Employees in this class support
the administration of child welfare programs that ensure the safety, well-being, and permanency of children and youth, serving some of the State’s most
vulnerable populations. Primary work involves applying expertise,
research, and best practices to guide program planning, development, revision,
and other improvement efforts to ensure effective service delivery and positive
outcomes. Child welfare programs managed include Intake and Investigation,
Treatment, Foster Care, Permanency and Adoption, and Independent Living.
Nature and Scope
Employees are assigned to the Division of Family Services and support the administration of at least one specific child welfare program area by planning, coordinating, evaluating, and overseeing programs and related operations and services delivered by agency staff and contracted providers. A significant aspect of work at this level involves research activities to evaluate effectiveness of services currently available for a targeted population, and compliance with state and federal child welfare requirements as well as applicable agency, state, and federal laws, rules, regulations, professional mandates, and best practices. Program results directly impact the safety, well-being, and permanency of children and youth statewide. Employees provide technical assistance, policy interpretation, and consultation on program areas to administration, leadership, and stakeholders on complex child welfare matters.
Child Welfare Program Managers report to and receive minimal supervision from an administrative supervisor; the supervisor defines objectives, priorities, and deadlines and assists the employee with unusual situations. Employees support programs that ensure a continuum of services for children and their families in alignment with program goals and objectives. Employees also participate in and/or staff committees and task forces in support of department programs and projects.
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, employees can complete job duties of a similar kind not
specifically listed here.
Participates in the administration of one or more child welfare programs by planning, coordinating, evaluating, and overseeing programs and related operations and services delivered by agency staff and contracted providers.
Monitors daily operations and work of staff to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, performance, and compliance with agency, state, and federal laws, rules, regulations, professional mandates, and best practices.
Plans,
organizes, and conducts needs assessments of a diverse range of program
areas and develops performance metrics, reporting systems, and record
keeping formats.
Conducts data
analysis and comprehensive research including child welfare best practices,
successful program strategies, local child welfare trends, and effective
services and supports for children and families. Identifies internal
trends, issues, and challenges.
Plans and
drafts new or revised services within a program area based on
comprehensive research, evaluation, and best practices, and submits for
supervisory review/approval. Recommends corrective action or other
improvements.
Serves as a
subject matter expert, providing guidance, consultation, and
recommendations to staff, management, state and private agencies, and
stakeholders on complex child welfare challenges, including sensitive or
high-risk situations, emerging or unfamiliar service needs, and issues
requiring the application of complex state, federal, and professional
mandates, as well as best practices.
Develops
Requests for Proposal (RFPs), evaluates vendor proposals, and submits
related recommendations to supervisor. Engages in contract negotiation and
develops contract/agreements for approved bids.
Monitors budget
allocations and expenditures for child welfare program activities and
contracted providers and may participate in budget preparation.
Tracks,
analyzes, and interprets data and documentation to prepare both internal
and mandatory federal reports.
Reviews, monitors, and trains
staff on new or revised policies, procedures, and legislation.
Represents the
unit, division, or department in meetings and on various committees and
tasks forces.
May supervise
two or more merit full-time positions, casual seasonal, and/or contractual
staff. The elements of supervision include performing the following on a
regular and continuing basis: planning, assigning, reviewing, evaluating,
coaching, training, disciplining, and recommending hire, termination, and
promotion.
Performs other related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The
intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general
indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series;
therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the
requirements of every position in the class.
Knowledge
of health and human services and case management theories, principles, and
practices.
Knowledge
of the principles and practices of child welfare program management including
emerging trends and best practices.
Knowledge
of the principles and practices of supervision.
Knowledge
of program, policy, and procedure development, implementation, and
evaluation.
Knowledge
of the principles and practices of budget, grant, and/or contract management
and control.
Skill in
ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations,
standards, policies, and procedures.
Skill in
providing technical guidance, consultation, and recommendations, requiring
subject matter expertise in child welfare programs and service delivery.
Skill in
identifying and analyzing needs, requirements, issues, and challenges and
recommending solutions based on best practices and research.
Skill in
the collection, analysis, evaluation, and presentation of data from a variety
of sources.
Ability
to set unit priorities, performance standards, and monitor outcomes.
Ability
to establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives
of other service agencies, community organizations, federal regulatory
agencies, and associates.
Ability to communicate
effectively both orally and in writing.
Job Requirements
JOB REQUIREMENTS for Child
Welfare Program Manager
Applicants must have
education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the
following areas:
Possession of a Bachelors
degree or higher in Behavioral or Social Science or related field.
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.
One year of experience in
evaluating case flow, priorities, and performance, and making recommendations
for improvements.
Coursework, training,
and/or work experience in contract management and control such as
ensuring compliance with terms of contracts; negotiating changes to
existing contracts.
Coursework, training,
and/or work experience in developing policies or procedures.
Notify Me when a Job Opens for the above position(s)