GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Office of the Child Advocate ensures the protection of the legal, civil and special rights of the children in the care of the Department of Children, Youth and Families. The office also represents the interests of children who are in voluntary placement with the Department of Children, Youth and Families. Provide trainings to Guardian ad litem and special advocates. Respond to inquiries as they relate to children in the care of the Department. Legislative advocacy pursuant to the statutory mandate of the office.

LLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• Author the office’s annual report, which must be submitted to the Legislature and the Governor on an annual basis.
• Responsible for other reports as assigned by the Child Advocate.
• Oversight, management and assignment of cases in which the office serves as the youth’s Guardian ad litem.
• Review and analyze all proposed legislation affecting children in Rhode Island; prepare letters to the General Assembly stating the Child Advocate’s position on various legislation affecting children; draft new and amended statutory language.
• Reviews and analyze policies, rules and regulations impacting children in state care that are suggested by DCYF or other state agencies and prepares the OCA’s written response to proposed rules and regulations.
• Serve on various task forces and committees, attends meetings upon the request of the Child Advocate when she is not available.
• Provide consultation to office staff on legal issues presented in the Office, checks Family Court records when an inquiry or investigation requires knowledge of legal status.
• The Assistant Child Advocate, with the assistance of the Staff Attorney, will respond to legal questions posed in inquiries regarding children in DCYF care.
• Provide trainings to Guardian ad litem and special advocates.
• The Assistant Child Advocate shall also oversee and finalize any Court ordered investigations and represent the OCA in Family Court pursuant to each investigation.
• The Assistant Child Advocate will review DCYF records and other documentation when there is a child fatality, prepares chronologies, subpoenas, or other required documentation necessary to complete an investigation.
• The Assistant Child Advocate in conjunction with the Staff Attorney shall monitor all legal issues at the Training School and petition the Family Court, as needed.
• The Assistant Child Advocate assists the Child Advocate with any management related duties including but not limited to payroll, human resources, budget preparation and agency finances.
• The Assistant Child Advocate’s responsibilities are subject to change and will be expected to perform other related duties as requested by the Child Advocate.
• To do related work as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: The Assistant Child Advocate shall be an attorney licensed to practice in Rhode Island for at least seven (7) years, with at least 6 years of family court experience, specifically child welfare, experience. The applicant must have experience with state systems and processes, including but not limited to budget preparation and submission, payroll and human resources. The applicant must possess a Federal Court license. Valid driver’s license, BCI and CANTS check required.