Advocate General

Job Posting Title

Advocate General

Agency

400 OFFICE OF JUVENILE AFFAIRS

Supervisory Organization

Secretary of Human Services

Job Posting End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full/Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

Job Description

A Career with Purpose
The Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) is a team of dedicated and passionate professionals led by a dynamic and supportive 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. We encourage experienced attorneys with an interest in public service to apply and join our team.

Basic Purpose
The Advocate General within the Office of Juvenile Affairs oversees a comprehensive grievance program for children who have been legally placed under the department's custody. The Division of Advocate Defender is established within the Office of Juvenile Affairs, separate from the Office of General Counsel. This position will ensure the appropriate reporting of abuse or neglect allegations concerning juveniles in custody, both in private and office-operated facilities. The Advocate General will collaborate with the Executive Director to establish a system for investigating allegations of misconduct by those responsible for children in the custody of the Office of Juvenile Affairs, and coordinate hearings or meetings of review committees for unresolved grievances or investigations. Additionally, the position will have opportunities to provide training internally and externally on policies related to the safe and proper care for youth in OJA custody.

Key Responsibilities 

• Supervises personnel at children's institutions and facilities as student defender/representatives.

• Investigates unresolved juvenile and staff grievances related to juveniles and sends unresolved complaint reports to the Office of Juvenile Systems Oversight for the Executive Director’s review.
• Provides recommendations and reports on grievance procedures, hearings, and investigations to the Executive Director, Office of Juvenile System Oversight, and others as necessary.

Schedule & Compensation 

• Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Annual Salary: (commensurate with experience and qualifications)

Minimum Qualifications 

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, a license to practice law in the State of Oklahoma, and an active membership of the Oklahoma Bar Association plus a minimum of three (3) years legal experience.

Special Requirements 

• Incumbent will be required to travel as part of their job responsibilities and possess a valid Oklahoma driver’s license for operating state-owned vehicles.
• Must be able to pass OSBI and FBI background check.
• Incumbent will be expected to complete Hope Navigator training within 12 months of appointment.
• Incumbent will be expected to stay informed about the latest updates and standards from state and federal Ombudsman Associations.

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.

• Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: A wide choice of health insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions.  

• Flexible Spending Accounts: Options for healthcare and dependent care expenses.  
• Retirement Savings Plan: With a generous company match to help secure your future.  

• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees.
• 11 paid holidays a year.

• Employee Assistance Program: Suppo