Program Manager 1-B-LDH (Digital Services-Maintenance & Operations)

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Louisiana, Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in Baton Rouge seeks a Program Manager 1-B-LDH to lead digital services initiatives. The role covers governance, systems implementation, and technology alignment with agency operations.

You will oversee large-scale programs, navigate stakeholder environments, and ensure regulatory compliance. The position requires expertise in project management, IT operations, and public sector administration, with a focus on secure, reliable

Qualifications

• Seven years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services.
• Six years of full-time work experience in any field plus four years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services.
• A bachelor’s degree plus four years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services;
• An advanced degree or a Juris Doctorate plus three years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services.
• EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION: Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field.
• The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

Responsibilities

• Administers technology operations for DCFS systems and services, including ongoing system maintenance, configuration management, operational support, defect identification and resolution, functional testing, and help desk activities to ensure reliable and secure system performance.
• Manages system performance monitoring, service desk ticket activity, and end-user support functions to ensure issues are properly documented, prioritized, escalated, and resolved in accordance with established service levels.
• Performs comprehensive troubleshooting, testing, validation, system updates, and enhancement activities to support system reliability, availability, and compliance with agency policies, standards, and procedures.
• Develops budget projections related to technology expenditures and coordinates updates with the DCFS Budget Section to ensure alignment with program needs and agency priorities.
• Drafts, reviews, and manages contracts, interagency agreements, Data Sharing Agreements (DSAs), and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) related to assigned projects.
• Serves as liaison with the Office of Technology Services (OTS) and stakeholders to ensure alignment with technology standards, operational support activities, and service improvements.
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

Skills

Public sector mgmt

Stakeholder mgmt

Budget planning

Contract mgmt

IT operations

Systems analysis

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Advanced degree or JD

Job description

Department MISSION

To protect children, empower families, and strengthen communities so every child grows up safe, stable, and strong.

Department VISION

A future where every child thrives in a loving environment, supported by empowered families and resilient communities

Department VALUES

Treating all people with dignity, compassion and respect, while providing services with integrity.

At The Department of Children and Family Services, our mission is to empower communities and improve lives by delivering responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking public services. We are proud to serve the people of Louisiana with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to equity.

Program Manager 1-B-LDH (Maintenance & Operations)

This position works within the Digital Services Section for the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Digital Services provides leadership in project governance, systems implementation, and strategic alignment of technology solutions to support agency operations.

The role requires advanced knowledge and expertise in project management, information technology, and public sector program administration, including familiarity with DCFS programs, policies, and regulatory requirements. The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to lead large-scale initiatives, navigate complex stakeholder environments, and ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal laws governing DCFS operations.

If you're driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact—this could be the opportunity for you!

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Qualifications

• Seven years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services; OR
• Six years of full-time work experience in any field plus four years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services; OR
• A bachelor’s degree plus four years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services; OR
• An advanced degree or a Juris Doctorate plus three years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; or in public health, public relations, social services, health services, health regulation, or administrative services.
• EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION:
• Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

Job Duties

• Administers technology operations for DCFS systems and services, including ongoing system maintenance, configuration management, operational support, defect identification and resolution, functional testing, and help desk activities to ensure reliable and secure system performance.

• Manages system performance monitoring, service desk ticket activity, and end-user support functions to ensure issues are properly documented, prioritized, escalated, and resolved in accordance with established service levels.

• Performs comprehensive troubleshooting, testing, validation, system updates, and enhancement activities to support system reliability, availability, and compliance with agency policies, standards, and procedures.

• Develops budget projections related to technology expenditures and coordinates updates with the DCFS Budget Section to ensure alignment with program needs and agency priorities.

• Drafts, reviews, and manages contracts, interagency agreements, Data Sharing Agreements (DSAs), and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) related to assigned projects.

• Serves as liaison with the Office of Technology Services (OTS) and stakeholders to ensure alignment with technology standards, operational support activities, and service improvements.

• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

Position-Specific Details

Appointment Type

Probational, Promotional, or Job Appointment. This position may be filled as a probational appointment or a job appointment that may last up to 48 months. Job appointments may convert to probational appointments. Also, it may be filled as a detail and promoted within 12 months or by promotion of a permanent classified employee.

Works Schedule

Typically, work hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday. Flexible work schedules are available after meeting certain criteria and is dependent upon the position you are applying for. Some positions require working shifts.

Work Location

Baton Rouge, La

Louisiana HB 420 requires all prospective DCFS employees to complete and clear multiple background clearances prior to employment with this agency.

No Civil Service Test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

DCFS is an “Equal Opportunity Employer”, and Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.