Advocate Defender

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

A Career with Purpose

The Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) is a team of dedicated and passionate professionals led by a dynamic leadership team. This is a unique opportunity to bring meaningful changes and tackle issues affecting at-risk youth. This position requires the ability to oversee significant projects and exercise sound judgment in complex situations. If you have a desire to make a difference in the lives of juveniles, this may be the role for you.

Basic Purpose

Positions in this job family serve as liaison between the state or area office of a large agency and field offices which are involved in the delivery of social services, juvenile services or rehabilitation services on a statewide basis

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the rights of youth in the custody of the Office of Juvenile Affairs are enforced.
• Regularly visit OJA contracted and licensed facilities around the state as well as the state operated facility, Central Oklahoma Juvenile Center (COJC) in Tecumseh, OK.  As a result, frequent in-state travel will be required.
• Advise COJC youth of the availability and function of the Advocate Defender.
• Refer reports of abuse to the Department of Human Services, Office of Client Advocacy and other appropriate entities for investigation.
• Oversee the grievance system at COJC in conjunction with the Advocate General.
• Track data on grievances received by youth at COJC. Analyze data and prepare monthly summary for the Advocate General or other staff as requested.
• Advise youth in OJA custody regarding their rights responsibilities and grievance procedures.
• Attend meetings and hearings, when requested, as a support for youth in the OJA system. This may involve presenting evidence, questioning witnesses or other support needed during meetings and hearings.
• Review Disciplinary Hearing waivers or pleas of guilty signed by youth in OJA custody.
• Prepare written reports and recommendations as requested. Present reports and recommendations at meetings as needed.
• Train new OJA employees, as requested, on the rights and responsibilities of youth in OJA custody.
• Conduct trainings at OJA contracted and licensed facilities to ensure rights of OJA custody youth are protected.

Other duties

Compensation

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience required at this level consists of a master’s degree and three years of professional experience in social work, child support, adult protective services, child welfare, early childhood development and education, guidance and counseling, nursing, intellectual disability, probation and parole, public administration, community-based prevention and diversionary youth services programs, juvenile justice, rehabilitation counseling, vocational evaluation or vocational rehabilitation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of additional qualifying experience for each year of the required education.

Special Requirements

Some positions may require that applicants be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with the position. Some agencies may have determined positions in this job family to be safety sensitive as defined by 63 O.S. § 427.8.

Why You’ll Love It Here!

HOPE. COMPASSION. COMMITMENT. As a Hope-centered agency the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) strives to provide Oklahoma youth and families with the resources and support they need to reach their full potential. Our mission is to collaborate with youth, families, and community partners to create pathways for success through prevention and treatment for all Oklahoma Youth. Check out why we are passionate about juvenile affairs and believe it is the career for you!

Extensive Benefits : We know that benefits matter and that is why we offer a competitive benefits package for all eligible employees.

About Us : Our vision is that all Oklahoma youth and families have the resources and supports they need to reach their full potential. We collaborate with youth, families, and community partners to create pathways for success through prevention and treatment for all Oklahoma youth.

Ready to make a difference? Apply today and help change the lives of Oklahoma’s most at-risk youth! The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.

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