LEGAL INVESTIGATOR OMBUDSMAN

The Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide is looking for an individual to join our team as a Legal Investigator Ombudsman. This position will work directly with the public and investigate complaints relating to the administrative acts of state agencies and boards and commissions within the office's jurisdiction.

This position will research and analyze state statutes, rules, and policies related to state agencies, boards, and commissions. The individual will draft reports or other written material.

The position will also work directly with the public, state officials, agency representatives, and key stakeholders.

Duties

Primary duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Synthesize the results of investigations into well-written reports for various audiences, including high-ranking government officials and the public

• Research federal, state, and other laws, rules, and regulations to determine if government actions are aligned with law, reasonable, timely, and otherwise proper

• Investigate complaints regarding the administrative acts of state agencies, boards, and commissions within the office's jurisdiction

• Examine and evaluate all available data, make findings, and coordinate with appropriate administrators and complainants

• Maintain timely and courteous communication with complainants and agency staff during investigations

• Maintain complete investigative files in accordance with standards set by the State Ombudsman

• Perform other duties as assigned

Salary

• $73,000 - $85,000

Qualifications

Knowledge:

• Methods, techniques, and practices of conducting investigations, examining and evaluating evidence

• Arizona state government structure, functions, operations, and processes

• Advanced techniques for writing concise and comprehensive reports

• Arizona Legislature's processes and procedures

• Arizona statutes, rules, and policies

Skills:

• Superior interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact with highly emotional individuals of all backgrounds

• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills

• Highly developed research skills, including legal research

• Advanced problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills

• High-level critical listening and critical thinking skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Abilities:

• Exercise superior judgment and a sophisticated sense of discretion in interactions with diverse stakeholders regarding often controversial issues

• Evaluate likely impacts of legislative proposals, rules, and policy on statewide, agency-wide, industry-wide, stakeholder, and individual levels

• Demonstrate high aptitude for critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and strategic planning regarding complex systems and policies

• Uphold the Classical Ombudsman characteristics of independence, impartiality, and confidentiality

• Represent the State Ombudsman’s mission, vision, and goals for the office

• Quickly adapt to new information and changing circumstances/priorities

• Maintain a team-oriented, collaborative attitude

• Work independently and with little supervision

• Act with high ethics and reliability

Minimum:

• Experience working in government or in a position directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified in the job description

• Bachelor's degree or five years of investigative experience

Preferred:

• Familiarity with the Department of Child Safety, Department of Economic Security, Revenue, Transportation, AHCCCS, and/or Department of Health Services

• Experience writing executive-level reports or drafting written material for executive-level management

• Completion of a paralegal or legal studies program or other writing-intensive education program

• Experience working with the Arizona Legislature or working in the government sector

• Bilingual: Spanish and English, preferred

• Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver license record checks, required to maintain acceptable driving records and complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.11)

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

Other Information

• If you have any questions please feel free to contact Shawn McConnell at staffing@azdoa.gov for assistance

Benefits

The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

• Paid time off – earn from 13 to 21 days annually depending on years of service

• Generous health, vision, and dental insurance with spousal and family plans

• Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) savings retirement plan

• Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts

• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance

• Wellness incentive program

• Ten paid holidays per year

• Paid sick leave

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)

• Note that enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment