Family Services Program Manager

This position is the Program Manager that oversees a team of foster care staff for the Division of Family Services. The team manages the foster care resource contracts including private agency foster care, group care, shelter care, and special placements. Also, this position coordinates with the services manager to support placement of children in foster care and management of the policy, budget, recruitment, and resources of the foster care program. This position is responsible for federal reporting on the program including strategic planning and for providing as needed training on the program.

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, develops and implements new programs within the specified program area.  Develops goals, objectives, and measurable outcomes for these programs.
• Develops policy and procedure governing the program and ensures conformity to applicable federal and state regulations.
• Writes and reviews RFP's and grant applications.
• Reviews, evaluates and approves program proposals for contracts; writes and negotiates contracts; works independently with contractors to improve services and resolve problems.
• Reviews active cases in which a child death or serious injury has occurred.
• Evaluates program proposals in terms of long range goals and needs of targeted populations.  Directs the implementation of approved program and ensures program objectives are met.
• Determines staff training needs and provides directly or arranges for needed training.
• Provides technical assistance, policy interpretation, and consultation of program and funding issues through verbal/written communication, training workshops, on-site visits to County Directors and their staff, other Department staff and private organizations; reviews, coordinates and critiques legislation related to program areas.
• Develops budget request for program area; projects program costs using trend analysis and current program operations.  Oversees and monitors the use of approved program funds.
• Represents the Division/Department in national, state and private sector meetings, conferences and/or workshops.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Family Services Program Manager
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. 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.
3. Six months experience in 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.
4. Six months experience in developing policies or procedures.
5. Six months experience in narrative report writing.
6. Knowledge of contract management and control such as ensuring compliance with terms of contracts; negotiating changes to existing contracts. 
7. Knowledge of grant management and control which includes monitoring and evaluating grant expenditures. 

A writing sample will be requested at the time of interview.

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.

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.

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

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

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 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.