Connecticut Department of Administrative Services
Children and Families Program Director 1(Foster Care Division | Hybrid)
Connecticut Department of Administrative Services, Hartford, Connecticut, us, 06112
Introduction
The State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a
Children and Families Program Director 1
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 1
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, tied to the federally mandated Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) of 2018, which requires states to provide high‑quality licensed caregivers. 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. In this role you will monitor progress, address challenges, and develop infrastructure to support the implementation of strategic goals, practice and policy.
Examples of 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 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 the department who might impact the program.
Ideal Candidate
Have a passion for excellence. Demonstrated competency in interacting with people at all levels of the organization. Ability and experience analyzing complex situations and processes – integrating data to form a cohesive picture and meaningful actions. Strong communication skills (oral and written).
What We Can Offer You
Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page! Professional growth and development opportunities. A healthy work/life balance for all employees.
Minimum Qualifications
General Experience Nine (9) years of professional experience in child welfare programs, children’s protective services, foster services, adoption or social and human services.
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.
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 with internal (across divisions) and external stakeholders (providers, other state agencies, etc.).
Special Requirements
Incumbents may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license. Incumbents may be required to travel.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a
Children and Families Program Director 1
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 1
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, tied to the federally mandated Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) of 2018, which requires states to provide high‑quality licensed caregivers. 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. In this role you will monitor progress, address challenges, and develop infrastructure to support the implementation of strategic goals, practice and policy.
Examples of 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 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 the department who might impact the program.
Ideal Candidate
Have a passion for excellence. Demonstrated competency in interacting with people at all levels of the organization. Ability and experience analyzing complex situations and processes – integrating data to form a cohesive picture and meaningful actions. Strong communication skills (oral and written).
What We Can Offer You
Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page! Professional growth and development opportunities. A healthy work/life balance for all employees.
Minimum Qualifications
General Experience Nine (9) years of professional experience in child welfare programs, children’s protective services, foster services, adoption or social and human services.
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.
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 with internal (across divisions) and external stakeholders (providers, other state agencies, etc.).
Special Requirements
Incumbents may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license. Incumbents may be required to travel.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr