Job Specification Details

This position is the Senior Adviser to the Community Resources Unit Manager on matters affecting the Vermont System of Care (SOC) for children and youth. This position is the primary conduit between the Family Services central office, and the 12 individual districts on matters related to the out of home placements for approximately 1200 children and youth annually, and the related budgetary implications. This position, and those that report to it, oversee all "high-end" out of home placements of children and youth in the custody of DCF. An important component in this system is the management of contract utilization. Supervision is exercised over two Child Placement Specialists who report directly to this position. Position reports to Community Resources Unit Manager.

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.

The Specialized Services Manager supervises two Child Placement Specialists who are responsible for approving out of home placements for children and youth who are in the custody of the Department for Children and Families, Families Services Division. This includes all children and youths placed in residential care, both in and out-of-state; all youth who are receiving intensive wrap-around services; waiver services and institutional care. The Specialized Services Unit is responsible for the population management of Vermont's Detention system for youth. This includes directing the population flow in and out of the Woodside Detention facility, and the community-based detention system. Additionally, this individual works closely with the Administrator of the Interstate Compact for Juveniles (IJC) on those out-of-state youth who are detained in Vermont. This position is the Senior Adviser to the Community Resources Unit Manager on matters affecting the Vermont System of Care (SOC) for children and youth. This includes nineteen approved in-state residential treatment programs serving approximately 175 children and youth, and an equal number of out-of-state residential treatment programs providing services to approximately 50 children and youth. Ensures the maintenance of appropriate standards in all services provided. Performs related duties as required.

Duties are performed primarily in a standard office setting. Considerable travel to outlying offices and meetings is required for which private means of transportation must be available. Some work outside of normal office hours may be necessary.

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
Considerable knowledge of program planning principles and practices.
Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of social services casework.
Ability to conceptualize complex, statewide systems of community and residential treatment for children and youth.
Ability to develop consistent policy and program standards.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to communicate effectively orally, and in writing.
Supervisory ability.

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.

Education: Master's Level is required, preferably master’s in social work or a related field.

Experience: Four years of professional level work in a human services program, including at least two years of managerial or program administration experience.

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 this position or persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.