Connecticut
Children and Families Program Director 1 (Foster Care Division | Hybrid) - #2510
Connecticut, Hartford, Connecticut, us, 06112
Introduction
Are you ready to take the next step in your career, while continuing to make a difference in the lives of others? If so, please read on to learn more about this exciting opportunity! The State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a Children and Families Program Director I role in our Division of Foster Care, located with Region 1 and Region 5 (can be subject to change based on operational needs). This position is full‑time, 40 hours per week, Monday‑Friday, with expected statewide travel.
Position Highlights LOCATION: Hartford, CT | Expected statewide travel – Region 1 (Bridgeport & Norwalk) & Region 5 (Danbury, Torrington, & Waterbury). Note: can be subject to change based on operational needs.
Schedule Full time – 40 hour per week | First shift, Monday – Friday. NOTE: This position is open to current DCF employees only. Please see selection plan for additional details.
Your role as a Children and Families Program Director I The Program Director provides oversight of Foster Care Division staff assigned to the regional and central offices. The position is responsible for implementing the agency's foster care recruitment and retention plan which is tied to the federally mandated Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) of 2018. It is also responsible for the federally mandated Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) which is part of Title IV‑E formula grant that reimburses states based on the number of families licensed, children reunified, guardianship transferred and adoptions.
Responsibilities
Ensuring uniformity in the implementation of statewide foster care, guardianship and adoption initiatives.
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Developing and analyzing foster care performance reports.
Monitoring and controlling fiscal spending.
Overseeing recruitment, retention and licensing activities for foster and relative families.
Ensuring the foster care division functions are in compliance with applicable regulatory and licensure standards.
Negotiating relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Navigating change initiatives and successful implementation of key organization transitions.
Gathering data on deliverables and outcomes.
Creating reports and presentations based on data and analysis.
Maintaining contacts with individuals within and outside of department who might impact outcomes.
Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate for this position will be organized, motivated, and possess strong communication skills. Additionally, the candidate will have a passion for excellence, ability and experience analyzing complex situations and processes, integrating data to form a cohesive picture and meaningful actions, and a demonstrated competency to interact with people at all levels of the organization.
What We Can Offer You As a current agency employee you will receive the same excellent benefits you are accustomed to. Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page for professional growth and development opportunities. A healthy work/life balance to all employees.
About Us DCF is comprised of fourteen area offices, two facilities, the Wilderness School, and Central Office. All 14 Offices have a Foster Care Unit (FC) that reports to a Program Director of Foster Care. FC units are responsible for implementing statewide initiatives and procedures related to foster care and adoption at the local level. If a child cannot remain at home, placing children with relatives or people that they know is our first priority. DCF has taken great strides over the last several years to improve how we serve vulnerable children and families in Connecticut.
Selection Plan IMPORTANT: In order to be considered for this job opening you must be a current State of CT employee of the agency listed above for at least six (6) months of full‑time service or full‑time equivalent service, absent any applicable collective bargaining language, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application. FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
Purpose of Job Class (Nature of Work) In the Department of Children and Families this class is accountable for directing administrative support and/or program services.
Examples of Duties
Directs staff and operations of the assigned area of responsibility;
Coordinates, plans and manages program activities;
Forms program goals and objectives;
Develops or assists in development of related policy;
Interprets and administers pertinent laws;
Evaluates staff;
Develops and monitors budgets for specific program or administrative areas;
Maintains contact with individuals and organizations within and outside of agency which impact on area or program activities;
Assists in directing and coordinating allocation of staff and resources to maintain service delivery system or program;
Manages systems and/or programs to ensure compliance with federal, state and department mandates;
Identifies training and development needs of staff;
Speaks before professional and lay groups;
Represents Commissioner in community and public relations activities within area as assigned;
Prepares and/or analyzes management reports including reports detailing area activities, program operations and client statistics;
Evaluates programs and professional social work services provided to children and families;
Identifies needs of children and families for purposes of determining available community resources;
Reviews work of assigned areas for general efficiency and effectiveness with target client populations;
Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
Performs related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skill and Ability Considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and practices; standards of practice and administration of programs dealing with children and youth; impact of cultural issues on service delivery and staff relationships; considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills.
Minimum Qualifications – General Experience Nine (9) years of professional experience in the field of child welfare programs, children's protective services, foster services, adoption or social and human services.
Minimum Qualifications – Special Experience Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a managerial or supervisory capacity with responsibility for planning, development, implementation or supervision of administrative or program services in child welfare, children's protective services, children's mental health or juvenile justice.
Minimum Qualifications – Substitutions Allowed College education may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one‑half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree. A Master's degree or other advanced degree in the behavioral sciences, public administration, education, social work or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
Preferred Qualifications
3+ years professional experience in foster care and adoption services within Connecticut Children & Families;
Experience with FFPSA and AFSA Federal Acts;
Experience developing presentations to include analysis, findings and impact;
Experience generating and analyzing various performance metrics using Excel and other reporting tools;
Experience with computer literacy and demonstrated ability to integrate technology in the workplace;
Managerial experience in a matrix organization;
Experience providing representation on behalf of an agency (employer) with internal (across divisions) and external stakeholders (providers, other state agencies, etc.).
