Assistant Ombuds - Congregate Care

FT / PT Status – Full-Time Salary – $23.28 - $39.02 Hourly Wage Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid Recruiter – Niccole Johnson | niccolejohnson@utah.gov | 801-538-3956 Application Deadline – 5/27/2025

Key Responsibilities

Assistant Ombudsman, Congregate Care

Are you passionate about advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals? Do you possess strong communication, problem-solving, and investigative skills? If so, the The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Customer Experience (DCE) team is looking for an Assistant Ombuds.

The Office of Ombuds investigates and resolves concerns from the public, ensures rights of individuals are supported, provides recommendations to agencies, and advocates for the people we serve. This office plays a key role in moving the vision of the Department forward in ensuring that all Utahn's have fair and equitable opportunities to live safe and healthy lives. The Assistant Ombuds will assist in the following program areas: Child Protection, Congregate Care, Disability, and DHHS Constituent Services.

Why You Should Join Our Team

Become an integral part of the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and contribute to the vision of advocating for, supporting, and serving all individuals and communities in Utah; and ensuring all Utahns have fair and equitable opportunities to live safe and healthy lives. Help us achieve this through effective policy and a seamless system of services and programs.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and Resolve Complaints: Receive, investigate, work to resolve complaints, while ensuring a fair and impartial process.
• Advocacy: Act as an advocate to ensure individuals rights are upheld, their concerns are heard, and their needs are met.
• Information and Education: Provide individuals, their families, facility staff, and the public with information about their rights, relevant laws, and the services of the Ombuds program.
• Data Collection and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of complaints, investigations, resolutions, prepare detailed reports, and contribute to program data collection and reporting requirements.
• Collaboration and Communication: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with facility staff, state agencies, and community partners.
• Systemic Advocacy: Identify systemic issues and advocate for policy and practice changes.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• 3 years of professional experience in advocacy, investigative work, social services, or a related field.
• Ability to professionally and compassionately interact with members of the public who may be in distress.
• Ability to conduct impartial investigations, analyze information, and develop effective resolutions.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a caseload independently.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications (e.g., Google docs, spreadsheets).
• Must possess a valid Utah driver's license and have access to reliable transportation for travel within the assigned region.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working as an Ombuds or in a similar conflict resolution role.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to child welfare or congregate care.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Mediation or conflict resolution skills.
• Experience in preparing clear, concise, and well-structured reports tailored to diverse audiences including state agencies, community partners, and the public.
• Fluent in reading, writing and speaking Spanish
  
  

Supplemental Information

• Effective July 1, 2021, State of Utah Employees must either reside in Utah or be in the process of relocating to within 30 days of their start date.
• Please note, a position's eligibility for remote and/or hybrid work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion, at any time and for any reason.
• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.
• Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
• DHRM rules apply for promotions and transfers.
  
  

About The Role

Location –

195 North 1950 West

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116

United States

Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.

Drug Test Required – No

Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service

Why You Should Join Our Team

Benefits

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah , click here . Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.
  
  

The Agency

An ombudsman (sometimes called an “ombuds”) is a person who investigates complaints about and helps resolve concerns or problems with businesses, public officials, or organizations. They are not a caseworker, but a neutral or impartial person in investigations of these concerns. Ombuds help protect the rights of people supported by programs or services at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

EEO Statem ent

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.