JOB PURPOSE
The incumbent will also conduct inspections at child care facilities and juvenile correctional and remand centres. These are in compliance with Part II of the second schedule of the Child Care and Protection Act (2004) and prepare written reports to be submitted to the Children’s Advocate and relevant authorities.
KEY OUTPUTS
- Definition of the scope and complexity of investigations.
- Investigate reports received by the OCA
- Reviews/prepares documents to support the hearing of complaints.
- Reviews/prepares monthly reports for statistical data.
- Assists in the preparation of the section work plan and annual budget
- Prepares individual work plan and itinerary
- Conducts inspections at child care facilities and juvenile correctional and remand centres
- Policy recommendations
- Facilitate other agencies in matters concerning children
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical
- Devise plan of action for investigations in consultation with the Director of Investigations, Inspections and Compliance and the Senior Investigations, Inspections and Compliance Officer into reports and complaints made to the office.
- Conduct detailed investigations into reports and complaints received by the OCA
- Conduct interviews and record statements from complainants, witnesses and other persons relevant to an investigation
- Undertake detailed examination of reports and other records in relation to the matter under investigation.
- Collect documents and other relevant information relevant to an investigation or inspection
- Prepare reports with findings, recommendations and conclusions and any other possible course of action resulting from investigations or inspections undertaken.
- Conduct investigations for various court proceedings and prepare reports for these courts equivalent to a social enquiry report
- Respond to emergency cases involving children
- Prepare casefiles for criminal and civil proceedings
- Give testimonies in hearings and other proceedings before the courts and other relevant agencies
- Provide feedback to complainants where relevant.
- Conduct detailed inspections of facilities across the island that house and supervises children
- Prepares monthly reports with statistical data to be presented to Director of Investigations, Inspections and Compliance
Other
- Engage in Public Education and presentations for the OCA
- Provide assistance to the courts, the police and other relevant agencies in matters concerning children
- Provide assistance and support to children from initial contact to resolution of matters concerning the client
- Assist with the clearing and processing of complaints retrieved from receptacles at juvenile correctional and remand centres
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Investigations, Inspections and Compliance and Senior Investigations, Inspections and Compliance Officer or the Children’s Advocate and the Deputy Children’s Advocate.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
- High level and quality of services delivered:
- Confidentiality, impartiality and integrity in all operations in accordance with the Child Care and Protection Act, 2004.
- Statements from complainants are taken accurately with all relevant details.
- High standard of care employed in conducting investigation into complaints and reports received.
- Thorough examination of records and documents related to complaints and reports received
- Accurate and timely reports prepared in established and agreed formats
- Appropriate and timely feedback provided to complainant when required
- Researched, appropriate and timely policy and other recommendations
- Objectives and targets met as per agreed work plan
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Core
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- In-depth knowledge of the Child Care and Protection Act (2004)
- In-depth knowledge of international laws and treaties concerning children
- Working knowledge of issues affecting children, particularly in Jamaica.
- Action oriented and committed to meeting deadlines.
Technical
- Strong Investigative and Interviewing skills.
- Strategic thinking ability.
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
- Excellent report writing skills
- Working knowledge of relevant computer systems and applications.
MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE
- A Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science or equivalent qualification from a recognized tertiary institution or
- equivalent combination of related education and training from a recognized tertiary institution
- Three (3) years related working experience
SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB
Extensive field work to conduct Investigations and inspections Island wide into complaints and reports received by the OCA and may be required from time to time to work beyond normal working hours, on weekends and in volatile communities. The Officer is also required to respond to emergency calls received through the various mediums, such as printed or electronic, social media or phone calls to the Children’s Advocate, rendering the Officer’s immediate action, regardless of the location or time of day or night, in furtherance of the OCA’s mandate.
AUTHORITY
- Execute the mandate of the OCA in accordance with the CCPA (2004)
- Manages case load of complaints.
- May require to manage/co-ordinate research development recommendations or project-based initiatives from time to time.
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
This job is satisfactorily performed when the needs of the internal and external clients are met.
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