Initial Posting Date:
12/16/2025Application Deadline:
12/30/2025Agency:
Department of Human ServicesSalary Range:
$6,667 - $9,830Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Foster Care Ombuds (Operations and Policy Analyst 3)Job Description:
The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.
Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today! We're in search of a skilled professional to take on a key role in our team as the Foster Care Ombudsman (Ombuds), Operations and Policy Analyst 3 for the Governor’s Advocacy Office (GAO), within the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). In this role, you will be responsible for operating a telephone line that is available to children, youth, and adults with experience in substitute care with a foster parent, a child caring agency, or an independent residential facility
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Informational Session
Interested in working in the Governor’s Advocacy Office? Learn More!
We are hosting a virtual informational session on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time. You will have the opportunity to meet the hiring manager and learn more about the position and speak with the recruiter who can help you apply.
When: Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM Pacific Time.
Join the virtual meeting by following the link below to the Microsoft Teams meeting application:
ODHS Foster Care Ombuds Recruitment Informational Meeting | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams
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Summary of Duties
The Governor’s Advocacy Office is a part of the ODHS Director's office and resolves issues and tracks trends on behalf of the ODHS Director. We are a part of Oregon Department of Human Services; however, we have an obligation to work separately so that we may objectively review the department actions or inactions. Ombuds are not meant to be advocates for individuals but advocates for fair and equal treatment by ODHS according to laws, rules, and the department's mission. We do report to the Governor and per the Director have the authority to go to the Governor at any time.
The Foster Children's Bill of Rights requires that youth experiencing foster care are enabled to make complaints and assert grievances regarding their care, safety, or well-being. The Foster Care Ombuds (FCO) role was created in 2014 within the GAO to fulfill a requirement of the Foster Children's Bill of Rights. The Youth Empowerment Safety (Y.E.S.) line was created as the contact for the FCO.
As a Foster Care Ombuds you will:
Receive and review concerns raised by children or youth experiencing foster care across the state, or by their advocates.
Investigate the actions or inactions of the ODHS program related to the reported concern.
Provide mediation and conflict resolution to address the concern.
Act as an impartial investigator and dispute resolution practitioner.
Provide independent, confidential, and informal assistance to youth experiencing foster care across Oregon who have concerns or questions about their rights, care, well-being, placement, or services received while in foster care.
Advocate on behalf of children or youth experiencing the foster care program across Oregon.
Be a resource for children, youth, or their advocates, providing information and referrals, as needed.
Conduct necessary interviews and document reviews.
Brief State and Federal legislators and their staff on the perspective of youth experiencing foster care across the state.
Minimum Qualifications
A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
Experience with the foster care system is required.
AND
A bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Finance, Political Science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills;
AND
four years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work.
OR
Any combination of experience and education equivalent to seven years of experience that typically supports the knowledge and skills for the classification.
Essential Attributes
We are looking for candidates with:
Experience that exhibits a passion for valuing the perspectives of children and youth.
Experience delivering high level communication products (written and verbal), along with live presentations exhibiting excellent interpersonal skills.
Experience presenting information to large groups.
Experience working well both independently and as part of a team.
Experience interpreting state statutes and administrative rules.
Experience accurately explaining policies or procedures both verbally and in writing
Experience that demonstrates a commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
Experience preparing written reports for a wide variety of audiences.
Experience making decisions and resolving problems using independent judgement.
Experience using critical thinking and active listening skills.
Attention all candidates! A cover letter is required. Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.
Please make sure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.
The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
Working Conditions
This majority of work performed by this position can be accomplished in a hybrid/remote work environment, though occasional travel to periodic in-person meetings will be required in locations throughout the state.
Employee may be required to use a state vehicle for conducting business so therefore must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
High volume of work. Long periods of time spent working on a PC and phone.
Frequent exposure to agitated people.
Extended works hours, possible weekend, and evening work.
Background Checks and Requirements
If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.
The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
Benefits
ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
Cost of Living Adjustments.
Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
Amazing benefits package.
Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Employment Preference
Veterans’ preference:
How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.
General Information
This is a permanent, full-time position and is a Management Service, Non-Supervisory position and is not represented by a union.
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.
Contact Information
We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.
The recruiter for this position is Gregory Azure. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-192154.
Email: Gregory.P.Azure@odhs.oregon.gov
Phone (call or text): 503-509-6443