Child Welfare Program Administrator I

Permanency Program Manager

Recruitment #042326-MDDI11-370600

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Summary Statement

This Child Welfare Administrator I (formerly Program Manager) is for the Permanency Program Manager position that is part of the DFS Program Team and is responsible for the policy and programming for Adoption and Permanency planning for the division. The position oversees three staff responsible for managing the adoption and guardianship assistance program, managing contracts for adoption preparation and post adoption support services as well as overseeing the Permanency Planning Committee responsible for permanency goal and resource recommendations. The Program Manager is also responsible for ensuring Delaware’s compliance with federal funding program requirements and reporting annually on adoption efforts and services.

Preferred Qualification

Applicants who do not possess the preferred qualification will still be eligible to compete for this position if job requirements are met.

  1. Knowledge and/or experience in the adoption process, including oversight of federal funding for adoption services and ensuring compliance with applicable legal requirements.

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, employees can complete job duties of a similar kind not specifically listed here.

  • Provides ongoing oversight and strategic management of one or more child welfare programs by planning, coordinating, evaluating, and supervising programs and related operations and services delivered by agency staff and contracted providers.
  • Establishes and monitors short- and long-term goals, objectives, and measurable outcomes for assigned programs, ensuring alignment with the division’s mission, initiatives, and strategic priorities.
  • Develops, recommends, and implements new or revised services, policies, procedures, reporting methods, and standards within the specified program area based on comprehensive research, evaluation, and best practices.
  • Supervises two or more merit full-time positions, which may also include casual/seasonal and contractual staff. The elements of supervision include performing the following on a regular and continuing basis: planning, assigning, reviewing, evaluating, coaching, training, disciplining, and recommending hire, termination, and promotion.
  • Monitors contractual services, promotes collaboration between provider agencies and division staff to ensure cohesive, consistent operations, and partners with contractors to enhance service delivery and resolve issues.
  • Reviews data, analyses, and recommendations to identify needs, issues, and challenges, and implements corrective actions and continuous improvements to service delivery, performance, and compliance with agency, state, and federal laws, rules, regulations, professional mandates, and best practices.
  • Serves as a subject matter expert, providing guidance, consultation, and recommendations to staff, management, state and private agencies, and stakeholders on the most complex or severe child welfare challenges, including sensitive or high-risk situations, emerging or unfamiliar service needs, and issues requiring the application of complex state, federal, and professional mandates, as well as best practices.
  • Develops and reviews Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and grant applications, evaluates vendor submissions, and provides recommendations to the Division Director; participates in contract negotiations and oversees the implementation of approved contracts and agreements.
    Monitors budget allocations and expenditures for child welfare program activities and contracted providers and develops budget projections and new budget requests.
  • Reviews active cases in which a child death or serious injury has occurred; participates on multi-disciplinary panels to review findings and develop recommendations for system change.
  • Ensures the State’s case management information systems and reporting tools accurately capture all required data to meet federal program and reporting standards and oversees the preparation and submission of both internal and mandatory federal reports.
  • Convenes and chairs multidisciplinary workgroups and committees to evaluate program efficacy, ensure continuous improvement, collaborate with stakeholders, and inform policy and procedure development.
  • Represents the unit, division, or department at national, state, and private sector meetings, conferences, workshops, committees, and task forces.
  • Reviews new or revised state, local, and federal laws, rules, and regulations, and proposed legislation; determines impacts, implements changes, and provides related training/dissemination for assigned child welfare program(s).
  • Performs other related duties as required.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Child Welfare Program Administrator I

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

  1. Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher in Behavioral or Social Science or related field.
  2. Two years’ experience in health or human services program management such as planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating health or human services programs to ensure goals and objectives are met.
  3. Four 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.
  4. One year of experience in contract management and control such as ensuring compliance with terms of contracts; negotiating changes to existing contracts; monitoring expenditures.
  5. Six months’ experience in developing policies or procedures.
  6. Coursework, training, and/or work experience in staff supervision which may include performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others.

Additional Posting Information

The State of Delaware recognizes the value of telework and flexible working schedules. This position is eligible for Telework and Alternative Work Schedules according to the State of Delaware’s Alternative Work Arrangement Policy. More information will be shared at the time of interview. 

Conditions of Hire

Pre-employment Drug Testing:  Upon a conditional offer, you must undergo pre-employment drug testing as part of the hiring process.

Criminal background check:  A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.  The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.

All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires 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.

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. 

Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com. 

If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov.

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. 


Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet.
Contact us via conventional means. For further assistance, you may contact us by phone at (302) 739-5458, or e-mail at jobs@delaware.gov.