Title IV-E and Families First Manager / State Prog Admin Manager Sr

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 94,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota is seeking a State Program Administrator, Manager Senior to lead Title IV-E and Families First initiatives within the DCYF. This role provides strategic direction, ensures alignment with federal requirements, and oversees program implementation and audits.

Position offers telework options and a day shift, Monday–Friday, with a focus on policy development, program management, and interdepartmental collaboration to improve child welfare outcomes.

Qualifications

• Resume should clearly describe experience with beginning and ending month/day/year for each job held.
• Demonstrated leadership experience (supervisor, team lead, project lead, etc.).
• Five years of work experience with state child welfare laws; knowledge of Title IV-B and E; budget, contracts and grants management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the management and direction of the Title IV-E program to ensure compliance with federal requirements.
• Direct implementation of new federal and state laws in accordance with legislation and automated systems (SSIS and MAXIS).
• Lead audits (federal and state) and develop mitigating strategies.
• Provide direction for implementation of Family First Prevention Services Act across CSP and department.
• Develop and implement program policy, fiscal policies and procedures to meet state/federal requirements.
• Provide consultation on strategic planning, program and fiscal support, and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Policy analysis

Education

Master’s degree in social work, child welfare, public administration, or related field

Tools

SSIS

MAXIS

Job description

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior

• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Work Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Working Title: Title IV-E and Families First Manager / State Prog Admin Manager Sr

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior

Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

• Job ID: 95059
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers.
• Date Posted: 10/27/2026
• Closing Date: 11/30/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Children Youth & Families Dept / DeptChildYth&Fam-Managerial
• Division/Unit: DCYF/CS&P Deputy Staff
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Work Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $44.80 - $64.46 / hourly; $93,542 - $134, 592 / annually.
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCYF does not participate in E-Verify.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

* Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.

• This position was previously posted 6/24/26 - 7/24/26. Current applicants need not reapply.

The purpose of this position is to provide program management of the State’s Title IV-E program; Families First Prevention Services program; the Parent Legal Representation, Child Legal Representation and associated Training programs, and consultation for the American Indian Child Well Being Initiative staff and leadership.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead the management and direction of the Title IV-E program to ensure Minnesota’s compliance with all federal program requirements as the lead state Title IV-E agency.
• Direct the implementation of new federal and state laws in accordance with new federal legislation and ensure that they are continuously incorporated into the automated systems such as SSIS and MAXIS.
• Lead the Title IV-E programs through audits occurring at the federal level (every three years), and the annual audit performed by the Office of State Auditor. The person in this position is also responsible to lead the development of mitigating strategies that may result.
• Provide overall direction, organization, and guidance for the implementation of Family First Prevention Services Act across program areas within Child Safety and Permanency Division (CSP) and across the department.
• Direct and manage the development and implementation of program policy, fiscal policies and procedures to meet state and federal requirements for Family First Prevention Services Act.
• Provide consultation to the American Indian Child Well Being Unit’s Initiative Program staff and leadership on strategic planning, program and fiscal support, oversight, quality assurance and compliance with state and federal requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held.**
• Demonstrated leadership experience*
• Leadership experience can include:
• Experience as a supervisor, lead worker, team lead, project lead;
• Completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.g. ELI, L4);
• A paid/unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee (e.g. ERG)

Experience must include:

• 1+ year of experience identifying issues, goals and strategic actions
• 100+ hours per year time commitment

AND

Five (5) years of work experience with state child welfare laws. Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Administrative skills at a county or tribal social services agency in the role of a manager, director
• Knowledge of federal and state child welfare laws such as Title IV-B and E of the Social Security Act and similar laws
• Administering and overseeing budget, contract and grants management, and legislative processes
• Thorough and extensive knowledge and experience in child welfare programs and operations
• Public policy analysis and development sufficient to develop and coordinate policy and programs to improve performance outcomes

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, child welfare, public administration, or related field.
• Experience preparing legislative proposals that implement federal child welfare, Title IV-B and E laws, rules and policies.
• Knowledge of the complexities of the child welfare continuum and of the need for child welfare reform.
• Understanding of the contemporary issues on a national level affecting families and children, and the impact on families and children in Minnesota such as rising child poverty and immigration.
• Experience interpreting, evaluating, and assessing the impact of policy, legislative, and legal changes on program initiatives.
• Variety of experiences working with and leading and managing others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

• It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components:
• Reference check
• Criminal Background check
• Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)
• Driver’s License Check
• Personnel File Review: all current and former public sector employees
• Additional assessment may be required during the interview process

About Children Youth & Families Dept

Our state depends on the success of Minnesota children, youth and families. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families puts children at the center of state government, creating a permanent state agency and commissioner focused on elevating children and families in policy and budget decisions.

This realigns state government to advance equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families through transformative, partnership-driven policies, programs and practices.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.