Children and Families Program Director

The Department of Children and Families is seeking a Children and Families Clinical Program Director. This position is located in our Region 1 (Bridgeport/Norwalk) Behavioral Health Unit, within the Clinical and Community Consultation and Support Division, a team accountable for overseeing multiple statewide clinical behavioral health programs and services.

The Clinical Program Director is responsible for providing management, coordination and oversight for multiple programs/services and consults essential to fulfilling the Department's commitment to meeting the behavioral health needs of children and their families. Duties that are paramount for this role include: planning, coordination and management of multiple functions for an array of statewide programs and services and possessing the clinical skills to manage these service types, assure fidelity to models, identify new and emerging practices to assure the service array is aligned with best practices and research.

This manager collaborates with administrative officials in development and implementation of policies and procedures, accountable for agency compliance, develops, implements and evaluates goals and objectives. The role also provides supervision for staff involved with providing critical consultative services to DCF staff specific to mental health, intimate partner violence and substance use. Such consults are central to assessing families’ needs and matching to the right sets of services and supports.

• Six years professional experience in behavioral health care.
• Three years of general experience at the managerial level directing clinical operations or the delivery of behavioral health care services for children/adolescents and families.
• A broad understanding of federal legislation related to prevention and diversion and overall and well-being of youth and families.
• A comprehensive awareness of community resources.
• Strong communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence based practices and clinical interventions.
• Demonstrated relationships with a broad section of multidisciplinary stakeholders.
• Organizational, resourceful, and solution focused skills.

This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday position. The position is located in Region 1 (Bridgeport/Norwalk) with expectations of statewide travel.

Candidates selected for interview must provide the following at the time of interview:

• Copy of current license for clinical social work, marital and family therapist, professional counselor or clinical or consulting psychologist (if applicable).
  
• Resume.
• Cover Letter.
• Names and contact information of three supervisory references (typed).

In the Department of Children and Families area office, Wilderness School, or a major program with statewide impact, this class is accountable for directing administrative support and/or program services.

Directs the staff and operations of the assigned area of responsibility; coordinates and formulates program goals and objectives to conform with Department policies, standards and legal matters; develops or assists in the development of related policy; assists in directing and coordinating allocation of staff and resources to maintain service delivery system or program; manages systems/programs to ensure compliance with federal, state and department mandates; interprets and administers pertinent laws; identifies training and development needs of staff; evaluates staff; develops and monitors budgets for specific program or administrative areas; maintains liaison with individuals and organizations that impact on area or program activities; speaks before professional and lay groups; represents Commissioner in community and public relations activities within area as assigned; prepares and/or analyzes management reports including reports detailing area activities, program operations and client statistics; evaluates programs and professional social work services provided to children and families; identifies needs of children and families for purposes of determining available community resources; reviews work of assigned areas for general efficiency and effectiveness with target client populations; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; knowledge of standards of practice and administration of programs dealing with children and youth; knowledge of impact of cultural issues on service delivery and staff relationships; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills.

Nine (9) years of professional experience in the field of child welfare programs, children's protective services, foster services, adoption or social and human services.

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a managerial capacity with responsibility for planning, development, implementation or supervision of administrative or program services in child welfare, children's protective services, children's mental health or juvenile justice.

For state employees, this is at the level of Children and Families Program Manager.

1. College education 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 the behavioral sciences, public administration, education, social work or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

• Experience in data collection and analytics.
• Demonstrated proficiency in use of Excel.
• Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Supervision of professional staff for two or more years.
• Experience in quality assurance.

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

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.