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SOCIAL SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR IV

Child Protective Services and Family Preservation, Manager

Recruitment #21-000194-0001

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Introduction

This is a Management Service position, and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

GRADE

19

LOCATION OF POSITION

Department of Human Services

Social Services Administration 

311 W. Saratoga Street Baltimore, MD 21201-3500

Main Purpose of Job

This position manages for Child Protective Services (CPS) and Family Preservation Services Unit which includes human trafficking, Alternative Response, Family Preservation Services, and CPS background clearance services. This supervises a team of analysts who are charged with instituting changes in policy, regulations, operational standards, and service delivery for In-Home service programs. This CPS/Family Preservation Manager is responsible for monitoring the CPS and Family Preservation Programs; multiple services contracts; Background Clearance Services; preparing the CPS and Family Preservation Program and CAPTA State level budget, assisting in maintaining compliance with Federal and State regulations and for monitoring, analyzing, and collecting data from the DHS child welfare state-wide case record system. 

The CPS/Family Preservation Manager also directs the development, implementation, training and monitoring of best practices for In-Home programs statewide, in coordination with the local departments of social services (LDSS) and other service providers, both public and private. Also, monitors the local departments for program effectiveness and compliance with State and federal regulations. Represents the CPS and Family Preservation Unit within the Department of Human Services and in the community by participation in workgroups, boards, committees and other activities in order to foster independence and safety for the State's vulnerable children and families.

POSITION DUTIES

·       Serves as the visionary leader and strategic architect of SSA’s strengthened and integrated approach to family preservation and well-being, with the goal of ensuring the implementation of a trauma-informed practice model and that children remain safely in their homes whenever possible.

·        Leads SSA staff and stakeholders in the refinement and strengthening of SSA’s current approach to child protective services and well-being. Collaborates to develop an approach for conceptualizing, describing, and measuring family preservation services and well-being, and refine existing strategies and practices in accordance with this framework.  

·       Maintains expertise in child safety and well-being research and best practices, leveraging external resources to inform the development of a cutting-edge approach at SSA.  

·        Oversees and guides development of SSA’s new CPS Background Clearance System for stakeholders and LDSS, led by staff within the CPS and Family Preservation unit.  

·        Policy & Manuals: develops, revises, plans and monitors statewide policy directives and manuals to be implemented by all 24 Local Departments of Social Services (LDSS) to maintain compliance with federal performance improvement plans. Carry out the implementation of the policies through facilitating statewide trainings and technical assistance for all 24 LDSS. Collects and analyzes data and monitor practices outlined in policies and manuals to measure outcomes.  

·        Analyzes prospective legislation that impacts CPS and Family Preservation along with other State services and agencies that interact with the program.  

·        Interprets federal legislation and implement the in State regulations, policy, and practice.  

·        Prepares and monitors the CPS and Family Preservation Budget.  

·        Establishes and implements written standard operating procedures which guide the CPS and Family Preservation Unit functions of the Administration.  

·        Researches and analyzes national best practices (including State policies, legislation, programs and strategic partnerships and initiatives) regarding services for families and children that come in contact with Child Welfare including, but not limited to, innovative workforce development, intense in-home services, substance abuse services, mentorship and housing initiatives.  

·        Plans, coordinates, supervises, and evaluates the work of the CPS and Family Preservation Unit. 

·        Develops new strategic public-private partnerships with national experts in the area of CPS and Family Preservation policy.  

·        Leads statewide taskforce meetings, committee meetings, workgroups, and participate on various boards related to in home services and child welfare concerns. Additional duties include assisting the Director with tasks as designated by the Executive staff.  

·        Contributes to the updates for the bi-weekly report for the DHS Secretary.  

·        Prepares and supervises RFP’s (Request for Proposals) for certain CPS and Family Preservation service functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Possession of a master’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university approved by the Council on Social Work Education. 

Experience: Seven (7) years of professional experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency or institution, five (5) years of which must have been in an administrative supervisory or consultative capacity. 

Note: 1.  These requirements are established by the Social Services Administration by authority provided in Human Services, §4-204 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.

SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS

Six years of the required professional social work experience must have been in Child Protective Services and/or Family Preservation Services.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

At least 3 years of experience using data to monitor the outcomes of social work practice.

At least 5 years of experience working with local, state or federal government agencies to address the service needs of families and children.

At least 5 years of experience using MD CHESSIE to document and review case information.

Experience with time management in a fast paced environment.

Experience with multi-tasking and problem-solving skills. 

SELECTION PROCESS

The desired/preferred qualification noted will be used to further screen the application.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to: Dylan Santos, Employment Services Unit, 311 W. Saratoga Street, Baltimore, MD 21201-3500

If you have any questions concerning the recruitment process for this position, please call 410-767-7855 or email dylan.santos@maryland.gov.

TTY Users: please 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 candidates are encouraged to apply. 

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply.




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