Introduction
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.
GRADE
ASTD17
LOCATION OF POSITION
Maryland Department of Human Services
Social Services Administration
311 W. Saratoga Street
Baltimore MD 21201
Main Purpose of Job
The incumbent of this position is responsible for the development of certain plans, policies, procedures and regulations for Prevention Services (especially related to the Family First Prevention Services Act) and Family Preservation Services to achieve safety, permanency
and well-being needs of children.
Incumbent must be comfortable and effective with public speaking. Above all, the
incumbent’s primary focus will be on the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA)--
implementation, monitoring of case practice, Request for Proposal (RFP) development and
management, assisting local departments procure/secure specific EBPs and monitor EBP
service contracts. The program operates in all 24 local departments who require additional
technical assistance, training and guidance on understanding of FFPSA implementation and
requirements.
Additional duties include assisting the Supervisor, Manager, or Director with
tasks as designated by the executive staff.
Specific responsibilities include development of training for administrators, supervisors and
caseworkers in the Local Departments of Social Services and other child welfare
professionals; Provide consultation and technical assistance to local departmental staff,
governmental agency staff, private agency staff and analysis to legislators; Monitor local
departments for program effectiveness and compliance with state and federal
law/regulations/policy; Conduct reviews that may require face to face discussions with local
department caseworkers, supervisors, administrators and assistant directors for service;
Participate in task force meetings, committee meetings, workgroups, and may sit on various
boards related to child welfare concerns; represent the program and Administration on all
Prevention and Family preservation related child welfare database needs (review of build
specifications, assist with logistics for testing, speak for the program during planning
discussions). 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.
POSITION DUTIES
Monitors 24 Local Departments of Social Services for compliance with federal and State regulations. Monitors complex projects of a statewide scope to determine progress and effectiveness. Participates in task force meetings, committee meetings, workgroups, and may sit on various boards related to child welfare service concerns.
Additional duties include: assists the supervisors, managers, and directors with tasks as designated by the executive staff. Provides technical assistance to Local Departments of Social Services and private child welfare agencies about updates and new policies and procedures related to FFPSA that impact child welfare services. Prepares policy directives outlining program policies and procedures primarily on FFPSA which should include collaboration with local department staff and stakeholders. Assists in preparing written responses to concerns from lay and professional community for all levels of staff ranging from the supervisor to the Secretary of the Department with regard to FFPSA. Interprets child welfare services regulations based on legislation that is passed at the Federal and State levels. Develops certain policies and procedures needed to implement new legislation. Develops plans to inform local departmental staff about the changes resulting from new legislation that impacts
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must meet all minimum (and selective) qualifications to be considered, and to appear on the list of people eligible for hire. Please read all requirements before applying.
EDUCATION: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
EXPERIENCE: Five years of experience in the administration of a human services program or experience conducting studies and analyses of programs, procedures, practices and organizations.
NOTES:
1. Candidates may substitute additional professional or technical experience in the administration of a human services program or experience conducting studies and analyses of programs, procedures, practices and organizations on a year-for-year basis for the required education.
2. Candidates may substitute graduate level education at an accredited college or university in a human services related field at the rate of 30 credit hours per year for up to two years of the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.
One year of the required experience must have been in Child Welfare services.
One year of experience using computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs and Sheets, and Google slides.
Six months of experience in the administration and implementation of new policies, programs or initiatives.
SELECTION PROCESS
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.
Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience as presented on your application and as they relate to the requirements of the position.
It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.
For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service is required prior to hire.
BENEFITS
As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost. CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS: 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.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to, Department of Human Services, Examination Services Unit, 311 W. Saratoga Street, Room 135, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.
All mailed documents must include the applicant's name and the job number and must be received by 5 P.M. on the closing date. All mailed documents must include the applicant's name and the job number and must be received by 5 P.M. on the closing date. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the application.
If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload. If unable to upload, please email requested information only to scott.waddel@maryland.gov. Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time.
If you have any questions concerning the recruitment process for this position, please email Scott Waddel at scott.waddel@maryland.gov.
If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov.
TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay
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.
