Introduction
When you join the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), you join a team of more than 5,000 employees across the state dedicated to positively changing the lives of more than 1 million Marylanders each year. We do this by providing economic support, preventive services, and caring for children and adults.
We aim to deliver services so that we more quickly meet the needs of the people we serve. At DHS, we grapple with hard questions to find new ways to foster a culture of bold innovation. We do this to ensure that in Maryland, we achieve Governor Wes Moore’s pledge to leave no one behind.
This is a Management Service position, and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.
The closing date has been extended. Applicants that already applied, do not need to reapply.
GRADE
20
LOCATION OF POSITION
Department of Human Services
Social Services Administration
Permanency and Placement
311 W. Saratoga Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Main Purpose of Job
The main purpose of this position is to manage placements for children and individuals in need of out-of-home placements. The Clinical Social Work Consultant will assess the needs of youth and ensure the appropriateness of recommended placements, establish and maintain systems to monitor compliance with policies and procedures, and provide consultation and support to Social Service Administrators, supervisors, and other stakeholders.
The incumbent will also coordinate and consult on placements for special youth populations such as the medically fragile, developmentally/intellectually disabled, and chronic mental health/behavioral challenges and provide technical assistance, training, guidance, and support to local departments of social services staff, providers, and sister agencies.
In addition, the Clinical Social Work Consultant will monitor and report on the clinical needs of youth and placement resource issues, request and obtain admissions, discharges, and placement recommendations for foster children and young adults in psychiatric hospitals, interim placements, respites, and RTCs, and advocate for the clinical needs of youth in multi-disciplinary meetings. They will also meet with local, state, and federal representatives and officials to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
This position will conduct initial site visits of in-state providers to assess the appropriateness of placement. The Social Services Administration (SSA) ensures that policies and procedures are in place and that the local departments are utilizing best practices in their placement efforts.
POSITION DUTIES
Consultation to Local Department of Social Services (LDSS), Permanency and Placement Units of SSA
1. Review recommendation of placement for children in foster care considered for high-intensity residential treatment, DDA placement, or other congregate care setting for clinical and treatment needs.
2. Provide consultation to SSA Placement Unit staff and LDSS for both short and long-term resource possibilities and potential placements:
a. Recommend potential and needed resources that could be a support to LDSS and specific family teams to support treatment goals.
b. Provide clinical guidance to the Placement Unit and LDSS in order to write appropriate referrals for RTCs and other high-intensity or specialized placement resources.
Monitor program criteria
1. Provides oversight of program criteria for DHS contracted providers to ensure quality and performance expectations.
2. Develop outcome measures and coordinate with contracting staff to build deliverables into contracts.
Policy and Strategic Planning to Support SSA Implementation of Strategic Vision and Integrated Practice Model
1. Assist in the policy and practice guidance development related to the clinical needs of children in foster care.
2. Make recommendations about policy, procedures, regulations, or systemic changes that may be needed to support the clinical needs of youth in out-of-home care.
Administrative
1.Conduct quarterly meetings with the MDH, Core Service Agencies (CSA) and private service vendors to review the services provided and discuss issues/barriers.
2. Prepare reports as needed.
Policy/Contracts
1. Provide technical writing assistance for regulations, policy directives, procedures, action controls, memorandums, and other documents related to resources/placements by interpreting state and federal regulations and laws to ensure DHS's mission is fulfilled.
2. Representation Represents DHS at interagency committees, meetings, council meetings, and workgroups related to placement services and interagency initiatives as directed.
Customer Service
1. At all times, the incumbent will provide customer service to both internal and external customers that meet or exceed the standards set by the Department.
2. All customer service should align with Maryland’s Integrated Practice Model.
3. Any other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Master’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university approved by the Council on Social Work Education.
Experience: Seven years of professional experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency or institution, six years must have been in an administrative, supervisory or consultative capacity.
Notes:
1. These requirements are established by the Social Services Administration by authority provided in Human Services Article 4-204 the Annotated Code of Maryland and the Maryland 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
Applicants must meet the selective qualification(s) to be considered. Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.
One year of experience developing and implementing goals and objectives.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.
Two years of experience working in a hospital setting with oversight and management of patient discharge.
Two years of project management and supervisory experience.
One year of experience providing direct coaching, technical assistance, or training to professionals
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
1. Candidates for positions in this classification must be licensed by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners prior to appointment.
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.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. It is important that you report all related education and experience that is relevant to this recruitment qualifications. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be placed on the employment (eligible) list. The resulting list may be used for future vacancies with this agency or other state agencies.
BENEFITS
As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost. CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS: STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS
· Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).
· Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.
· Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.
· Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.
· Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year.
· Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplement questionnaire to: Attention: Kendra Young, Department of Human Services, Recruitment Services Unit, 311 W. Saratoga Street, Room 145 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 cynthia.mcmillian@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 this recruitment process for this position, please contact 410-767-0603.
TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay.
If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov.
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.
