Job Description

Posting number: 26-Y30-B

Department: Social Services Agency - DFCS

Job classification: Social Services Program Manager III

Posting type: Open

Categories: Social Services, Management

Under general direction, to plan, develop, organize, evaluate, direct, and control the activities and/or staff of a large Social Services Agency service and/or program.

The Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) is looking for a qualified candidate for the Social Services Program Manager III (SSPM III) in Administrative Services Bureau (ASB). This senior leadership position provides strategic direction for critical administrative and operational functions that support Child Welfare services. The successful candidate will oversee bureau-wide initiatives, lead multidisciplinary teams, and partner with executive leadership to strengthen organizational effectiveness, improve service delivery, and advance the department’s mission of protecting children and strengthening families. The SSPM III is responsible for planning, directing, managing, and evaluating the Administrative Support Services Bureau. This position oversees programs and initiatives that provide operational support to Child Welfare, including human resources coordination, policy development, onboarding of newly hired Child Welfare social workers, and other essential administrative functions that ensure the agency operates efficiently and effectively. It is anticipated that the Administrative Bureau will expand to take on additional task related to CQI, Case Reviews, and the prevention continuum of contacts. The incumbent serves as a key member of the department’s leadership team, providing strategic guidance on organizational priorities, operational improvements, and system-wide initiatives while ensuring compliance with County, State, and Federal requirements

For questions regarding this opportunity, please contact lorraine.aguilar@ssa.sccgov.org

This eligible list may be used to fill other vacancies as they occur.

Examples of duties

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

Qualifications

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Behavioral Science, Social Work, Social Psychology, Psychology, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nursing, Vocational Rehabilitation, or closely related field. Relevant analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory, or management experience that includes interpreting rules and regulations, gathering data and formulating recommendations, and report writing can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis;

and

Seven (7) years of analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory, or management experience in the field of human services.

A Master’s or Doctoral Degree in Behavioral Sciences, Social Work, Social Psychology, Psychology, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nursing, Vocational Rehabilitation, or closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

Special Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Operation and functions of public assistance and social service agencies, including social services objectives applicable to the areas of responsibility;
  
• Diversity issues as they impact the local community;
  
• Current capabilities, processes, and applications of automation;
  
• Principal public and private resources available to the community for referral or utilization in social services programs;
  
• Laws, regulations, and administrative guidelines that affect employment, training, public assistance, and other social services applicable to the areas of responsibility;
  
• Labor laws and administrative policies governing memoranda of understanding with the County’s various represented employee organizations;
  
• Applicable sections of the Welfare and Institutions Code;
  
• Health and safety standards, such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), etc.;

• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling;

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, and direct the activities of Social Services Agency programs and services;
  
• Effectively select, hire, and supervise staff and ensure appropriate orientation, training, and development of program personnel;
  
• Effectively allocate resources and personnel;
  
• Develop and maintain internal operational procedures and policies for the programs/offices assigned;
  
• Interpret and assure the appropriate implementation of Federal and State regulations pertaining to the various programs assigned and keep abreast of developments related to program activities;
  
• Analyze procedures, data, and other pertinent reports and recommend a course of action;
  
• Apply principles and theories of casework in a consultative and managerial capacity;
  
• Optimally utilize technology to automate processes and educate the public on social service programs;
  
• Direct the development and preparation of a variety of plans, including major needs assessments, demographic data, survey results, and program designs;
  
• Consult with and advise the Department Director or other executive management staff on the activities, status, and fiscal impacts of programs or new program requirements;
  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies;
  
• Prepare and present oral and written reports clearly and concisely;
  
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;
  
• Create a customer-friendly environment;
  
• Effectively represent the Agency before the Board of Supervisors, at meetings with State and Federal agency representatives, and before other stakeholders, boards, commissions, or citizen groups.