Division Director (DDDS)

This position is exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System

Recruitment #011823-MUPA05-351100

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Introduction

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

Summary Statement

The Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDDS) reports directly to the Office of the Secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). Duties include developing a strategic vision for the division and overseeing a state workforce and a network of contracted providers to ensure that persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities can lead fulfilling lives in the community, while honoring abilities and respecting choice.  DDDS operates a single public Intermediate Care Facility/ Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID) and manages a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver. The combined budget for these activities, inclusive of federal funds, and for a division staff of over 400 full time employees is over $230 million. The Director of DDDS will oversee the following activities: planning, program development, fiscal administration, provider performance, contract monitoring, and Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver administration.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

  • Plans, directs and coordinates DDDS’ statewide services for clients. Develops, implements, and manages initiatives to enhance and ensure the quality of programs operated.
  • Oversees development and management of the provider network to ensure high quality and fiscally responsible service delivery.
  • Ensures implementation of HCBS waiver and guides strategic planning for future improvements.
  • Prepares legislation and regulatory proposals in collaboration with executive staff and other stakeholders and serves as a subject matter expert on such proposals as required. Represents DHSS in meetings with the Legislature, other State agencies, local government entities, clients and other advocacy groups to promote agency programs and resolve identified concerns.
  • Oversees the administration and operation of the single state-operated Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (ICF-IID) to ensure compliance with professional standards and -Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) requirements. Establishes and maintains collaborative partnerships with community hospitals, community health-care centers and various stakeholders.
  • Analyzes compiled information related to quality outcomes. Determines through performance management the impact and efficacy of service initiatives. Fosters collaboration with the Department of Justice and other regulatory agencies to ensure all complaints, allegations and/or adverse outcomes are promptly and thoroughly investigated and addressed accordingly.
  • Serves as a member of the DHSS Cabinet Secretary’s Senior Leadership requiring attendance and participation at various high-level leadership meetings. Develops and implements policy recommendations based on operational needs. Participates in executive-level management planning, policy and decision-making regarding new programs/services and changes to existing programs/services.
  • Researches, analyzes, recommends and monitors fiscal activities. Directs the preparation of the annual budget and responds to inquiries from fiscal leadership.
  • Maximizes use of Medicaid eligible events and implements efficiencies to reduce expenses and improve client experience.
  • Attends and participates in events and meetings hosted by advocates, providers or the general community as a way to continually engage stakeholders. Works with the Communications Team to respond to media requests, write op-eds or tell our own story through social media.
  • Remains current on best practices for the delivery and oversight of institutional and community-based services for individuals with IDD.
  • Responsible for the performance of the Division, quality of services for clients, development of employees, building a culture of collaboration, and focus on person-centered planning.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Division Director
Please attach a resume with your online application or use the resume tab in DEL to provide a detailed description of how your education, training and/or experience meets each job requirement and preferential requirements including employer, experience/responsibilities and dates (month/year) of employment/training. Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following:

  1. Knowledge of the management or oversight of service delivery systems serving individuals with disabilities in the community.
  2. Master’s degree or higher in Public Administration, Business Administration, Behavioral Health, Social Science or equivalent career experience.
  3. Possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
  4. Must be able to demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills.
  5. Must be mission-driven, strategic, collaborative, and exhibit the ability to actualize goals and achieve results within a complex organization while addressing the demands of varied stakeholders.

Additional Posting Information

Due to a new requirement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) the following mandate is effective January 27, 2022: As a condition of employment, employees providing health care services and/or support services in covered facilities must show proof that they have received the dose of a single J&J dose or the 1st dose of Moderna/Pfizer two-dose vaccine effective date January 27, 2022, and proof of the single J&J dose or the 2nd dose of Moderna/Pfizer two-dose vaccine by February. 28, 2022. Employees may not provide any care, treatment, or other services until proof is provided.  Based on CMS guidance, the date for compliance may extend into March due to the health care facilities high vaccination rate of staff.  If you accept a position with the facility, your Human Resources representative can provide more guidance.  The only exception to these requirements is for those employees granted medical or religious exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which may require weekly COVID-19 testing. This will be in effect until further notice.  More information can be found here. 

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.