Deputy Cabinet Secretary: Social Services Innovation Lead

This Position is Exempt From State of Delaware Merit System

Recruitment #101521-MUPA23-350100

Summary Statement

Delaware’s largest agency seeks a dynamic and visionary leader to serve at the intersection of health care and social services policy, overseeing the Divisions of Social Services, State Service Centers, and Child Support Services as a Deputy Cabinet Secretary. The Deputy Cabinet Secretary will also spearhead the work of the Governor’s Family Services Cabinet Council in the Department, which involves project and change management and integration. Additionally, the Deputy Cabinet Secretary will serve as an external representative for the Department with key stakeholders, including other government entities, as well as state boards and committees. Successful candidates must be culturally competent, value excellent customer service and person-centered service delivery, and have exceptional communication skills. Candidate must work well under pressure in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

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.

 • Serve on the Cabinet Secretary’s Executive leadership team, providing insight, innovation and advice for how to achieve the Department’s strategic objectives and mission

• Advance policies for respective divisions that drive greater equity, sustainability and inclusion, both in the workforce and in the services provided to the public

• Serve on taskforces, committees, and working groups as assigned by the Cabinet Secretary

• Develop strong collaborative working relationships with partner state agencies, non-profits and other entities that fulfill the mission of DHSS, including providing exceptional person-centered services to the public

• Lead inter-division workgroups to achieve clear, measurable, and specific objectives related to service delivery, including embedding cultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Lead and support the workforce in DHSS around best practices for service delivery, including addressing the social determinants of health in partnership with other DHSS divisions or state agencies

• Deliver speeches, remarks, and presentations to internal and external entities based on the work being done at DHSS

• Provide coaching, direction, and strategic support to direct report divisions and Office of the Secretary staff direct reports

• Lead and act in accordance with all appropriate codes of conduct, ethical rules, and other laws, regulations, and guidelines governing a respectful, inclusive, and lawful workplace.

Skills and Abilities:

Skilled in:
• Organization and time management.

• Strategic and critical thinking.

• Problem solving and decision making

• Media relations and communication strategy.

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Create productive and responsive relationships with the sister cabinet agencies, the General Assembly, and external stakeholders.

• Organize, set, and achieve objectives while dealing with high-stress situations and short timelines.

• Effectively manage staff and direct reports.

• Prepare clear and concisely oral and written reports.

• Manage several tasks and objectives at the same time under pressure.

• Analyze a variety of budgetary, organizational, and procedural problems and recommend solutions.

• Compile, organize, and present information in a clear and logical manner.

• Interpret and explain DHSS policies and procedures.

• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications.

• Respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, press or other agencies on sensitive issues in area of responsibility.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Deputy Cabinet Secretary: Social Services Innovation Lead

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 including employer, experience/responsibilities, and dates (month/year) of employment/training.

  1. Possession of a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration, or a related field.
  2. Eight years of increasingly responsible experience of managing internal and external relationships and complex administrative processes for executive or legislative leadership; preferably within a local government environment.

Additional Posting Information

As a condition of employment, all employees must certify that they are fully COVID-19 vaccinated by September 30, 2021; or be required to test for COVID-19 on a weekly basis starting on September 30, 2021; or request an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination(s) due to health or sincerely held religious beliefs or practices by September 30, 2021.  If hired after September 30, 2021, these certifications or requests must be completed during their initial week of employment. 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

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 Delaware State Jobs.

The application and resume are evaluated based upon 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 resume 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

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.