Office of Developmental Disabilities Ombuds Region 3 DD Ombuds

Office of Developmental Disabilities Ombuds (DD Ombuds), a program of Disability Rights Washington (DRW) seeks a DD Ombuds for Region 3 (location show here). A Region 3 DD Ombuds lives within, or is willing to relocate to Region 3. The DD Ombuds promotes the well-being of people with developmental disabilities. All DD Ombuds services are resident-directed and person-centered. The DD Ombuds protects choice, autonomy and makes sure people with developmental disabilities have access to advocacy.

DRW/DD Ombuds encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including individuals of all races, colors, religions, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, ages, national origins, marital statuses, disabilities, and veteran status backgrounds. Disabilities include, but are not limited to, mental health conditions, physical and sensory disabilities, learning and intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and chronic health conditions. Candidates must be dedicated to actively engaging in anti-racist advocacy and applying Disability Justice Principles to the DD Ombuds’ work. Information about Disability Justice can be found here: https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/10-principles-of-disability-justice.

While remote work is typical for some of the work week, the DD Ombuds must live in Washington State and be able to conduct regular statewide travel by car to give presentations, meet with people, and monitor facilities and residences in person.

The DD Ombuds must be free from conflicts of interest. The Regional DD Ombuds has not participated in paid provision of services to any person with developmental disabilities within the past year. Paid provision of services means employed in Washington State by Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) or Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) or a contractor of DDA or DSHS to provide direct services to a person with developmental disabilities. Please contact us at info@ddombuds.org if you have a question about this qualification.

Reasonable Disability Accommodations

DRW/DD Ombuds are committed to providing reasonable disability accommodations at all steps of the hiring process. If you are unsure about what may be considered a disability or what accommodations may work for you, the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides information about potential accommodations. Applicants for DRW/DD Ombuds employment seeking reasonable disability accommodations for the application and hiring processes can contact Jodi Rose, DRW’s Advocacy & Administrative Support Manager, by calling (800) 562-2702 or by emailing info@dr-wa.org.

Job Overview

The DD Ombuds provides information on rights and responsibilities and supports the work of self-advocacy groups to expand their reach. The DD Ombuds collects and investigates complaints brought by those who use developmental disabilities services. The DD Ombuds resolves complaints at the lowest possible level. The DD Ombuds also monitors service procedures, reviews service facilities, writes reports about systemic issues, and recommends changes to state government.

Experience

The ideal candidate would have lived and/or professional experience relating to the DD Ombuds advocacy areas, which include, but are not limited to service system navigation, client rights, ending discrimination, supporting self-advocacy, monitoring services and service settings, recommending system changes, and ending abuse and neglect.

An ideal candidate would also have experience conducting complaint investigations and advocacy to advance policy priorities and amplify the voices of people most affected by harmful practices and institutions.

Many of the people who have complaints may have disabilities that effect the way they communicate or process information, and it is important to have experience in communicating and building rapport with people who have various communication styles and ways of processing information. Visits to people take place in a variety of locations ranging from institutions to personal homes, and it is helpful to have experience navigating the respect and safety issues involved with both.

All DD Ombuds must demonstrate dedication to the DRW/DD Ombuds values of inclusion, diversity, and equity as well as the principles of disability justice, individual autonomy, community integration, universal accessibility, freedom from restraint, and respectful language. DD Ombuds seeks applicants who enjoy working in a team environment and are seeking to join in our mission to advocate for the rights, dignity, and humanity of people with developmental disabilities living in Washington State.

This job involves unsupervised contact with vulnerable adults and/or children.

Salary

The position is intended for someone with 1 to 5 years of advocacy experience with a salary range of $73,759 (one year experience) to $81,416 (five years’ experience).

