Children and Families Program Director

Do you enjoy leading organizational change and turning performance data into information that supports decision-making and improved outcomes?

If so, we invite you to discover this outstanding opportunity to join our dedicated team!

The State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families' (DCF) mission is partnering with communities and empowering families to raise resilient children who thrive. We are proud of our diverse and dedicated workforce who strive every day to meet the needs of those we encounter. Currently we are seeking individuals who are looking to advance their career and make a difference!

We are recruiting a highly motivated Children and Families Program Director of Performance Management in the Bureau of Strategic Planning.

DCF is comprised of six (6) Regions (that break down into fourteen (14) area offices), 2 facilities, the Wilderness School, and Central Office.

The Program Director position is a full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday position. Assigned to our Central Office, which is located at 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT with expectations of statewide travel.

Responsible for developing and implementing the DCF's Performance Management Framework, the Program Director ensures the agency is achieving positive outcomes for children and families. This position will work collaboratively with Child Welfare to identify performance improvement priorities and standards for performance that align with the DCF's strategic direction. The Program Director is accountable for reviewing, monitoring and analyzing performance results across the system. Having oversight of the agency's Juan F. reporting and evaluation staff, as well as a statistician, the Program Director will be responsible for transforming agency data into actionable information through research, evaluation and analytic inquiry. This individual will prepare and present reports on key performance issues and strategies for improvement.

Examples of Key Responsibilities: 

• Developing strategic scorecards and dashboards for internal and external stakeholders
• Monitoring and analyzing outcomes; synthesizing data
• Advising the agency about the safety and quality of care and services provided to children and families served by the Department 
• Providing an assessment of the efficacy of these initiatives and preparing reports inclusive of data for presentations
• Provide strategic direction for the implementation of continuous improvement strategies
• Advance data driven management practices 

The ideal candidate for this position will be organized, motivated, and possess strong communication skills. Additionally, will:

• Have a passion for excellence,
• Ability and experience analyzing complex situations and processes - integrating data to form a cohesive picture and meaningful actions,
• Be comfortable telling stories with data,
• Have a proven competency to interact with people at all levels of the organization.

As State of Connecticut employees we participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off. 

Please ensure that your application is complete; You must specify your qualifications on your application.

You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system.

At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which supports their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include performance reviews, attendance, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. You do not have to attach these documents to your application submission. 

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Kelly Paul at Kelly.Paul@ct.gov. 

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.

Preference shall be given to applicants whose nine (9) years of general experience includes:

• Experience developing presentations to include analysis, findings, and impact
• 3 years of experience conducting research and evaluation
• Demonstrated experience with data quality and reporting standards
• Experience developing measurement standards, targets, or Key Performance Indicators
• Proficiency generating and analyzing various performance metrics using Excel and other reporting tools
• A high degree of computer literacy and demonstrated ability to integrate technology in the workplace

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.