Job Title: Independent Ombudsman

Status: Independent Contractor

Serving the Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph, the independent Ombudsman is an independent contractor that supports and furthers the work of the Office of Child and Youth Protection (OCYP) to protect against the sexual abuse of minors.

Duties

· Receive, investigate, and document reported allegations of boundary violations and sexual abuse of minors. Contact law enforcement and other civil authorities, including the Missouri Children’s Division, as determined appropriate. 

· Protect the rights of all parties involved, particularly individuals submitting reports and individuals who are the subject of a report.

· Implement the Policy for Response to Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors and participate in periodic reviews of all safe environment policies.

· Timely document all reports received. Provide input and assistance to the OCYP Director for the annual USCCB Audit, CARA report, and other reports as requested.

· Consult with the OCYP Director and other appropriate Diocesan officials as needed for the resolution of reports.

· Refer complainants/victims to the Victim Assistance Coordinator (VAC) for support and counseling referrals.

· Present all documented reports and the results of all investigations to the Diocesan Independent Review Board (IRB). Coordinate with the OCYP Director to meet as needed with the Bishop and Diocesan leaders.

· Consult with the OCYP Director and other Diocesan officials as requested on matters related to the development and execution of safe environment programs and protocols.

Qualifications

· Five (5) or more years of investigative experience required. 

· Knowledge of child sexual abuse statutes and other applicable laws. 

· Excellent verbal and written communication. 

· Meticulous attention to detail, processes and procedures. 

· Practicing Catholic in good standing is helpful but not required. Familiarity with the Catholic understanding of ministry is an asset. 

Contract Assumptions

· Volume of work is flexible and “as needed”, with guaranteed minimum compensation and additional compensation for hours worked in excess of twenty (20) hours per week.

· On-call status includes the management of a direct cell phone line, at the expense of the Diocese.   

Note: This position requires consent to a background check, commit to our Code of Conduct policy, and complete online and in-person training prior to start.