Massachusetts Jobs

The Department of Children and Families is seeking an experienced and dedicated individual to fill the role of Area Director. In this role the Area Director will be responsible for translating the mission and vision of the Department through managing and monitoring all clinical and administrative operations of the area office with an approximate caseload of 800 – 1,200 families served by about 80 – 100 staff. The selected candidate will operationalize Department policy and procedures into a social service delivery system, with services provided by DCF social workers and private contracted providers, toward the goal of strengthening families and ensuring children are protected from abuse or neglect. The Area Director is accountable for making the most effective and efficient use of financial and human resources in carrying out the Department’s mission. _Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive)_: * Ensure all agency clinical policies, procedures, and regulations are known and practiced appropriately by all area office staff. * Provide support and guidance to the area office team on high profile and complex cases. * Manage area office budget within prescribed allocation, monitor and analyze service and administrative expenditures as well as develop and implement systems and strategies to correct deficits. * Hold monthly management, supervisors, and staff meetings, to offer direction, guidance, and support in each of the area offices. * Responsible for recruitment, hiring, training and ongoing evaluation of staff, including implementation of progressive disciplinary actions. * Complete all necessary reports, answer correspondence, and respond to consumer requests and grievances. * Develop a working relationship with local union representatives through regular meetings and joint problem solving. * Ensure physical plant (office site) is appropriate, safe & secure for staff. * Spend equal work time in each of the area offices to ensure continuity and strong teamwork. * Maintain collaborative working relationship with the area board in each area office as well as develop and maintain working relationships with sister-agencies, local community stakeholders, provider network and local legislators as necessary. * Ensure casework practices are in accordance to interagency agreements negotiated by the Department. * Develop and coordinate all RFP’S for contracted services and negotiate with selected vendors. * Ensure appropriate foster and adoptive parent’s recruitment, training and support systems are in place. * Monitor agency programs and initiatives to ensure appropriate implementation. * Provide staff appropriate training and information regarding all policy and practice changes. _Preferred Qualifications_: * A Master’s or higher degree with a major in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education, criminal justice, human services or other relevant human services field * Social Work Licensure * Ability to work within public child welfare system knowing client population and service needs. * Demonstrated expertise working with senior managers and staff involved in transition. * An understanding, both clinically and legally, of child abuse & neglect. * Demonstrated commitment to the agency’s six core values:1) child-driven, 2) family-centered, 3) strength-based, 4) community-focused, 5) culturally safe, and 6) committed to continuous learning * Proven ability to supervise staff, strong organizational skills. * Ability to act as a community leader with public & private agencies concerning child welfare issues. * An ability to provide crisis intervention & effective problem solving. * Ability to develop & monitor budgets & programs. * Knowledge of human resource management, program planning and administration, and fiscal management. * An understanding of the courts & schools in their relationship with our clients. * Proficient in Microsoft Office and Agency MIS systems. _To Apply_: Please upload both Resume and Cover Letter for this position when applying. _About the Department of Children and Families:_ The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is committed to upholding the fundamental mission of protecting children from abuse and neglect to ensure they are able to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. DCF’s vision is that all children have the right to grow up in a nurturing home, free from abuse and neglect, with access to food, shelter, clothing, health care and education. DCF works toward establishing the safety, permanency and well-being of the Commonwealth's children by: stabilizing and preserving families; providing quality temporary alternative care, when necessary, safely reunifying families; and when necessary and appropriate, creating new families through kinship, guardianship or adoption. Preferred applicants will possess a demonstrated commitment to the core practice values: 1) child-driven, 2) family-centered, 3) community-focused, 4) strength-based, 5) committed to diversity/cultural competency, and, 6) committed to continuous learning. For more information about our agency and programs visit:www.mass.gov/dcf _Pre-Hire Process_: A criminal and tax history background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visithttp://www.mass.gov/hhs/coriand click on "Information for Job Applicants." Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website. If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form For questions, please the contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience. II. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience. III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience. IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience. * Comprehensive Benefits* When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Job: Community and Social Services* *Organization: Department of Children & Families *Title: *Area Director - Holyoke Location: Massachusetts-Holyoke - 200 Front Street Requisition ID: 24000608