DFS Foster Care Program Manager

DelDOT; Wilmington (DE); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid leave

Job summary

The State of Delaware is seeking a Program Manager for the Foster Care Resource Team to oversee special placements, out-of-state resources, recruitment, and contract management for foster care and kinship services.

Travel statewide is required, and telework options may be available per policy. The role emphasizes collaboration, data analysis, policy development, and ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Behavioral or Social Science or related field.
• Three years’ experience in health or human services work applying theories, principles, laws and practices of health or human services programs.
• One year of experience evaluating case flow, priorities, and performance and making recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Participates in the administration of child welfare programs by planning, coordinating, evaluating, and overseeing programs and related operations.
• Monitors daily operations and staff to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, performance, and compliance with laws, rules, and best practices.
• Plans, organizes, and conducts needs assessments and develops performance metrics, reporting systems, and record keeping formats.
• Conducts data analysis and research on child welfare practices and services, identifies trends and challenges.
• Develops new or revised services based on research and best practices for supervisory review.
• Serves as a subject matter expert providing guidance on complex child welfare challenges.

Skills

Program management

Data analysis

Budget monitoring

Contract management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Behavioral or Social Science

Job description

Summary Statement

This position is part of the Foster Care Resource Team and will include oversight of special placements, out of state resources, foster care recruitment, and various contract management of foster care and kinship related services. This position provides overall support to the Foster Care Resource Program. There is an opportunity for out of state travel to review and/or monitor foster care resources.

Selective Requirement

Selective Requirements must be met in addition to the job requirements. Applicants who do not possess the selective requirement will not be qualified: As a condition of hire you must possess a valid driver's license (not suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or disqualified from driving). This position requires statewide travel which may include driving at night or through adverse weather conditions.

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, and 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.

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 orrehabilitation.
• 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.

Additional Posting Information

The State of Delaware recognizes the value of telework and flexible working schedules. This position is eligible for Telework and Alternative Work Schedules according to the State of Delaware’s Alternative Work Arrangement Policy. More information will be shared at the time of interview.

Conditions of Hire

Pre-employment Drug Testing: Upon a conditional offer, you must undergo pre-employment drug testing as part of the hiring process. Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

Benefits

At the State of Delaware, we invest in our people and support them in and outside of the office. Our employees enjoy a total compensation package that far exceeds the value of their base salary. We offer comprehensive benefit plans that will give you peace of mind and security. Below is a list of benefits that are offered to eligible employees:

Health and Well Being

• Health Benefits, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance

Just In Case

• Disability Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance

Your Future

• Retirement Benefits, Deferred Compensation

Professional Growth

• Training and Development Programs

Work Life Balance

• Paid Leave, Paid Holidays, Paid Parental Leave, Alternative Work Schedules

More Benefits

• Flexible Spending, Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits, Accident and Critical Illness Insurance

Visit Statewide Benefits for more information!

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements. Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling [phone] or by visiting delawarerelay.com. If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call [phone] or email [e-mail]. The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.