Job Specification Details

Supervisory and administrative work involving the delivery and evaluation of social and protective services to clients and their families for the Department of Children and Families, Family Services Division. Duties involve oversight of all casework functions in the district office. Program emphasis is upon services to children and juveniles and their families. Supervision is exercised over professional employees. Work is performed under the general direction of the Social Services District Director II. All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Supervises the delivery and provision of all casework services to adults, families, and children within the district. Coordinates the development and use of social services and related resources within the district. Provides direct supervision to social service supervisors and regional adoption workers through regularly scheduled conferences and on-going evaluation of work performed. Evaluates district service and operational needs and priorities, establishes intervention methods, and organizes district procedures, staff time, and community resources to best meet the needs of the service population. Reviews certain case reports and court documents prior to release. Reviews case records and worker activity reports to assure that performance standards are being met and services are being provided in compliance with state and federal regulations. Identifies staff training needs; coordinates and assists in provision of training with the Department's training unit. Develops relationships with public and private service agencies involved in the service delivery process. Maintains a high level of administrative and social services program knowledge. Assumes major responsibility for effective relationships with the courts and juvenile justice system. Stays current with best casework practice. Collaborates with the District Director on budget preparation and management and quality assurance processes. Participates in District and State leadership groups. Provides backup coverage for District Director. Performs related duties as required.

Duties are performed largely in a district office setting, although some field travel may be necessary for which private means of transportation must be available. Court appearances relative to program client needs and status may be required. Although duties normally occur within a regular weekday schedule, some weekend and evening activity may be necessary to provide necessary service or emergency coverage. Speaking engagements before a variety of local groups may be expected.

Considerable knowledge of supervisory principles and practices, particularly as they involve public service workers.

Considerable knowledge of social work principles and practices.

Considerable knowledge of casework principles and practices.

Considerable knowledge of human service programs field delivery systems.

Ability to correctly interpret and apply rules and regulations of considerable complexity.

Ability to develop, motivate, and give leadership support to staff.

Ability to conduct effective individual and group conferences.

Ability to establish, improve, and maintain good working relationships among staff, courts, the juvenile justice system, clients, and community.

Ability to analyze and prepare clear and concise written reports.

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.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Master's degree in social work or public administration AND two (2) years or more in a managerial, supervisory, or program administration role in a human services program.

OR

Bachelor's degree AND three (3) years or more in a managerial, supervisory, or program administration role in a human services program.

Experience in Child Protective Services or in Juvenile Justice.

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.