Special Requirements
Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license;
Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
Conclusion AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
Acknowledgement As defined by Sec. 5‑196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position Highlights LOCATION: Hartford, CT | Expected statewide travel – Region 1 (Bridgeport & Norwalk) & Region 5 (Danbury, Torrington, & Waterbury). Note: can be subject to change based on operational needs.
Schedule Full time – 40 hour per week | First shift, Monday – Friday. NOTE: This position is open to current DCF employees only. Please see selection plan for additional details.
Your role as a Children and Families Program Director I The Program Director provides oversight of Foster Care Division staff assigned to the regional and central offices. The position is responsible for implementing the agency's foster care recruitment and retention plan which is tied to the federally mandated Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) of 2018. It is also responsible for the federally mandated Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) which is part of Title IV‑E formula grant that reimburses states based on the number of families licensed, children reunified, guardianship transferred and adoptions.
Responsibilities
Ensuring uniformity in the implementation of statewide foster care, guardianship and adoption initiatives.
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Developing and analyzing foster care performance reports.
Monitoring and controlling fiscal spending.
Overseeing recruitment, retention and licensing activities for foster and relative families.
Ensuring the foster care division functions are in compliance with applicable regulatory and licensure standards.
Negotiating relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Navigating change initiatives and successful implementation of key organization transitions.
Gathering data on deliverables and outcomes.
Creating reports and presentations based on data and analysis.
Maintaining contacts with individuals within and outside of department who might impact outcomes.
Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate for this position will be organized, motivated, and possess strong communication skills. Additionally, the candidate will have a passion for excellence, ability and experience analyzing complex situations and processes, integrating data to form a cohesive picture and meaningful actions, and a demonstrated competency to interact with people at all levels of the organization.
What We Can Offer You As a current agency employee you will receive the same excellent benefits you are accustomed to. Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page for professional growth and development opportunities. A healthy work/life balance to all employees.
About Us DCF is comprised of fourteen area offices, two facilities, the Wilderness School, and Central Office. All 14 Offices have a Foster Care Unit (FC) that reports to a Program Director of Foster Care. FC units are responsible for implementing statewide initiatives and procedures related to foster care and adoption at the local level. If a child cannot remain at home, placing children with relatives or people that they know is our first priority. DCF has taken great strides over the last several years to improve how we serve vulnerable children and families in Connecticut.
Selection Plan IMPORTANT: In order to be considered for this job opening you must be a current State of CT employee of the agency listed above for at least six (6) months of full‑time service or full‑time equivalent service, absent any applicable collective bargaining language, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application. FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
Purpose of Job Class (Nature of Work) In the Department of Children and Families this class is accountable for directing administrative support and/or program services.
Examples of Duties
Directs staff and operations of the assigned area of responsibility;
Coordinates, plans and manages program activities;
Forms program goals and objectives;
Develops or assists in development of related policy;
Interprets and administers pertinent laws;
Evaluates staff;
Develops and monitors budgets for specific program or administrative areas;
Maintains contact with individuals and organizations within and outside of agency which impact on area or program activities;
Assists in directing and coordinating allocation of staff and resources to maintain service delivery system or program;
Manages systems and/or programs to ensure compliance with federal, state and department mandates;
Identifies training and development needs of staff;
Speaks before professional and lay groups;
Represents Commissioner in community and public relations activities within area as assigned;
Prepares and/or analyzes management reports including reports detailing area activities, program operations and client statistics;
Evaluates programs and professional social work services provided to children and families;
Identifies needs of children and families for purposes of determining available community resources;
Reviews work of assigned areas for general efficiency and effectiveness with target client populations;
Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
Performs related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skill and Ability Considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and practices; standards of practice and administration of programs dealing with children and youth; impact of cultural issues on service delivery and staff relationships; considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills.
Minimum Qualifications – General Experience Nine (9) years of professional experience in the field of child welfare programs, children's protective services, foster services, adoption or social and human services.
Minimum Qualifications – Special Experience Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a managerial or supervisory capacity with responsibility for planning, development, implementation or supervision of administrative or program services in child welfare, children's protective services, children's mental health or juvenile justice.
Minimum Qualifications – Substitutions Allowed College education may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one‑half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree. A Master's degree or other advanced degree in the behavioral sciences, public administration, education, social work or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
Preferred Qualifications
3+ years professional experience in foster care and adoption services within Connecticut Children & Families;
Experience with FFPSA and AFSA Federal Acts;
Experience developing presentations to include analysis, findings and impact;
Experience generating and analyzing various performance metrics using Excel and other reporting tools;
Experience with computer literacy and demonstrated ability to integrate technology in the workplace;
Managerial experience in a matrix organization;
Experience providing representation on behalf of an agency (employer) with internal (across divisions) and external stakeholders (providers, other state agencies, etc.).
Special Requirements
Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license;
Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
Conclusion AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
Acknowledgement As defined by Sec. 5‑196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.
#J-18808-Ljbffr