SOCIAL SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR II

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DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES  

SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

311 W. SARATOGA STREET

BALTIMORE, MD 21201

This position is to provide technical assistance, training, guidance, and support to the Local Departments of Social Services (LDSS), providers, and agency partners related to the effective recruitment, preparation and retention of resource parents serving children and youth and their families in public and private foster care settings. Assist the LDSS in the development of skilled public/private resource parents who are able to provide placement stability to children in placement and permanency services.

Monitors Maryland's 24 Local Department of Social Services for compliance with federal and state regulations and policies as it relates to public /private resource homes. Evaluates LDSS's public resource parent local recruitment and retention plans and provide follow-up and technical assistance to the LDSS for outcome effectiveness and compliance with DHS/SSA's State Recruitment and Retention Plan. Conducts on-site LDSS training of Target, General, and Child-Specific recruitment of public resource homes, conferring with the LDSS to solicit feedback regarding barriers and strengths. Interprets state/federal legislation relating to placement of children in public resource homes to determine if regulations and policies need development. Analyzes prospective legislation that impact placement services for all children in placement services foster care, restrictive foster care, adoption, independent living) as it relates to public/private resource homes. 

This position prepares detailed commentary about proposed legislation that includes letters of support, suggested amendments and formal testimony. Interprets and writes regulations and policy based on the legislation that has either passed at the federal or State levels. Participates with federal partners in discussing the implications of federal regulations as they impact placement and permanency services in Maryland. Reviews and provide feedback to the Placement and Permanency Supervisor regarding the LDSS recruitment and retention budget as well as the statewide resource parent training and MRPA budget for the impending fiscal year. Oversees the Maryland Resource Parent Association grant to ensure that funds are aligned with building partnerships with birth parents, assisting LDSS with the development of LDSS resource parent associations, and other items included in the MRPA annual plan of work.

Applicants must meet all minimum (and selective) qualifications to be considered, and to appear on the list of people eligible for hire. Please read all requirements before applying.

EDUCATION: Possession of a Master's degree in social work (MSW) from an accredited college or university approved by the Council on Social Work Education.

EXPERIENCE: Six years of professional experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency or institution, three  years of which must have been in administrative, supervisory or consultative capacity.

NOTES:

1.  These requirements are established by the Social Services Administration by authority provided in Human Services §4-204 of the Annotated Code of Maryland and the Department of Budget and Management, Office of Personnel Services and Benefits, does not have authority to accept substitutions or equivalents.

2.  Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience at a rank of Corporal/Petty Officer or higher as a commissioned officer in Social Work classifications or Social Work specialty codes in the Social Science, Psychology, and Welfare field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.The ideal candidate will possess the following:

1. A valid Maryland Graduate MSW license.

 2. Five years of child welfare experience.

3. Three years of experience engaging birth/foster families, placement agencies, and other state lead agencies.

1. Candidates filling positions in this classification must be licensed by the Board of Social Work Examiners.

2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties are required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience as presented on your application and as they relate to the requirements of the position.  You may be asked to complete a supplemental questionnaire.  The supplemental questionnaire may be used as part of the rating process.  Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.  

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service is required prior to hire.

 STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred.  If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to:  Department of Human Services, Examination Services Unit, 311 W. Saratoga Street, Room 135, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.  

All mailed documents must include the applicant's name and the job number and must be received by 5 P.M. on the closing date.  Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the application.    

If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload.  If unable to upload, please email requested information only to scott.waddel@maryland.gov.  Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time.  

If you have any questions concerning the recruitment process for this position, please email Scott Waddel at scott.waddel@maryland.gov.   

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.   People with disabilities and bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.   We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.