The State of New Hampshire, Office of the Child Advocate has a full-time vacancy for an Associate Child Advocate.

Summary:

Acts as primary legal counsel to the Office of Child Advocate (OCA). Acts as agent of the Director representing the Office of the Child Advocate. Receives and investigates complaints from the public regarding administrative actions of executive agencies, to formulate fair and appropriate remedy. Manages daily operations of the office, supervises staff and serves as acting Child Advocate performing certain duties as described in RSA 21-V upon any vacancy in the position of the Child Advocate until such time as a Child Advocate has been confirmed.

Other information:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association recognized law school.

Experience: Five years' experience in active practice of law.

License/Certification: Valid driver’s license and/or access to transportation for statewide travel.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Must be an active member of the New Hampshire Bar Association and in Good Standing.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: The supplemental job description lists typical examples of work and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to a position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that classification.

YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS - Under a recent change to the rules, an applicant's relevant experience now counts towards formal education degrees referenced in the posting! See Per 405.1.

18 Months of additional relevant experience = Associate's degree

36 Months of additional relevant experience = Bachelor's degree

54 Months of additional relevant experience = Master's degree

Responsibilities:

ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Analyzes legal problems related to state government, child welfare, child protection and juvenile justice; and formulates interpretations and recommendations. Interfaces with legal staff from the Office of the Governor, Attorney General, and other executive agencies or contractors as necessary.

Serves as liaison for the Child Advocate with state administrators, legislators, and local officials and represents the Child Advocate and the OCA at assigned meetings, work groups, and committees.

Reviews and monitors all proposed and promulgated rules and all proposed and pending legislation affecting the OCA and OCA constituency in order to advise the Child Advocate for appropriate action. Prepares and delivers testimony, in conjunction with the Child Advocate.

Conducts research using appropriate sources and prepares and implements a plan of investigation for each complaint to be investigated. Prepares legal docume nts for service on parties and supervises the service of subpoenas and the return of service.

Assists the Child Advocate in the planning, drafting, and editing of investigation protocols and critical, special, and annual OCA reports.

Analyzes results of investigations, prepares reports of findings and recommendations for the Child Advocate’s review and signature, and coordinates review of results with appropriate agency. Investigates selected critical incidents and maintains a regular caseload including intake, investigation, and complaint resolution, and keeps case closures current.

Staffs periodic meetings to review: Critical Incident Reports (CIRs), reports of supported allegations of abuse and neglect (AANRs) in out-of-home settings, and active OCA cases.

Assists the Child Advocate in satisfying the mandate to perform educational outreach and advocacy.

Participates in the interviewing and hiring process for OCA staff. Facilitates staff development and evaluates work performance, annual goals, and professional development needs.

Exercises and maintains the security and confidentiality of OCA matters and materials as required by law, including maintenance of all OCA investigative files.

Attends workshops, seminars, and conferences in order to maintain or expand expertise in children’s care and treatment, governmental law, policy, and administration as required.

Recognizes that everyone we come in contact with is a customer, consistently treating all with courtesy, respect and professionalism, striving to exceed customer service expectations, and maintaining harmonious work relationships.

Disclaimer Statement : The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that classification.

For further information please contact Cassandra Sanchez, The Child Advocate, email address: Cassandra.L.Sanchez@ChildAdvocate.nh.gov or phone: 603-271-7773

*TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:

HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits:

The actual value of State-paid health benefits is based on the employee's union status, and employee per pay period health benefit contributions will vary depending on the type of plan selected.

See this link for details on State-paid health benefits:

Employee Benefits | NH Dept. of Administrative Services

Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 14.53% of pay

Other Benefits:

* Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)

* Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts

*State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan

• Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan

• $50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low-cost group life insurance

• Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)

Total Compensation Statement Worksheet:

Total Compensation Calculator | Human Resources | NH Dept. of Administrative Services

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website:

Human Resources | NH Dept. of Administrative Services

Benefits Summary (nh.gov)

EOE

TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964