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Manager of Policy and Practice, Social Services Administration

PROGRAM MANAGER II

Recruitment #24-005477-0003

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Introduction


When you join the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), you join a team of more than 5,000 employees across the state dedicated to positively changing the lives of more than 1 million Marylanders each year. We do this by providing economic support, preventive services, and caring for children and adults. 

We aim to deliver services so that we more quickly meet the needs of the people we serve. At DHS, we grapple with hard questions to find new ways to foster a culture of bold innovation. We do this to ensure that in Maryland, we achieve Governor Wes Moore’s pledge to leave no one behind.

Are you ready to be a driving force in shaping policies and practices that support and protect families, children, and vulnerable adults?  The Social Services Administration (SSA) is on a dynamic mission to lead, support, and empower local Departments of Social Services in the daily work with families, children, and adults. We are seeking an enthusiastic and visionary leader to take on the pivotal role of Manager of Policy and Practice.

Join us in making a difference! Apply today and be a catalyst for positive change! 

THIS IS A REPOST PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT REAPPLY
 

GRADE

20

LOCATION OF POSITION

Department of Human Services
Social Services Administration
SSA Executive Office
311 W. Saratoga Street 
Baltimore, MD 21201

Main Purpose of Job

At SSA, we passionately believe that every child deserves to thrive in safe and nurturing homes. Families are the cornerstone of caring for the well-being of children, and vulnerable adults deserve to be safe and have the ability to age in place when able. We recognize that community engagement is paramount for ensuring the safety of children and providing essential support to families. Our commitment is measured in outcomes, and we aim for effectiveness in every aspect of human services.

As the Manager of Policy and Practice, you will spearhead three critical area at SSA: policy and practice ,regulation, and legislation. Be the driving force behind shaping policies and practices that support and protect families and children and vulnerable adults.

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

POSITION DUTIES

  • Lead the charge in developing and overseeing policies, regulations, and legislation for Adult Services, Child Welfare, Title IV-E Eligibility & Compliance, and Operations. 
  • Ensure that Maryland's policy and regulatory system is a beacon of family-centered practice for the safety, permanence, and well-being of families, children, and adults, that is responsive to client needs and consistent across jurisdictions. 
  • Perform and manage complex and sensitive professional planning projects, research, and analysis. 
  • Demonstrate expert knowledge of child welfare and adult services principles, practices, laws, regulations, and policies to guide the development and revision of policies and ensure compliance. 
  • Cultivate professional relationships with DHS, SSA staff, the Office of the Attorney General, and stakeholders at various government levels, maintaining effective collaboration with courts, the General Assembly, and public/private entities. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Three years of experience with establishing regulation and policy in child welfare systems at local, State or, federal level, working in government affairs, or in legislative affairs related to child and family services.

Note: Candidates may substitute a Masters Degree for 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.
  • A Master’s or other graduate degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related field.
  • Two years experience in research and technical writing.
  • One year experience in the management of child welfare or related human services entity.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.  It is important that you report all related education and experience that is relevant to this recruitment qualifications. We will not consider information submitted after this date.  Successful candidates will be placed on the employment (eligible) list.  The resulting list may be used for future vacancies with this agency or other state agencies.

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.

·       Positions may be eligible for telework.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplement questionnaire to: Attention: Stacey Nelson, Department of Human Services, Recruitment Services Unit, 311 W. Saratoga Street, Room 143 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. 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 stacey.nelson1@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 this recruitment process for this position, please contact 410-767-7349.. 

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay.
 
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. 

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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