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities of the Regional DD Ombuds

Primary Responsibilities

The Regional DD Ombuds has these primary responsibilities:

• Delivers resident-directed, person-centered complaint-based services;
• Provides information on rights and responsibilities of persons receiving developmental disabilities services and/or other state services;
• Assists persons with developmental disabilities in resolving their concerns and complaints;
• Monitors service delivery to persons with developmental disabilities;
• Identifies concerns and recommends changes in procedures to be considered for inclusion in DD Ombuds report to the Legislature;
• Reviews state institutions, state licensed facilities and residences where services to persons with developmental disabilities occur;
• Advocates to address rights violations and to protect people with disabilities from abuse and/or neglect;
• Represents the Office of DD Ombuds and its clients and constituents at meetings with support and service providers;
• Conducts investigations into abuse and neglect and other rights violations;
• Performs other fact-finding duties related to the work of the Office of DD Ombuds;
• Collects accurate and sufficient information regarding complaint allegations, as well as relevant written policies, regulations, directives, and client record information;
• Interviews witnesses and other involved parties as necessary to ascertain facts;
• Prepares correspondence, investigative reports, Blog posts, educational materials and other written materials as appropriate;
• Monitors the conditions of facilities where individuals with disabilities live to discover problems that may be appropriate for Office of DD Ombuds action;
• Participates in the development of any recommendations for changes in procedures to state agencies, governor’s office and state legislature on the work of the Ombuds and recommendations for person-centered and systemic system delivery changes;
• Maintains timely documentation with careful attention to detail and data entry accuracy in the DD Ombuds data collection system.
• Collaborates in development, implementation, and evaluation of program goals and objectives.
• Maintain client confidentiality, protect personal identifiable information, and immediately report any breach of confidentiality to the DD Ombuds Director according to protocol.
• Organizes and facilitates training events in collaboration with community partners.
• Assists with development of organizational and programmatic outreach and training materials.

Confidentiality

An employee in this position is responsible for knowing DD Ombuds confidential requirements as set forth in the DD Ombuds protocols other written policies and adhering to them.

Conflict Resolution

Effectively utilize conflict resolution and advocacy skills to resolve both internal and external conflicts.

Timely Paperwork and Reporting

Submits all required reports, timesheets, and other documentation in an accurate and timely manner

Work Conditions

• Works both at home and in an office environment as coordinated with supervisor and co-workers and has extensive local and statewide work-related travel.
• Works a standard workweek consisting of 35 hours, generally between the hours of 9:00 am – 5:00pm daily (unless an alternative schedule is approved) and must be willing to work evenings, weekends, or extended hours when necessary.

Workload Monitoring

Maintain a reasonable workload and keep immediate supervisor informed when there is a risk that work won’t be completed on a timely basis and when there is not enough work to perform.

Other Responsibilities:

Collaborations, Committees, Outreach and Training – performs work related to external collaborations, internal committees, outreach and constituent training as assigned.

External Communication – performs communication assignments in a timely and high quality manner and follows protocol for granting or arranging interviews with media.

Staff Development – participates with their immediate supervisor in the creation and implementation of a plan to develop their work-related knowledge and/or skills.

Qualifications

Employee Commitment

All DRW DD Ombuds employees are expected to have a commitment to the values expressed in DRW’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Philosophy Statement.

Education

Whether demonstrated through formal education or lived experience, the candidate must have the skills necessary to perform the job. DRW/DD Ombuds program is enthusiastic about considering anyone with the right skills and believes a degree is not necessary for this position.

Experience Specific to the Position

It is desired that the Region 3 DD Ombuds have:

• Lived and/or professional experiences involving disability rights / civil rights issues.
• Experience working in a non-profit, public interest, or public relations setting.
• Deep roots in the disability community with knowledge and experience in the independent living and self-advocacy movements.
• One to five years’ experience as an advocate for people with disabilities or investigator

Abilities Specific to the Position

• Demonstrated skills in the areas of monitoring, investigation, interviewing, and complaint review, including: managing and reviewing large volumes of written documentation; computer literacy for document reviewing, recording findings, and communication with others; interviewing people you have never met before, with various types of disabilities that may impact their ability to communicate or process information, in various settings (offices, homes, facilities.)
• Demonstrated knowledge of the disability service delivery systems.
• Demonstrated skill in gathering information and report writing.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings and discussions.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain ethical and organizational standards, communicate a position well, respectfully consider other positions, and treat people of different positions and backgrounds with respect and dignity.
• Demonstrated understanding of anti-racist concepts and a working knowledge of disability justice principles.
• Demonstrated ability to perform all of the responsibilities in this position description.
• No conflict of interests.

