Associate Ombudsman – Client Services Analyst

Position: Associate Ombudsman – Client Services Analyst

Agency: Office of the Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman
Location: Denver, Colorado (Hybrid)
Reports to: Director of Client Services

Salary: $80,000 annually

Important: This posting will be used to fill two (2) open positions.

Are you driven by purpose and a passion for public service? Transform lives as an Associate Ombudsman – Client Services Analyst.

The Agency: The Office of the Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman

The Office of the Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman (CPO) is an independent state office established in statute to provide oversight of Colorado’s child protection system. The office serves as a neutral forum for members of the public to raise concerns related to child protection services and as a source of credible, system-level insight for state leaders. Its work focuses on how child protection systems operate in practice, where they may fall short, and what can be learned to strengthen fairness, accountability, and outcomes for children, youth, and families across Colorado.

Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman Agency Website

CPO is hiring an Associate Ombudsman – Client Services Analyst to make a meaningful impact in Colorado’s child protection system. This entry-level role is an opportunity to educate, investigate, and collaborate to empower families and enhance system-wide outcomes.

Why This Role? 

This is more than a job—it’s a chance to join a mission-driven organization improving child protection systems in Colorado. As part of the CPO team, you’ll work directly with youth and families, community partners, and policymakers to address critical issues in child protection and drive systemic change. This role is ideal for candidates passionate about social justice, children, and family-serving systems and public service.

Associate Ombudsman: Client Services Analyst - Official Job Description

What You’ll Do:

As an Associate Ombudsman, you’ll serve as a vital resource to Colorado’s children and families, handling complex and sensitive complaints related to child welfare services, Medicaid, behavioral health, and more. Key responsibilities include:

Managing a dynamic caseload – which includes client and agency communications, review/interpretation of relevant documentation and regulatory frameworks to working through resolution based on your conclusions.

Identifying individual and systemic strengths, opportunities for enhancement and drafting high-quality reports related to cases.

Ensuring every client interaction is an opportunity to educate, inform, and connect.

The Experience You Will Need:

We’re looking for professionals who bring energy, focus, and expertise to a fast-paced environment. To succeed in this role, you must demonstrate:

Education and Experience:

A bachelor’s degree in a related field (social work, law, public administration, journalism, behavioral sciences, or similar).

At least 1 year of professional experience in child welfare, legal analysis, investigative reporting, conflict resolution, or related fields.

Core Skills:

Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and adapt your style for diverse audiences.

Strong problem-solving abilities to analyze complex issues, identify patterns, and deliver actionable recommendations.

Research proficiency using tools like Westlaw, Lexis, and the Colorado Code of Regulations.

Personal Attributes:

Composure and empathy to handle emotionally charged situations with professionalism and compassion.

Time management skills to independently balance a high caseload with competing priorities.

A proactive mindset, demonstrating initiative and accountability in all tasks.

Experience That Strengthens Your Application

While not required, the following qualifications will help you excel in this role:

Advanced Expertise:

An advanced degree in fields such as public administration, law, social sciences, or journalism.

A deep understanding of Colorado’s Children’s Code (Title 19), administrative regulations, or juvenile court procedures.

Professional Experience:

Direct work with diverse children, youth, or families in crises or conflict resolution.

Experience with Colorado’s child welfare framework, including foster care, adoption systems, or child-placing agencies.

Additional Strengths:

Bilingual skills to connect with Colorado’s diverse communities effectively.

Experience drafting policy briefs, systemic trend analyses, or public-facing educational materials.

Agency Values

CPO’s work is guided by these core principles:

Integrity – transparent, impartial, and consistent

Collaboration – change through shared knowledge and partnership

Equity – systems responsive to diverse experiences and needs

Curiosity – continuous learning and reform

Independence – autonomy from the agencies reviewed

Benefits and Equal Opportunity

The position includes a comprehensive State of Colorado benefits package, including medical and dental coverage, paid leave and holidays, retirement through Colorado PERA, and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Click here for more information regarding employee benefits: State of Colorado Employee Benefits

The Office of the Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to full inclusion and reasonable accommodations.

Conditions of Employment:

This position is open only to Colorado residents.

Candidates must possess a valid CO driver’s license.

Candidates must successfully pass a criminal and personal background check.

Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass the Colorado TRAILS background check process.

Application Deadline: Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.