge of the legislative process
• Ability to undertake both investigations and legislative initiatives
• Experience as a leader and supervisor
• Exceptional oral and written communication and analytical skills
• Experience as a skilled negotiator and persua- sive public speaker
• Ability to conduct systemic investigations
• Ability to work with the media and to effec tively collaborate with multiple individuals and organizations

How to Apply:
Please mail two (2) copies of cover letter and resume to:
Faythe Van Dam
Children, Youth and Families
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
600 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02111

Cover letter and resume may also be sent via facsimile to Fax 617-348-5054. *Please Note: If materials are faxed, only one copy of application materials should be forwarded.

Please reference Posting ID# J48647 on all correspondence. Materials submitted must be post marked by 7/22/2015 in order to be considered.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.