*REPOSTED* - SOCIAL SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR IV

*If you have already submitted an application, there is no need to reapply*

This is a Management Service position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

19

Department of Human Resources

Social Services Administration

311 W. Saratoga Street

Baltimore MD 21201-3500

This position serves as the supervisor for Older Youth Placement and Permanency Services which includes Foster Care, Kinship Care, and Ready by 21 Services for the Department of Human Resources, Social Services Administration. The incumbent in this position supervises a team of Policy Analysts to institute changes in policies, regulations, operational standards, and service deliveries for Out-of-Home Placement Service Programs; monitors the Out-of-Home Placement Program, multiple service contracts, Ready By 21 Services, and prepares the Out-of-Home Placement and Chafee State level budget; assists in maintaining compliance with Federal and State regulations for monitoring, analyzing, and collecting data from the Maryland Children Electronic Social Service Information Exchange (MD CHESSIE); directs the development, implementation, training and monitoring of older youth Out-of-Home Placement Programs statewide, in coordination with the Local Departments of Social Services (LDSS) and other service providers, both public and private; monitors local department's for program effectiveness and compliance with State regulations; and represents the Out-of-Home Placement Unit within DHR and in the community by participating in workgroups, boards, committees and other activities in order to foster independence and safety for the State's vulnerable children and families.

Develops, revises, plans and monitors statewide policy directives and manuals to be implemented by all 24 LDSS to maintain compliance with Federal performance improvement plans; carries out the implementation of the policies through facilitating statewide trainings and technical assistance for all 24 LDSS; collects, analyzes data and monitors practices outlined in the policies and manuals to measure outcomes; recommends corrective action plans and course revision by analyzing and monitoring data; and ensures quality of practice through planning, program development, building partnerships and advocacy.

Analyzes prospective legislation that impacts Out-of-Home Placement with an emphasis on older youth (14-21 years old) along with other State services and agencies that interact with the program; prepares detailed commentary regarding proposed legislation and attendance at legislative hearings for relevant proposed legislation that impacts Out-of-Home Placement services and encompasses all youth regardless of age, permanency plan, or living arrangement; interprets Federal legislation and implements the in State regulations, policy, and practice; manages, monitors and trains statewide child welfare staff on the use of Federal and State policies, regulations, and best practices related to children in Out-of-Home Placement; and manages and monitors all Ready By 21 Services statewide, including life skills classes, life skills assessments, Youth Advisory Boards, and housing initiatives that requires a separate manual, regulation and training.

Develops measurable outcomes from data entered in Maryland's Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS); collects and analyzes Statewide data; reviews and tracks all denial of Semi Independent Living Arrangement (SILA) funding for youth 16-21 by LDSS and makes final decision regarding approval/denial and response; prepares and monitors the Out-of-Home Placement Budget and the Chafee Independent Living Budget; monitors contracts for Hope Forward Inc, Trans-Union Credit Reporting Agency, Equifax Credit Reporting Agency, Experian Credit Reporting Agency, University of Maryland CANS, and AIRS/Empire Homes Housing Demonstration Project; leads statewide taskforce meetings, committee meetings, workgroups, and participates on various boards related to out-of-home placement child welfare concerns (i.e. MSDE, DHMH, DJS); prepares and supervises Request for Proposals (RFP's) for certain out-of-home placement service functions and contracts with vendors for certain adoption services; obtains bids for out-of-home placement services as outlined by procurement procedures; and provides presentations regarding out-of-home placement services to the community and inter-agency groups.

Education: Possession of a master’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university approved by the Council on Social Work Education.

Experience: Seven (7) years of professional experience in a social work capacity in a public or private agency or institution, five (5) years of which must have been in an administrative supervisory or consultative capacity.

Notes:

1.  These requirements are established by the Social Services Administration by authority provided in Human Services, §4-204 the Annotated Code of Maryland and the Department of Budget and Management, Office of Personnel Services and Benefits, does not have authority to accept substitutions or equivalents.

2.  Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience at a rank of Corporal/Petty Officer or higher as a commissioned officer in Social Work classifications or Social Work specialty codes in the Social Science, Psychology, and Welfare field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education. 

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

1.    Experience working in a public human service agency.

2.    Experience managing and overseeing child welfare programs.

3.    Strong written and oral communication skills.

4.    Ability to prioritize and multi-task effectively.

5.    Flexibility in a busy environment.Strong time management, priority setting and problem-solving skills.

1. Candidates filling positions in this classification must be licensed by the Board of Social Work Examiners.

2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties are required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

The assessment will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position.  Therefore it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.  Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work.  All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. 

You must possess the minimum qualifications to be considered for this position.  Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment and clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application.  Credit may be given for relevant part-time, temporary, or volunteer experience.  If you list the number of hours worked per week.  For education obtained outside the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service.  

If you are in State service (State of Maryland government) and are a promotional candidate, your salary will be determined in accordance with State of Maryland Salary Guidelines.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

If you have any questions about this recruitment, please contact the Department of Human Resources at 410-767-7414.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated.  This office, with your approval, will verify your prior applicable work experience.  In order to receive full consideration for time worked, please complete dates of employment in its entirety and identify number of hours worked for each entry.

College transcripts are not required for review of your application and do not need to be forwarded.  Please clearly indicate your college degree and majors on your application.  If selected for an interview, you will be required to bring an official transcript with you.  For all foreign education obtained outside of the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service if selected for an interview.

Online applications are STRONGLY preferred; however, the paper application may be submitted to: DHR/Employment Services Division, attn: Jocelyn Maschal, 311 W. Saratoga Street, Baltimore MD  21201.  The paper application must be received by 5 p.m. close of business on the closing date of the recruitment.  No postmarks will be accepted.  The previous Maryland State application (MS-100) will not be accepted.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.