Description
The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) is an independent executive branch agency with oversight and ombudsperson responsibilities, established by the Massachusetts Legislature in 2008. The OCA's mission is to ensure that children receive appropriate, timely, and quality state services, with a particular focus on ensuring that the Commonwealth's most vulnerable and at-risk children can thrive. Through collaboration with public and private stakeholders, the OCA identifies gaps in state services and recommends improvements in policy, practice, regulation and/or law. The OCA also serves as a resource for families who are receiving, or are eligible to receive, services from the Commonwealth.
The Center on Child Wellbeing & Trauma at the OCA supports state agencies and their community-based partners in their journey towards becoming trauma-informed and responsive. CCWT also provides in depth technical assistance on how to make policies, programs, and interactions more trauma-responsive.
The Policy and Implementation Team at the OCA works to identify and make recommendations to address systems-level gaps and challenges in the delivery of state services for children and improve outcomes. The Policy and Implementation Team also manages legislative relations, communications, and external affairs for the OCA.
A Training and Project Coordinator (TPC) plays a crucial role in supporting projects as part of both the Center on Child Wellbeing & Trauma (CCWT) team as well as the Policy & Implementation Team (PIT). For the CCWT, the work includes coordinating training activities and preparing training materials. For the PIT, it includes coordinating various policy and programmatic projects as well as providing some support for legislative affairs. The TPC also works collaboratively with senior staff at the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) on a variety of administrative and scheduling tasks.
The right candidate for this position is the kind of person who lives for color-coded calendars, catches typos from a mile away, and finds satisfaction in keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. If you're highly organized, detail-obsessed, and love making complex logistics look effortless, this entry-level role could be your perfect fit. You'll support trainings, help craft polished materials, manage schedules and meetings, and pitch in on research—all while contributing to work that makes a real difference for children and families. If you are looking to grow your skills in a mission-driven environment and join an innovative, growing team of public servants, this could be the job for you.
Commitment to Diversity
The OCA actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workforce and is interested in candidates whose experiences, skills, and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Applicants are invited to include a statement within their cover letter describing how diversity, equity, and inclusion factor into the candidate's work and/or life experiences.
The OCA values diverse perspectives, including candidates with lived experience in the child protective and/or juvenile justice systems.
Application Instructions
Applications are to be submitted on the Mass Careers website: https://www.mass.gov/guides/masscareers-create-a-profile-guide
A cover letter and resume are required parts of the application. Review of applicants will start immediately and continue while the position is posted, with first consideration given to those received within the first 14 days.
Qualifications
1. Training Coordination: Supports Training Specialists in coordinating trainings, including, but not limited to, registering attendees, printing materials, and coordinating the evaluation process
2. Drafting & Editing: Drafts, proofreads, and formats training materials (e.g., presentations), training/technical assistance guides, fact sheets, and evaluation forms. Proofreads and formats OCA reports, memos, briefs, and slide decks. Prepares and drafts training marketing materials (e.g., flyers). As directed, develops graphs and other visual aids to convey information in accessible ways. Maintains agency style guide, under the direction of the Senior Director of Policy and Implementation
3. Admin Support: Support CCWT and Policy Implementation Team (PIT) team leadership scheduling, including Zoom or Teams set up for both internal and external meetings. Manage PIT and CCWT team electronic files. Support all meeting logistics, including creating and supporting on-line meetings and keeping meeting minutes. Support management of various OCA email distribution lists. Attend meetings and take notes as assigned. Manages calendar, including scheduling, for Executive Director, CCWT and Senior Director of Policy & Implementation.
4. Research Support: Conducts research and search queries, as assigned, on specific topics to support training design and delivery as well as policy and implementation projects. Attends and takes notes on relevant webinars or other presentations as assigned.
Qualifications
- Highly organized and detail-oriented
- Strong organizational and project coordination skills; ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects, while demonstrating flexibility to accommodate changes in circumstances or where opportunities emerge
- Experience working with diverse teams
- Knowledge of computer skills (Microsoft Office-Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and/or other software (i.e., Canva and Qualtrics)
- Strong oral and written communication skills
Minimum Entrance Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or 4 years of relevant experience in project coordination or administrative support.
Salary: $75,000 - $79,000
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Cristine Goldman - 617-979-8374
Official Title: Staff Assistant
