Ombudsman Intern

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period

Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year

Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave

Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)

Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

EEO Information

To speak to our EEO Coordinator or to request an ADA reasonable accommodation, please email us at

Background check information

The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Some positions may require drug testing and/or fingerprinting. Criminal convictions do not necessarily disqualify candidates from consideration.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.

Who We Are

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) supports Ohioans and their families through the following programs:

Public Assistance

Workforce Development

Unemployment Insurance

Adult Protective Services

Child Support

Public service is an honorable way to serve the community in a hands-on dedicated way. You can make a difference in someone’s world!

Guiding Principles

We will be a leader in customer satisfaction.

We will have a reputation that attracts and retains talented, diverse, and dedicated employees.

We get better at what we do everyday.

Office of Youth & Family Ombudsman

The Youth Ombudsman works independently from children services and placement agencies to help you solve problems and, if you are in foster care, advocate for your rights to be protected while in foster care. The Youth Ombudsman conducts investigations in a fair and neutral manner.

Learn more about the office by visiting Youth & Family Ombudsman Webpage

In this position, you will work closely with the Youth Ombudsman team. This team is small, flexible and will provide you opportunities to engage in youth-centered outreach, strategic stakeholder engagement, systemwide review of children services practice and public policy.

During your internship you may:

Advance outreach priorities aimed to expand public knowledge of the Foster Youth Bill of Rights and support services offered by the Youth Ombudsman.

Develop a social media education campaign.

Collaborate with the ODJFS Office of Communications to execute the social media campaign.

Attend a United States Ombudsman Association (USOA) Children and Family Chapter Meeting.

Organize and provide presentations on Foster Youth Bill of Rights.

Support the Resource Manager in public and private agency leader outreach.

Attend a Youth Advisory Board meeting with the Youth Ombudsman or Assistant Youth Ombudsman.

Conduct research of applicable administrative and revised code to inform investigative strategy on complaints.

Shadow ombudsman staff on an investigative call or meeting.

Learning objectives and competencies:

Introduction to Public Service

Ethical and Professional Behavior

Diversity and Difference

Children Services System\: Policy and Practice

Ombudsman Standards and Best Practices

Understanding Child Abuse and Neglect

Legal Framework

Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice

Stakeholder Engagement

Schedule\:

One academic year August 2025 – May 2026 (approx. 30 weeks)

8-10 hours per week M-F. Hours must be worked between 8AM – 5PM.

The position will be remote to start. Due to Executive Order 2025 - 01D, you may be expected to return to an ODJFS facility and work on-site during your placement.

Travel: There may be opportunities for in-state travel. Must have a valid drivers license and provide your own transportation.

Preferred Qualification:

Interest in the fields of child protection, trauma-informed care, public policy, and system evaluation

Upper-class undergraduate or graduate student

Lived experience in the children services system

The ideal candidate, at minimum, must have the following\:

Currently be enrolled in an accredited college or university and maintain good academic standing;

Provide proof of academic enrollment (copy of current transcript) by attaching to your application

Tips For Your Application

When completing the different sections of this application, be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined in this job posting. We cannot give you credit for your Work Experience and Education & Certifications if you do not provide that information in your online application. Information in attached resumes or cover letters must be entered into your application in the appropriate Work Experience or Education & Certification sections to be considered.