Parental Rep - Program Coordinator

The Delaware Office of Defense Services (ODS) is committed to ensuring that every person—regardless of income, background, or circumstance—is treated fairly and respectfully in the justice system. As Delaware’s public defender agency, ODS protects constitutional rights, supports individuals and families during difficult moments, and works to strengthen trust and fairness across our communities.

Our mission is zealous advocacy for the people. This simple but powerful commitment guides every aspect of our work and reflects our belief that justice must be accessible, humane, and rooted in dignity for all Delawareans. Our work is carried out by a team of dedicated attorneys and professionals across Central Administration, the Public Defender’s Office, and Office of Conflicts Counsel. More than 200 staff members serve Delawareans with compassion, integrity, and a deep belief that dignity, equity, and justice must be accessible to all.

Assistant Public Defenders—together with investigators, forensic social specialists, mitigation specialists, client advocates, legal assistants, and administrative staff—stand beside adults and youth navigating criminal and delinquency charges. They also represent parents in abuse and neglect proceeding in the Family Court, helping protect the fundamental rights of families and ensuring parents have a meaningful voice when facing life-altering decisions. Across all case types, our teams connect clients with needed services, challenge systemic barriers that deepen inequity, and advocate for outcomes that promote healing, stability, and stronger communities. Through this work, ODS strives to ensure that justice in Delaware is not just a principle, but a lived experience for every person we serve.

This position oversees the ODS parental representation programs.  The main functions of this position include the administration, coordination, development, implementation, and monitoring of the programming for ODS parental representation clients. This position will work in collaboration with ODS interdisciplinary teams in the organization of programs throughout the State of Delaware for individuals who have been justice involved.

Nature and Scope

The incumbent reports to the Parental Representation Division Head. Principal contacts are with managers, line attorneys, and staff throughout the office. Externally, the incumbent will have contact with the community program managers in other state agencies and third-party providers. The ODS statewide parental representation program coordinator will be responsible for managing the statewide delivery and management of parent services programs that supports and advocates for parents during these proceedings. The class incumbent strategizes with ODS management, state, federal and other partners regarding the effective delivery of these programs. In addition, the incumbent is responsible for the day-to-day supervision of two full-time Master Family Service Specialists and two full-time Peer Support Specialists and will also be responsible for a caseload consisting of clients navigating the Family Court dependency/neglect process with duties comparable to those of a Master Family Service Specialist.

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.

• Manages statewide parental representation programs and associated activities that are available to the justice involved population of the State of Delaware.
• Gathers, organizes, and formats information related to an agency's goals, objectives and services.
• Monitors, evaluates, and develops operational procedures and program activities and makes recommendations for improvement of current policies and procedures.
• Track, review and evaluate program metrics and report trends in usage and population to management.
• Ensures compliance with state and federal regulations and recommends new and revised policies, regulations, and laws.
• Ensures a mutual sharing of information with other agencies, media and the general public. Interacts regularly with federal partners and other agencies within the State;
• Attends stakeholder meetings and communicate agency/program impact to ODS management team.
• Supervision is exercised over at least two full-time positions. The elements of supervision include planning, assigning, reviewing, evaluating, coaching, training, and recommending disciplinary corrective action where needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class. Knowledge of federal and state rules and regulations governing parent services.

• Knowledge of health or human services program administration such as overseeing and directing the development, implementation and evaluation of health or human services programs and services; planning and establishing short- and long-range program goals and objectives. Providing advice to other agency organizational units through consultation.
• Knowledge of program management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the principles, techniques, materials and equipment used in parent services programs.
• Knowledge of administrative procedures and records systems used to evaluate programs.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Skill in staff supervision which includes planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others.
• Ability to analyze statistical data and identify trends, problems and needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas: 

• Possession of bachelor's degree or higher in Behavioral, Human Services, Social Work, or a related field.
• Three years' experience in health or human services work such as applying theories, principles, laws and practices of health or human services programs and services that assist with and improve life for individuals, families, or communities such as financial support, employment, unemployment, housing, health care, disease prevention, substance abuse, child protective services, physical/mental health treatment and prevention or rehabilitation.
• Three years' experience in planning, organizing, directing and evaluating parent services programs which includes program administration and the planning, developing, implementing and evaluating of policies and procedures.
• Six months experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Six months experience in narrative report writing.
• Six months experience in staff supervision which includes planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others.

• Please be sure to upload a recent copy of your resume, as you complete the application process for this posting.
• This position is exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System.  
• This posting may close before 3/13/2026 upon filling the vacant position.

The Office of Defense Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or veteran status.

• 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 you are authorized to work in the U.S.
• Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. 
• Direct deposit of paychecks is required.

• Upon eligibility benefits to include:
• Group Health Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Prescription, Flexible Spending, Long & Short-Term Disability Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance, Securian Accident & Critical Illness Insurance, Health Management Programs.
• 21 paid vacation days, 15 paid sick days, 12 paid holidays, up to 12 weeks paid Parental Leave.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to support services such as Professional Counseling Services, Legal Services, Financial Services.
• Employer & Employee Funded Pension Plan as well as an Employee Funded Retirement Savings Plan available.
• Student loan repayment assistance and forgiveness
• To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

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.