Assistant Commissioner for Permanency

Company: State of Massachusetts
Location: Attleboro
Posted on: February 5, 2020

Job Description:

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a dynamic individual to fill the role ofAssistant Commissioner for Permanency. The selected candidate will oversee Foster Care Support Services, Adolescent & Young Adult Services and Adoption Services which are critical to achieving the agency mission, and ensure compliance with program related state and federal statutory requirements.Program supports include: foster care support services, adolescent & young adult services and adoption services as well as assisting the Deputy Commissioner in developing and implementing agency wide systems and protocols that promote accountability and alignment of social work practice with agency policies and procedures.In the role of Assistant Commissioner, the incumbent will be a member of the agencys senior leadership team and will take their direction from the Deputy Commissioner for Field Operations. The Assistant Commissioner supports the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Regional and Area Directors in meeting the service needs of children and families served by the Department. The Assistant Commissioner engages in high level strategic planning, problem solving, responsive and creative program development and flexible and efficient management of resources and resource utilization._Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive)_:

• Provide for the oversight and monitoring of standard statewide implementation of foster care and adoption policy and case practice, including recruitment and licensing of foster/pre-adoptive homes, provision of consultation, support and technical assistance to the field in meeting child outcomes for placement and permanency and management of adoption contracts and subsidized adoption/guardianship programs.
• Develop strategies, objectives, program goals, and systems to ensure program supports are provided to the field in a manner that enhances service delivery for the children and families served by the Department.
• Oversee policy development and implementation including the development of strategies, objectives, program goals, and systems to ensure the Departments implementation of state and federal policies is clear, concise, and implementable. Work with the Legislative Affairs, Legal, Practice and Policy divisions to ensure implementation of new state and federal policies.
• Manage the analysis, development and implementation of interagency and intersystem services and supports for foster care, adolescent & young adult services and adoption services for neglected children and their families.
• Manage external partnerships and develop strategies, objectives, program goals, and systems across public sector agencies, with private sector partners and community based constituencies to identify and resolve service delivery challenges for children and families.
• Develop and operate methods for soliciting input, sharing information and resolving identified concerns through routine meeting, and other structures.
• Provide leadership through goal setting, direction, and supervision to assigned units. Evaluate units performance, resources allocation, and utilization in order to establish and prioritize goals and activities.
• Partner with DCF divisions to oversee the development of annual program plans and reports as required by the Federal Administration for Children and Families Childrens Bureau in areas including the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, Childrens Justice Act, Every Student Succeeds Act, and as relates new state policy requirements._Preferred Qualifications_:
  • Masters Degree, or higher, in Social Work, Human Services, Public Policy, or Public Administration.
  • Three (3) to five (5) years of relevant senior management experience in child welfare and public policy development and implementation.
  • Understanding of DCF mission and services, as well as state and federal requirements guiding the operation of the agency.
  • Capacity to facilitate and work collaboratively with sister agencies, community based providers, and advocates.
  • Experience in the development of interagency programs and policies intended to support children and families served by DCF.
  • Knowledge of state and federal policies and funding streams relevant to the delivery of state child welfare service delivery.
  • Aptitude to work across systems and professional capacities, to promote improved outcomes for children and families served by DCF.
  • Proficiency in the methods of motivation and persuasion and knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of supervision along with implementing change management and energizing people around that change.
  • Ability to identify and develop diverse talent including the ability to inspire and guide individuals or groups based on the agency needs and direction.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and Outlook_About the Department of Children and Families:_The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is committed to upholding the fundamental mission of protecting children from abuse and neglect to ensure they are able to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. DCFs vision is that all children have the right to grow up in a nurturing home, free from abuse and neglect, with access to food, shelter, clothing, health care and education.DCF works toward establishing the safety, permanency and well-being of the Commonwealth's children by: stabilizing and preserving families; providing quality temporary alternative care when necessary, safely reunifying families; and when necessary and appropriate, creating new families through kinship, guardianship or adoption. Preferred applicants will possess a demonstrated commitment to the core practice values: 1) child-driven, 2) family-centered, 3) community-focused, 4) strength-based, 5) committed to diversity/cultural competency, and, 6) committed to continuous learning.For more information about our agency and programs visit:www.mass.gov/dcf*__**__*_Total Compensation_:As an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are offered a great career opportunity influencing a wide-spectrum of services to the diverse populations we serve - but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits which you should consider towards your overall compensation, including:
    • 75% state paid medical insurance premium
    • Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans
    • Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs
    • Low cost basic and optional life insurance
    • Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
    • 11 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation and Personal Time
    • Tuition Benefit for employee and spouse at state colleges and universities
    • Short-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options
    • Incentive-based Wellness Programs
    • Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
    • Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program*Please ensure that you attach a resume with your application submission to this requisition. *_Pre-Offer Process:_A criminal and tax history background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visithttp://www.mass.gov/hhs/coriand click on "Information for Job Applicants."Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Divisions Hiring Guidelines.Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealths website.For questions, please the contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #2.MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:Applicants must have at least (A) seven (7) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least three (3) years must have been in a managerial capacity.An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.Job: *Community and Social ServicesOrganization: *Department of Children & FamiliesTitle: Assistant Commissioner for PermanencyLocation: Massachusetts-600 Washington StreetRequisition ID: 190009D7

Keywords: State of Massachusetts, Attleboro , Assistant Commissioner for Permanency, Other , Attleboro, Massachusetts