INDEPENDENT LIVING COORDINATOR

18

DEPARTMEBNT OF HUMAN SERVICES

This position is responsible for advocating for statewide youth centered policies and practices that promote lifelong connections for older youth (14-21 years old) who experience out-of-home care. This position will identify and collaborate with local DSS staff, public and private youth-serving organizations, and other community partners to connect older youth with essential resources, opportunities and relationships needed to thrive in adulthood. Responsibilities also include working in partnership with the State and Local Youth Advisory Boards to create inclusive, youth-led spaces that promote learning, leadership development and advocacy, ensuring that older youth have a voice in shaping services, programs, policy and practice that impacts their lives, including proposing policy and practice changes to the out-of-home care director that are based on feedback from older youth in care. This also includes remaining up-to-date on the specific permanency goals and initiatives for older youth in Maryland. 

• Provide technical assistance to Local Departments of Social Services (LDSS) and other state agencies on matters that relate to youth in out-of-home care and the delivery of the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood, Ready by 21 Benchmarks any other specific current initiatives, priorities, or strategic goals of the Maryland Social Services Administration Out-of-Home Care Department. 
• Coordinate with out-of-home care team on permanency and kinship practices to achieve the strategic goals related to older youth in care. 
• Analyze and prepare bill comment forms for prospective legislation that may impact older youth in care. 
• Collaborate with the out-of-home care team to draft regulations and policy focused on older youth.
• Track events and services related to John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood in order to write the Annual Progress and Services Report (APSR). 
• Analyze proposed legislation that impacts children in out-of-home care. 
• Prepare detailed commentary about proposed legislation that includes letters of support, suggested amendments and formal testimony. 
• Attend legislative committee hearings for relevant proposed legislation that impacts on children placed in Out-of-Home care. 
• Participate in task force meetings, committee meetings, workgroups, and boards related to child welfare. 
• Monitor local department practice and confer with local department staff to improve the delivery of the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood. Monitor local department practice and confer with local department staff on emerging adults permanency and authentic youth engagement.

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 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, four years must have been in an administrative, supervisory or consultative capacity.

Notes:

1. These requirements are established by the Social Service 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.

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 experience working with young adults (from ages 14 years to 21 years old).

One year of experience working in child welfare.

One year of experience with public speaking and facilitating meetings/briefings.

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. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

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.  You may be asked to complete a supplemental questionnaire.  The supplemental questionnaire may be used as part of the rating process.  Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.

 

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.

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: 

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.  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 fax requested information only to 410-333-0882.  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 call 410-767-7414. 

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 applicants are encouraged to apply.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.