Family Services Seeking Complaint Manager

Montana's health department is hiring someone to hear and investigate complaints against the Division of Child and Family Services, help mediate solutions and recommend system changes to reduce future conflict.

The Department of Public Health and Human Services is accepting applications for the position of "complaint and critical incident manager" through Nov. 29.

Families, counselors and others who advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children have complained that some of the agency's actions and placement recommendations don't seem to make sense or follow policy. They also argue that there doesn't seem to be a process to appeal and undo bad decisions.

The job posting says the successful applicant must remain sensitive to public perception and keep the agency and the governor's office informed about "any politically charged issues," and at times work with caseworkers "to rethink case approach to reduce animosity."