Program Director of Foster Care Services

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT 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.

*For employees in the classified service, permanent status is obtained after successful completion of a working test period. For employees in the unclassified service, permanent status is obtained after serving in a position for at least six months (full-time or full-time equivalent).

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Jasmine Rosado at Jasmine.Rosado@ct.gov, (860) 550-6484.

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.

• Knowledge of foster care statutes and regulations for the State of Connecticut, and Knowledge of the foster care regional operations.
• Experience working in child protection system in Connecticut.
• Experience in the supervision and leadership of managers.
• Experience in collaborating and integrating child protection services with other consulting services.
• Knowledge of best practices and emerging trends in family preservation, reunification, foster care, and adoption.
• Knowledge of service intervention and innovative approaches to support placement stability and prevent placement disruptions.
• Knowledge of the Family First Prevention Services Act and its implications for the foster care system
• Experience administering and monitoring state and federally funded service contracts to include developing and managing budgets and contract language.
• Experience utilizing large data sets to determine priorities in addressing emerging or changing Foster Care concerns.
• Experience managing multiple time sensitive priorities in a high workload environment involving collaboration with other internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely completion of work tasks.

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.