The Department of Children and Families (DCF) seeks a dynamic, highly organized, and experienced professional to fill the Foster Care Review Unit (FCRU) Deputy Director position. The selected candidate will direct and supervise staff in providing case review services as required by chapter 197 of the Acts of 1984.

The incumbent will serve as a senior member of the FCRU leadership team, reporting directly to the Director of Foster Care Review and assisting in the oversight and management of the FCR Case Review program and Volunteer Services. The Deputy Director of FCR is responsible for decision-making, approvals, and signature requirements in the Director’s absence. The Deputy of FCR directly oversees the daily operations of the FCRU.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive)

• Ensure all agency clinical policies, procedures, and regulations are known and practiced appropriately by FCRU staff.
• Provide leadership that ensures all people who come in contact with the Foster Care Review Unit will be treated with respect, dignity, and fairness; that all staff will be professional, respectful, and competent, providing the delivery of high-quality services; that FCRU staff and volunteer case reviewers will reflect the cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity of the served community.
• Engage in recruitment, hiring, training, and onboarding of FCR staff.
• Propose recommendations on staffing, need for additional staff, and redistribution of work amongst existing staff.
• Propose training and professional development for FCR staff to ensure understanding of clinical policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Propose recommendations based on DCF case practice trends, highlighting strengths and areas needing improvement.
• Supervise all direct reporting staff and ensure that all other staff are properly supervised.
• Complete evaluations for direct reports and ensure that all staff evaluations are completed timely.
• Ensure that FCR Supervisors utilize expertise and judgment based on best-fit for the case and Case Reviewer availability and prior history with the case.
• Ensure that FCR scheduling completed by FCR Supervisors maximizes attendance and participation of required invitees.
• Ensure all foster care review alerts, memos, determinations, recommendations, and reports are completed by FCR Case Reviewers and reviewed and approved by FCR Supervisors in accordance with required policy and time standards.
• Ensure that volunteer case reviewers are trained and supported.
• Interact with area and regional staff on an ongoing basis to ensure that there is follow-up on all cases flagged by the unit.
• Participate in the Department’s continuous Quality Improvement Program.
• Participate in meetings and activities with executive and senior leadership in the Directors absence
• Other duties, as assigned

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work within public child welfare system – knowledgeable of client population and their service needs.
• An understanding, both clinically and legally, of child abuse and neglect.
• Demonstrated knowledge of substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental health issues.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the impact of placement on children.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state statutes that guide the Foster Care Review process.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the permanency planning process, including time frames and the legal procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations
• Proven ability to supervise staff and strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

About the Department of Children and Families

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is committed to upholding the fundamental mission of protecting children from abuse and neglect to ensure they are able to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. DCF’s vision is that all children have the right to grow up in a nurturing home, free from abuse and neglect, with access to food, shelter, clothing, health care, and education.

DCF works toward establishing the safety, permanency, and well-being of the Commonwealth's children by: stabilizing and preserving families; providing quality temporary alternative care when necessary; safely reunifying families; and when necessary and appropriate, creating new families through kinship, guardianship or adoption. Preferred applicants will possess a demonstrated commitment to the core practice values: 1) child-driven, 2) family-centered, 3) community-focused, 4) strength-based, 5) committed to diversity/cultural competency, and 6) committed to continuous learning.

For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dcf

Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal and tax history background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

 Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

 Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least one (1) year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.