Job Specification Details

Specialized program evaluation, program development and regulatory work regarding the Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center of the Family Services Division of the Department for Children and Families. This position is responsible for ongoing assessment of the facility to ensure safe and appropriate treatment of youth in the facility. This position is also responsible for investigating all regulatory concerns regarding the program. 

Duties include ongoing assessment and recommendation for program improvement and quality assurance activities designed to monitor program safety and compliance with accreditation agencies (Residential Licensing Regulations, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities - (CARF), Agency of Education (A.O.E.) and Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), PbS (Performance-based Standards). Duties also include preparation of reports based on evaluation analyses. Duties also include conducting regulatory investigations, tracking and determining areas of regulatory violation or compliance.  Incumbents must analyze and solve complex problems which require significant evaluative thinking and judgment.

Duties are performed with substantial professional independence. Employee must analyze and solve complex problems which require significant critical thinking, stakeholder consideration and judgment.  Reporting to the Commissioner of the Department for Children and Families and the Deputy Commissioner of the Family Services Division.

Assist with and/or take the lead on special projects related to practice and policy improvement at Woodside.

Conducts stakeholder/work group(s) and take the lead on identifying revisions to current licensing regulations, reviews and consults on the rewriting of Woodside policies, beginning with the grievance policy.

Establishes an empaneled multidisciplinary team to review complaints and resolutions with the goal of identifying themes and recommendations for areas of program improvement. 

Review and monitor compliance with program policies, including policy on Woodside’s use of the North Unit, with the goal of recommending areas for program or policy improvement.

Manages all aspects of reports received alleging suspected regulatory concerns regarding youth placed at the Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center.  Receives, reviews and determines whether complaints regarding the facility are accepted for regulatory investigations, enters the information into a tracking system. Initiates investigations into all concerns accepted regulatory review.  Interviews alleged victims, perpetrators, witnesses, family members, attorneys, medical practitioners, and others as part of the investigation of reports. Coordinates the investigation with other involved agencies when necessary. Compiles evidence and submits an investigative report supporting the recommendation. Independently develops strategic methods of resolution by analyzing the evidence, obtained and determines the findings for recommendations. Woodside is tasked with internal responses and safety planning following a report of alleged licensing violations. This employee will provide regulatory oversight of this work.

Obtains information and evidence by conducting interviews with the complainant, victim, witnesses and collaterals as indicated. The employee must integrate a comprehensive knowledge of state law with interview techniques to elicit detailed, meaningful information. Analyzes facts obtained during the investigation, interprets relevant statutory mandates and regulations, and applies that interpretation to determine whether there has been a regulatory violation as defined by state residential treatment program licensing regulations.  Analyzes service and program data to identify trends, training needs or specific areas for improvement.

Conducts stakeholder/work group(s) to ensure Woodside is using an evidence-informed approach to de-escalation and restraint and seclusion practices.  Conducts analysis of existing program practices regarding restraint and seclusion techniques, conducts research of nationally recognized practices in these areas and prepares reports regarding program improvements necessary to ensure safe and appropriate care of youth in the facility. 

In addition to the examples outlined above, employee will monitor PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act)-compliant responses to reports of sexual abuse and sexual harassment that are not accepted by the Family Services Division for child safety interventions.

Work is performed both in a standard office setting and in the field for which private means of transportation should be available. An incumbent predictably will encounter high level stress and emotional situations and strong differences of opinion. Work involves regular interaction with provider and departmental leadership. Some work outside of normal office hours may be required.

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of quality assurance management.

Considerable knowledge of planning and evaluation principles and practices.

Considerable knowledge of techniques for the development of program evaluation criteria.

Considerable knowledge of PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) standards.

Working knowledge of evidence-based practices in treatment and educational services for adolescents with significant emotional, behavioral and psychological challenges.

Ability to analyze and synthesize complex data and information.

Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and program standards into operating policies and procedures.

Ability to prepare and present clear, concise oral and written reports.

Ability to problem solve in a team environment.

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Considerable knowledge of interviewing techniques.

Considerable knowledge of investigative techniques.

Ability to analyze, interpret and apply law to information obtained.

Ability to analyze and solve complex problems.
Ability to make prompt, independent decisions.

Ability to communicate and work effectively with the public.

Ability to act responsively in an emergency situation.

Ability to function well under stress.

Ability to provide leadership and accountability within the framework of the four key practices of the Agency of Human Services: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Master's degree in Social Work AND two (2) years of experience in a residential treatment program with child protective or juvenile services caseload INCLUDING two (2) years in a regulatory/licensing role AND two (2) years in a supervisory role.

OR

Bachelor's degree or higher AND four (4) years of experience in a residential treatment program with child protective or juvenile services caseload INCLUDING three (3) years in a regulatory/licensing role AND two (2) years in a supervisory role.

Special Note: Casework services means client intake, assessment, plan development, and follow-through in a social services delivery system.

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 and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.