STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Social Services Program Division Director

Recruitment #200506-1904MP-001

Go Back View Benefits

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (DSS) is recruiting for a Social Services Program Division Director for the Division of Program Oversight and Grant Administration, located at 55 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105. This position is full-time, 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday. The Department of Social Services DSS delivers and funds a wide range of programs and services as Connecticut’s multi-faceted health and human services agency. DSS serves about 1 million residents of all ages in all 169 Connecticut cities and towns. We support the basic needs of children, families, older and other adults, including persons with disabilities. Services are delivered through 12 field offices, central administration, and online and phone access options. Follow us on twitter@ctdss and see what we are all about!  
                
The newly formed Division of Program Oversight and Grant Administration brings together the existing Office of Community Services and the Division of Eligibility Policy and Program Support.  The Office of Community Services, is responsible for the administration of a wide variety of state and federally funded grant programs and the management of contracts with non-profit community service providers.  Programs include the CT Energy Assistance Program, the Refugee Assistance Program, and programs funded through the Community Services and Social Services Block Grants.  The Division of Eligibility Policy and Program Support, is responsible for policy, program and operational support in the delivery of many vital services, including financial assistance (TFA and SAGA), medical coverage and SNAP.  Both provide policy guidance and operational support to DSS Field Operations, stakeholder partners and non-profit community service providers.  

The Director will be responsible for structuring and operating the Division with the goal of aligning program services, operations and policies to improve and enhance service delivery and operations.  The Division, consisting of a staff of 34 professionals, is responsible for policy development and coordination, medical operational coordination and contractor management and the administration of approximately $1.165 billion in federal block grants and other state and federal dollars. 
                                                      
Duties and responsibilities of this position would include: 
                                                                          
• Directs staff and operations of division;
• Coordinates, plans and manages division activities; 
• Formulates Division goals and objectives; 
• Interprets and administers pertinent laws; 
• Oversees development of state and federal plans and preparation of state and
  federal reports;
• Monitors program performance and activities;
• Directs the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategic plan to
  efficiently and effectively carry out the goals and objectives of the
   Agency within the Division;
• Develops and manages contracts with a wide range of human services providers;
• Provide input on issues involving changes in policy, laws, or regulations which may impact
   programs and operations; 
• Engage and maintain cooperative relationships with federal partners including CMS, FNS
   and HHS;
• Work with sister state agencies on program, fiscal and administrative policy, as well as
   budget plans;

Selection Plan

  • This position will be filled in accordance with reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.  
  • In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before individuals are certified for appointment.
  •  In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.
  • Due to the volume of applications anticipated, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process.  Updates will be provided through your JobAps portal account.
  • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience most closely meet the preferred requirements of the position.
  • Please Note: You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.
  • If selected for further consideration, State employees may be required to provide last 2 service ratings and last 2 years attendance records, non-state employees may be required to provide 2 current letters of professional reference and resume.
  • Applicants invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include:  performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
  • If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Kelly Geary at kelly.geary@ct.gov or 860-424-5083.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Social Services this class is accountable for directing the design, development and implementation of multiple state and federal programs.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Directs staff and operations of division; coordinates, plans and manages program development and all other division activities; formulates program goals and objectives; coordinates development of related policy and regulations; interprets and administers pertinent laws; participates in preparation of division budget; maintains contacts with individuals both within and outside of division who might impact on progam activities; oversees development of state and federal plans and preparation of state and federal reports; ensures consistency in delivery of related services throughout agency; monitors program activities and development of related corrective action plans; ensures technical assistance to agency offices for pertinent programs; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of programs administered through department; considerable knowledge of principles and methods of social services administration; considerable knowledge of legislative process; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable ability to interpret laws, regulations and statistical reporting data.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Ten (10) years' professional experience in the delivery of social or human services programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a managerial capacity.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in social work, public admininistration or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ability to promote trust-based, collaborative team efforts and governance across all aspects of the Division.
  • Ability to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of programs and services and oversee development of program improvements.
  • Ability to analyze program, operational and statistical data.
  • Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to the program and policies of federal health and human services agencies.
  • Ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

Conclusion

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.





E-mailPhone: (860) 713-52058am - 4:30pm M-FPowered by JobAps