Job Announcement

The Department of Family Services (DFS) is seeking a full-time Program Manager to support the Division of Children, Youth and Families (CYF). If you are looking to work in a diverse community to strengthen the well-being of children and families, then this opportunity may be ideal for you. We invite you to learn more about DFS and its Mission, Vision, and Values, by clicking here.

ABOUT THIS POSITION: This leadership position directs the operation and management of the Foster Care and Adoption (FC&A) Resource and Support Program to ensure safety permanency for children and youth either through parental reunification, placement with relative or adoption by a relative/non-relative. Under the general guidance and direction of the CYF Director, the FC&A Resource and Support Program Manger performs the following duties and responsibilities:

• Provides planning and coordination of all administrative requirements to ensure compliance with local, state and federal laws governing the activities related to recruitment, training, home studies & retention of foster/adoptive parents, placement issues, and post adoption services
• Supervises, directs, and evaluates a team of supervisors who are responsible in leading units of social services specialists. These include but are not limited to processing staff concerns; conducting interviews and making hiring recommendation; establishing standards for quality work; issuing reprimands; completing and authorizing performance evaluations
• Manages and directs the development and administration of program services
• Provides analysis and input for preparation of program budget and monitors and manages program expenditures
• Manages the delivery of services and monitors program outcome measures
• Collaborates with other CYF program managers, DFS, and/or other human service agencies staff to identify and address client and community needs
• Serves as the Foster Care and Adoption representative at the local, state, and national levels and responds to clients, the community, the Board of Supervisors, and other elected officials about concerns and issues regarding services
• Be part of an on-call rotation that includes evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday hours which may require immediate response into the field
• Performs other duties as assigned to ensure child safety and improve outcomes in families.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: The appointee for this position must have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA):

• Thorough knowledge of federal, state and county regulations and guidelines relating to the assigned area of specialization and the ability to accurately apply, interpret and administer them
• Ability to use data and analysis to evaluate existing program and services
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of casework supervision
• Knowledge of child protection laws, rules, and regulations
• Knowledge of foster care and adoption laws, rules, and regulations
• Ability to interview, assess needs, counsel, and refer clients to other resource as needed
• Ability to facilitate the Safe and Connected and Information Sharing Framework
• Knowledge of human resources management practices
• Ability to develop professional networks with individuals and groups, both internal and external to the organization.

Important Note: All Fairfax County Government employees are expected to adhere to the Standards of Conduct. In maintaining a drug free workplace, employees are prohibited from manufacturing, distributing, possessing, using or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while at work or on county premises.

Employment Standards

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in social services or human services, or with major course work in a specialty that confers within a community-based service delivery setting (for example, child development and family studies, education, public administration, recreation), or other related field; plus five years of professional experience in the social services, human services, or other community-based service delivery service or setting; two of which included supervising professional staff. A master's degree in an appropriate field may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Valid driver's license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A master's degree in social work, human services, public administration, or a related field. Five or more years of experience supporting child welfare services to promote child safety, permanence, and wellbeing
  
• At least three years of experience in project management and strategic planning
  
• At least three years of experience supervising child welfare staff

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to the position must satisfactorily complete a criminal background check, Child Protective Services check, and a driving record check.

This position is considered essential personnel and will be required to report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency situation (i.e., weather, transportation, other disaster).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Sufficiently mobile to attend meetings and events outside the office. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Ability to use automated technology. Be able to lift up to 15 lbs. Work requires performing tasks with risks of secondary traumatic stress (STS). Ability to navigate through and make decisions in stressful and crisis situations. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview, may include practical exercise.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or status as a veteran in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.