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

DCFS-Department of Children and Family Services; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Children and Family Services in Baton Rouge, LA, seeks a Program Manager 1-B-LDH (Maintenance & Operations) to lead DCFS Digital Services initiatives. The role requires advanced knowledge in project management, IT, and public-sector program administration, coordinating technology solutions with agency programs and policies.

Ideal candidates will navigate complex stakeholder environments, ensure compliance with state and federal laws, and drive large-scale initiatives within DCFS.

Qualifications

• Seven years of experience in developing, managing, or evaluating health or social service programs; OR six years of full-time work in any field plus four years in related health or social service programs.
• 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.

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.

Education

Bachelor’s degree + four years relevant experience

Advanced degree or JD + three years relevant experience

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.

Join Our Team at DCFS: 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!

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.

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.