Job Specification Details

Managerial, consultative and administrative work managing at a professional level as the director/ manager of the statewide program of administrative appeals of Family Services Division decisions to substantiate child abuse and neglect and petitions for expungement from the Child Protection Registry. Work is performed under the general direction of the Department for Children Families' Director of Operations. The director engages in extensive liaison with Family Services Division staff, Business Office, other departments in state government and the Office of the Attorney General. Supervision is exercised over contractors and state employees. Duties are performed with a great deal of independence.

Management and oversight of a statewide program of administrative appeals of Family Services Division's decisions to substantiate persons for child abuse and neglect and management and oversight of a statewide program to respond to petitions for expungement from those persons who were placed in the Child Protection Registry. Manage and oversee contractors' conformance with contract requirements. Manage and oversee contractors' performance in the execution of administrative appeals and petitions for expungement consistent with law and policy. Manage and supervise employees' adherence to performance expectations.

Manage annual contractors' budget and assure that work remains within budgetary limitations. Make formal requests for additional funds when demand for services exceeds unit's service capacity and history. Hire, train, supervise and evaluate contractors (historically between 7 and 10) and employees assigned to the unit (currently 3). Quality assurance data collection and analysis conducted for the Commissioner of Department for Children and Families and for the Deputy Commissioner of the Family Services Division with recommendations for quality improvement. Policy and system review with Family Services Division leadership based on quality assurance data and case analyses. Performs related duties as required.

Duties are performed largely in a standard office setting but travel is required and private means of transportation must be available. Work outside of regular work schedule may be required. Strong differences of opinion are encountered during the course of every day activities.

Considerable knowledge of the laws and policies applicable to child abuse and neglect

Considerable knowledge of child abuse and neglect theory and social work practices

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration

Considerable knowledge of investigative principles and practices

Knowledge of budget preparation and administrative procedures

Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices

Knowledge of quality assurance and performance improvement theory and practices

Ability to interpret complex statutes, rules, and regulations

Ability to analyze complex systemic and case specific problems and recommend effective solutions including policy or statutory modification

Ability to provide leadership and accountability consistent with the laws, administrative rules, regulations, policies and practices governing the Department for Children and Families

Master's degree in Social Work, Public Administration, or field of study in Human Services AND four (4) years or more at a professional level of responsibility in human services including two years in investigative work.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/ or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult abuse and child protection registry checks.