SOCIAL SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR IV

The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) is the state’s primary social service provider, serving over one million Marylanders annually.  The Department, through its 24 local departments of social services, aggressively pursues opportunities to assist people in economic need, provide preventive services, and protect vulnerable children and adults in each of Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City.  DHS works in every community in Maryland to positively impact the lives of Marylanders. 

This is a Management Service position, and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

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Department of Human Services

The purpose of the Unit Manager’s position is to provide administrative and clinical support for the Project Home program by developing as necessary and executing plans which ensure the implementation of the goals and objectives set to the assigned program and the overall mission of the agency. The position’s core responsibility is to ensure the safety, permanency and well being of each vulnerable adult in each caseload. This is assured through the provision of oversight of the activities of professional social workers at the supervisory level, lower level social work staff, Family Services Caseworkers, clerical and other support staff. At all times, the incumbent will provide customer service to both internal and external customers that meet or exceed the standards set by the Department.

ADMINISTRATION

Maintains records and controls for monthly statistical reports, services compliance reviews, re-evaluations, and court progress reports. Generates as requested, complete, accurate and comprehensive data reports which document the work each assigned unit has completed over the past month.  Is knowledgeable of, articulates and implements policies which assure the delivery of services in accordance with policies and procedures as outlined by BCDSS. Ensures that the Standard Operating Procedures are followed on all cases.

Assist with the development and completion of various studies and data analyses on all aspects of the service delivery system and the population served.

Maintains and analyzes data movement of cases through the service delivery system(s).  Plans and implements systems to follow-up on the needs to complete various activities within specific timeframes in order to ensure compliance (i.e. Service Plan Agreements and Case Plans within 60 days).

Provides Oversight and management in order to ensure that COMAR regulations are met in all cases.  Furnishes direct guidance to all assigned Social Work Supervisors, in all program related and personnel issues, to ensure adherence to policy, rules and regulations. 

Additionally, assigns case responsibility in a manner that guarantees coverage at all times.  Through the Supervisory Review System, monitors the staff’s compliance with record maintenance, assuring that the agency’s efforts on behalf of each child and vulnerable adult is being documented.  Review cases previously received by the supervisors in order to further enhance compliance. 

Responds to personnel needs and issues within the unit and as necessary ensures that personnel infractions are reported to HR on the day of notification of the infraction.  Guarantees that all other work directly affecting assigned staff, such as the completion of time sheets and approval/disapproval of leave are completed in a timely fashion.  

Conducts operations ethically; adheres to compliance requirements; provides discipline and structure that influences the staff awareness of and respect of operational controls. 

At all times, the incumbent will provide customer service to both internal and external customers that meet or exceed the standard set by the Department. 

COORDINATION/FACILITATION 

Communicates regularly with the Program Manager regarding the timely entry of data, (100%) into the CIS system and timely case documentation.  Alerts the Program Manager to any barriers to compliance. 

Reviews and may be asked to respond to correspondence that would necessitate articulating Agency position.

Provides clinical support for staff in order to assure that decisions that have been made reflect the usage of best practices. 

Communicates and collaborates regularly with the Adult Services Community Health Nurse Program Manager and Nursing staff regarding health assessments of Project HOME Supportive Housing clients and Project HOME IHAS clients  

Participates in monthly Grand Rounds with the Adults Services Community Health Nurse Program Manager, Nursing Staff, Family Support Workers and Social Work Staff to review nursing assessments and/or service care plans for PH Supportive Housing clients or PH IHAS clients.  

Provides oversight for the maintenance of a Flex Funds Log which documents the financial assistance provided by the agency on behalf of vulnerable children and adults.  Reviews each request prior to submission to the Program Manager and indicates first level approval by initialing and dating each.  Ensures that these and all other funds are disbursed and utilized in a fiscally sound manner. 

JOB DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES 

On a yearly basis, obtains at least 20 credit hours of continuing education coursework, as required by the State Board of Social Work Examiners. Note: (Proof must be rendered upon request of all CEUs obtained). 

Attends Inter-agency and intra-agency workshops and meeting. 

Studies and implements agency policy and procedures as they are updated. 

Participates in Supervisory conferences, both with Program Manager and the assigned Social Work Supervisors, Family Services.                                   

Attends and prepares to actively participate in Program Staff Meetings. 

Maintain compliance with Social Work License as required by the Board of Social Work Examiners and the agency. 

Education:   A Master’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university approved by the Council on Social Work Education.

Experience: Seven years of professional experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency or institution, five years must have been in an administrative supervisory or consultative capacity.

Notes:

1. These requirements are established by the Social Services Administration by authority provided in Human Services        Article 4-204 of the Annotated Code of Maryland and the Maryland Department of Budget and Management, Office of Personnel Services and Benefits, does not have authority to accept substitutions or equivalents.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience at a rank of Corporal/Petty Officer or higher as a commissioned officer in Social Work classifications or Social Work specialty codes in the Social Science, Psychology, and Welfare field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Applicants must meet the selective qualification(s) to be considered. Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

Possession of an active LCSW-C license.

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

Two years of experience working in a social services agency in either child welfare or adult services.

One year of experience providing clinical supervision.

Board approved supervisor

1. Candidates for positions in this classification must be licensed by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners.

2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties are required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. The desired/preferred qualifications will be used to further screen the application.

BENEFITS OF STATE EMPLOYMENT:

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

· Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).

· Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.

· Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.  

· Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.

· Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year.  

· Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. the evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (any may be requested prior to interview).

Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be accepted.

Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year. the resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other state agencies.

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you have questions about this recruitment please contact Joyce Carter at 443-286-1157.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

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