Children and Families Program Manager

The Department of Children and Families is currently recruiting for a full-time Program Supervisor (Quality Improvement) to cover the Region 4 offices, which include Hartford and Manchester.  This is a 40 hour per week position, operating Monday-Friday.

The Department of Children and Families has a mission to work together with families and communities for children who are healthy, safe, smart and strong.  The Region 4 offices, which cover the territories of Hartford and Manchester, serves the largest number of children and families in the State of Connecticut.  We are proud of our diverse and dedicated workforce, who strive everyday to meet the needs of those we encounter.  Our family-centered, strength-based approach to our work aims at improving the well-being of the children and families we serve.

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current employee of the Department of Children and Families, who has permanent state status, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application. 

In the Department of Children and Families this class is accountable for managing administrative child welfare/protective services programs.

Manages a component of a program within the agency including oversight of the development and evaluation of specific clinical or behavioral programs; ensures specialized services/programs are in compliance with federal, state and department mandates; identifies and develops new programs and funding sources; schedules, assigns, oversees and reviews work of staff; provides training and assistance to staff and/or outside providers; conducts performance evaluations; determines priorities and plans office work; establishes and maintains office procedures; develops or makes recommendations on development of policies and standards; acts as liaison with other operating units, agencies, outside officials and community regarding policies and procedures, available services and coordination of resources; prepares reports and correspondence; consults with staff on difficult cases; oversees maintenance of records; collects and analyzes program data; may interact with clients and caretakers; may interact or hear cases concerning retention of a child in community vs. institutionalization; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures; considerable knowledge and understanding of case work principles, methods, and techniques; considerable knowledge of factors which influence attitudes and behavior of individuals and families; considerable knowledge of community resources and available services; knowledge of legal basis for departmental programs and requirements; knowledge of child development; knowledge of mental health and behavioral challenges facing children and youth; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; supervisory ability.

Eight (8) years of professional experience in the field of child welfare, children's protective services, foster services, adoption or social and human services.

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in a supervisory capacity over professional staff responsible for planning, developing or implementing administrative or program services in child welfare, children's protective services, children's mental health or juvenile justice.

For State Employees, this is interpreted at the level of Social Worker Supervisor.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
   
2. A Master's degree or other advanced degree in behavioral science, public administration, education, social work or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
   
3. For State Employees, two (2) years as a Children Services Consultant may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.

NOTE: Closely related fields are: child welfare, applied sociology, social and/or human services, clinical psychology, child development, criminal justice, counseling, human development and family relations, human service, marriage and family therapy.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.