INTRODUCTION

This Program Manager is an administrative position and a member of the DFS Program Team. The position is responsible for the oversight, leadership and support of the Independent Living program that provides skill building, supportive services and transitional housing supports for youth who experienced foster care to prepare them to successfully live independently. Duties of this position include, but not limited to, staff supervision, budget and policy management, contract and grant management, staff training and advocating for youth through community partnerships. This position also supports the operation of the youth advisory council (HOPE).

SUMMARY STATEMENT

A class incumbent is responsible for managing a statewide program for the Division of Child Protective Services.

JOB REQUIREMENTS FOR FAMILY SERVICES 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 or rehabilitation.
• Six months experience in health or human services program administration such as overseeing and directing the development, implementation and evaluation of health or human services programs and services; planning and establishing short and long range program goals and objectives. Providing advice to other agency organizational units through consultation.
• Six months experience in developing policies or procedures.
• Six months experience in narrative report writing.
• Knowledge of contract management and control such as ensuring compliance with terms of contracts; negotiating changes to existing contracts.
• Knowledge of grant management and control which includes monitoring and evaluating grant expenditures.

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, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Plans, develops and implements new programs within the specified program area. Develops goals, objectives, and measurable outcomes for these programs.
• Develops policy and procedure governing the program and ensures conformity to applicable federal and state regulations.
• Writes and reviews RFP’s and grant applications.
• Reviews, evaluates and approves program proposals for contracts; writes and negotiates contracts; works independently with contractors to improve services and resolve problems.
• Reviews active cases in which a child death or serious injury has occurred.
• Evaluates program proposals in terms of long range goals and needs of targeted populations. Directs the implementation of approved program and ensures program objectives are met.
• Determines staff training needs and provides directly or arranges for needed training.
• Provides technical assistance, policy interpretation, and consultation of program and funding issues through verbal/written communication, training workshops, on-site visits to County Directors and their staff, other Department staff and private organizations; reviews, coordinates and critiques legislation related to program areas.
• Develops budget request for program area; projects program costs using trend analysis and current program operations. Oversees and monitors the use of approved program funds.
• Represents the Division/Department in national, state and private sector meetings, conferences and/or workshops.