General Abilities

An employee in this position is expected to have these general abilities:

• Be an effective team member
• Effective interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing
• Effectively relate to people with all kinds of disabilities
• Exercise initiative, ingenuity, and sound judgment
• Organize and manage time
• Set work goals and create workplan of activities
• Take direction and coordinate work with others
• Use Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, and internet
• Work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Work independently
• Perform basic math functions

It is desired that the DD Ombuds have multi-lingual ability in languages common to Washington.

Transportation

Given the people we serve live in communities all over the state, the DD Ombuds must be able to get to various locations around the state, many of which are not served by public transportation and some of which may not have access to taxi or ride-hailing services

Background Check

This position involves unsupervised contact with vulnerable adults and children. DRW/DD Ombuds conducts background checks of conviction and arrest records on final candidates prior to extending offers. The hiring process will be conducted in compliance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and Washington’s Fair Chance Act, RCW 49.94. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain and correct background information. A criminal background does not automatically eliminate candidates from consideration. If a criminal background exists, the nature of the offense will be considered in the context of the essential functions of the position.

About DD Ombuds

The Office of Developmental Disabilities Ombuds was created in 2016 by the Washington State legislature in response to the prevalence of abuse and neglect of individual with developmental disabilities. DRW applied for and was awarded the contract to operate the DD Ombuds. The DD Ombuds is independent of state services. For information about the DD Ombuds please visit www.ddombuds.org

About Disability Rights Washington (DRW)

DRW is a private nonprofit organization that advances the dignity, equality, and self- determination of people with disabilities. We are designated by the governor of Washington as the independent federally mandated protection and advocacy system for Washington State. Information about our priorities can be found here: https://www.disabilityrightswa.org/priorities/.

DRW is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. DRW encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including individuals of all races, colors, religions, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, ages, national origins, marital statuses, disabilities, and veteran status backgrounds.

To Apply

Please email a cover letter and resume to Betty Schwieterman c/o info@ddombuds.org. You may also mail your application to: DD Ombuds c/o Disability Rights Washington, Attn: Betty Schwieterman, 315 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 850, Seattle, WA 98104.

Submissions are due September 25, 2026.

DRW/DD Ombuds is committed to promoting universal accessibility and fairness in our interview process. At least three business days before an interview, DD Ombuds will tell applicants the names, pronouns, and titles of interviewers and will provide the interviewee questions, which will be the same for all applicants. During interviews, DD Ombuds will provide a visual description of the interviewers and turn on captions for online interviews. Other efforts to make our process more accessible may be needed based on individual needs and we will provide reasonable accommodations for any portion of the application or interview process.

You can request accommodations by contacting Jodi Rose, DRW’s Advocacy & Administrative Support Manager using the information provided above. If you are not sure if you would benefit from an accommodation, you can review the Job Accommodations Network (JAN) website, which provides many ideas about possible accommodations that have worked for others, and you are more than welcome to call Jodi to discuss ideas you have or what we have done in the past. JAN is located here: https://askjan.org/soar.cfm.

The interview process will include one main interview and a follow up interview for second round candidates. Finalists will be asked for contacts to verify previous employment.

Position Information

• Position Title: Region 3 DD Ombuds
• Program Name: Office of Developmental Disabilities Ombuds
• Company Name: Disability Rights Washington (DRW)
• Location: Work from home office. Conference and work space is available in the Seattle Office.
• Posted: August 24, 2026
• Education and Experience required: See above for fuller description.
• Job Category: Program
• Job Type: Non-Exempt
• Salary: The annual salary range for this position is between $73,759 and $81,416.
• This position is eligible for membership in DRW’s collective bargaining unit (union).
• Generous benefits including 401k contribution, medical, dental, vision care, Health and Flex Spending account options, Costco Membership, Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, vacation, sick, holiday, parental, and other types of leave, and a 35-hour work week.

Generous benefits including 401k contribution, medical, dental, vision care, Health and Flex Spending account options, Costco Membership, Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, vacation, sick, holiday, parental, and other types of leave, and a 35-hour work week.