Child Services Regional Director

State of Indiana; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 88,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan options

Paid time off & holidays

Education reimbursement

Free parking

LinkedIn Learning access

Job summary

The State of Indiana’s Department of Child Services (DCS) seeks a Regional Director to lead agency strategy for the Capitol region (Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, Shelby). Located in the Indianapolis North DCS office, the role oversees regional directors and state initiatives managed by the Deputy Director for Field Operations.

Starting salary typically around 93,002 USD annually, with compensation commensurate with education and experience.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws impacting program compliance.
• Extensive knowledge of DCS programs, goals, and operations.
• Broad knowledge of human service delivery systems.
• Broad knowledge of change management and conflict resolution.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the regional authority for staffing, program development and implementation.
• Establish an inclusive, respectful, and vision-oriented environment reflecting DCS values.
• Provide strong regional leadership addressing local needs.
• Facilitate statewide initiatives for coordinated service delivery.
• Monitor program delivery for cost efficiency, effectiveness, compliance, and accountability.
• Manage regional funding with fiscal responsibility in planning services.
• Promote and monitor effective case planning and resource connections.
• Assess program administration and resolve issues with local directors.

Skills

Public policy knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Leadership

Driver's license

Job description

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Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Child Services (DCS):

Join a group of passionate, dedicated public servants to support one of Indiana’s most critical missions!

The Department of Child Services helps children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. We pursue permanency for children and families through reunification, guardianship, and adoption. Our services also encompass foster care, child support, and transitional support for those adjusting to adulthood. Our culture is built upon our MVP foundation:

Mission: Champion Indiana’s future by protecting children and strengthening families with compassion and determination.
Vision: Every child in Indiana thrives in a safe, loving, forever home.
Purpose: Ignite hope. Cultivate joy.

Role Overview:

The Regional Director is the seniormost leader for agency strategy within one of DCS’s five operational regions. This position manages the work of local office directors while engaging closely with statewide initiatives managed by the Deputy Director for Field Operations. The Regional Director will serve the state’s Capitol region, including Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, and Shelby counties. Serving the state’s highest count of Children in Need of Service, the assignment is highly visible and will be critical for DCS’s efforts to support safe children and strong families.

This position is located in the Indianapolis, Indiana, North DCS office.

This position traditionally starts at an annual salary of $93,002.00 but may be commensurate with education and job experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as the regional authority for staffing, program development and implementation, resource allocation, and policy development.
• Establish and maintain an inclusive, respectful, and vision‑oriented environment that reflects DCS mission, vision, and core values.
• Provide strong leadership throughout the region by proactively addressing local office and regional needs.
• Facilitate statewide initiatives to ensure service delivery is comprehensive, coordinated, and not duplicative.
• Monitor program delivery to determine cost efficiency, effectiveness, compliance, and accountability.
• Manage regional funding while exercising fiscal responsibility in planning services and programs.
• Promote and monitor effective case planning and resource connections.
• Assess the effectiveness of program administration in local offices and identify management, organizational, or staffing issues; collaborate with local office directors to resolve concerns and improve operational effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with human resource regulations and provide general guidance.
• Collaborate with local office directors to develop short‑and long‑term strategies supporting program compliance, efficiency, and cost‑effective service delivery.
• Evaluate accomplishments toward established goals and adjust strategies, methods, or procedures as needed.
• Represent DCS at public meetings, task forces, or forums involving multi‑county or multi‑community audiences.
• Facilitate and oversee quality‑control reviews, program evaluations, and management evaluations for the region.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours that may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws impacting program compliance.
• Extensive knowledge of DCS programs, organizational functions, mission, core values, and operational goals.
• Broad knowledge of human service delivery systems.
• Broad knowledge of change management and conflict resolution.
• Extensive knowledge of communication theory, public relations principles, and engagement techniques.
• General knowledge of state and local community advocacy groups.
• Extensive knowledge of employee relations, engagement solutions, and workforce support strategies.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to address the public, special interest groups, and organizations in open forums.
• Ability to solve complex problems and identify effective solutions.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple high‑profile cases, projects, or emergency situations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, reliable automobile, and appropriate insurance coverage.
• Candidate/incumbent is subject to pre‑employment and random drug/alcohol testing.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

A degree is not required. However, at least 3-5 years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b)account (similar to401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 in election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parkingfor most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learningaccess

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail] .