Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson

POSITION SUMMARY:

The State of Illinois is seeking a motivated and experienced leader to serve as the Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience managing and developing a team, advocating for youth in detention, building trust, addressing concerns, and advancing systemic improvements that protect the rights, well-being, and dignity of justice-involved youth.

The Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson will lead, supervise, and support a team responsible for monitoring juvenile detention facilities and responding to complaints and concerns raised by youth. Key responsibilities include assigning and reviewing staff work, ensuring investigations are conducted thoroughly and consistently, conducting regular site visits to assess facility conditions, interviewing youth about their experiences, and recommending policy and practice reforms to state and county leaders.

The Governor appoints the Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate, to serve a four-year term.

The Office of the Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson is administratively housed within and supported by the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. However, the Ombudsperson reports directly to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Office of the Governor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson is established by statute (730 ILCS 5/3-7-25) to advocate on behalf of youth in the custody of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice and county operated juvenile detention centers across Illinois. 

• Monitors the implementation of rules and standards for the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice and county operated detention centers.
• Evaluates the delivery of services to ensure youth rights are fully observed.
• Assists youth and their families when needed, including advocating in the best interest of youth.
• Investigates and resolves complaints made by youth or systemic issues within the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice or county operated detention centers.
• Inspects facilities to ensure youth rights are fully observed.
• Meets confidentially with youth and informs youth of pertinent laws, rules, and policies and their rights.
• Reports any critical or serious concerns to the Director of the Department of Juvenile Justice – or for county operated detention centers, the chief judge of the judicial circuit and the Director of the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts – along with the Office of the Lt. Governor and Office of the Governor.
• Supervises a Deputy Ombudsperson, Administrative Assistant, and regional staff. In Fiscal Year 2027, the Office is budgeted for 10 positions, including the Ombudsperson.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Requires the knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to a bachelor’s degree or advanced degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in criminal justice, education, psychology, social work, or a closely related social science. 

• Requires relevant expertise in areas such as the juvenile justice system, investigations, or civil rights advocacy as evidenced by experience in the field or academic background. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Specialized knowledge of juvenile delinquency law and procedure at local, state, and federal levels.
• Significant knowledge of and familiarity with state and federal juvenile correctional laws, statutes, and rules, including the Prison Rape Elimination Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
• Specialized knowledge of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) abuse and neglect referrals and procedures, as well as Illinois State Police referrals and investigations.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

1. Requires the ability to pass an IDOC/IDJJ background check.

2. Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs, including cannabis, by an employee, regardless of position held is prohibited.

3. Individuals who have worked for the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice or a county operated juvenile detention center within the last twelve months or who has any other conflict of interest, as defined by 730 ILCS 5/3-2.7-20, are prohibited from being appointed to this role.

4. Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.

5. Must be 21 years old. 6. Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.

6. Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and training to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.

7. This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings. 

BENEFITS: