JOB POSTING – Assistant Inspector General Office of Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare

Nebraska Unicameral/State of Nebraska

Description: The Assistant Inspector General investigates and reports on child and youth deaths and serious injuries within the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, as well as complaints related to those systems, under the Office of Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. 43-4301 – 43-4331). The Assistant Inspector General works with limited supervision from the Inspector General and works in collaboration with other members of the office. This position involves detailed issue analysis, extensive writing, editing, and working with information of an extremely sensitive and confidential nature associated with investigations and legal proceedings. Due to the sensitive nature of Inspector General work, the position dictates the highest standards in official, professional, and personal conduct; due professional care in conducting investigations; and the ability to remain objective.

Knowledge, skills and abilities: 

  • Ability to define and analyze problems; investigate and research problems; analyze narrative and numerical data, draw conclusions, and make decisions. 
  • Astute critical thinking skills a must. 
  • Ability to understand legal provisions, regulations, operations, and administrative procedures and apply them to specific situations. 
  • Knowledge of the structure and operation of local, state and federal government; the operation of the Nebraska Legislature; the role and content of Nebraska statutory and regulatory provisions relating to child welfare and juvenile justice. 
  • Detail oriented and deadline driven with an ability to organize and plan work; maintain confidentiality; adjust to a changing environment; and remain objective. A self-starter comfortable working independently but with an ability to collaborate and learn from others. 
  • Ability to communicate with others effectively, both orally and in writing, and to interact well with a diverse group of people. 
  • Understanding of child development and family dynamics desirable.

Job duties: The Assistant Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare will plan and conduct investigations and write formal investigation reports. Investigations address systemic problems in the child welfare and/or juvenile justice systems, and ascertain compliance with or alleged violations of laws, rules, and regulations related to child welfare or juvenile justice. Work includes: 

  • Detailed issue analysis  
  • Extensive writing  
  • Conducting interviews of complainants, witnesses, subjects, and others to determine facts, circumstantial evidence, hearsay, documentation, or other matters;  
  • Analyzing various agency program functions, documents and/or activities; 
  • Development of specific investigation objectives, timelines, and specialized methods and criteria to identify any trends presented as a result of an investigation or review of information or data; 
  • Independently analyzing complaints to identify specific problem areas, appropriate actions, resolution strategies or recommendations; and 
  • Performance of other duties as required or assigned.

Hiring rate of position: $60,391 – $67,637. **Salary will be increased 15% on July 1, 2024.

Qualifications/Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (a law degree or graduate degree is highly preferred) and two (2) years administrative, investigative, or research experience in government.

To Apply: Send cover letter outlining your interest in the position, resume, and writing sample (4 page minimum) to Inspector General Jennifer Carter at: 

  • Email: OIG@leg.ne.gov; or  
  • Mail: Office of Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare, State Capitol, P.O. Box 94604, Lincoln, NE 68509-4604.