Program Manager

Job Summary

The Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) is a cabinet-level agency within the District of Columbia government, committed to the safety, permanence, and well-being of children and families residing in the District of Columbia. Charged with protecting child victims and those at risk of abuse and neglect, CFSA fosters collaborations within its administrations to deliver exceptional family-focused services to the community and its residents.

The incumbent serves as a Program Manager for Older Youth Empowerment in the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA), Office of the Deputy Director of Well Being (OWB). The Office of Well Being, responsible for directing the delivery of professional independent living services and life skills support, education support, aftercare services, financial literacy, housing support, and intensive mentoring services to youth fifteen (15 to through age twenty-one (21) in CFSA care; and twenty-one (21) to twenty-three (23) through aftercare support. The incumbent is responsible for providing expert consultation, technical assistance, policy development and access to resources related to education, college, career, and transition related matters. Promotes, supports, and develops educational, employment, transitional and independent living services for older youth.

Duties And Responsibilities

The Program Manager (OYE) duties and responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Exercises the full range of managerial authority over subordinate staff. Evaluates supervisory employee performance. Participates in the process of hiring new staff and ensures appropriate program staff ratios. Manages personnel activities within the program.
• Plans and directs the operations of the Chafee Independent Living Program through education, career and transitional professional staff for compliance with statutory guidelines as well as regulations and Agency policies and procedures to ensure the safety, permanency and well-being of children and youth.
• Manages development and implementation of educational, career, transitional, mentoring, and independent living services consistent with program objectives to plan and evaluate daily operations.
• Provides oversight, consultation and supervision to a multidisciplinary team including; education supervisory resource specialist, aftercare supervisory specialist and LifeSet supervisory specialist program assistant, vocational specialist and educational resource specialist. Provides oversight of the development, implementation and coordination of programming for eligible youth in foster care. Provides oversight of budget/program management of Chafee Independent Living programs; including training/ technical consultation of staff; life skills training, and transition planning,
• Develops and submits a plan of services to assist youth in a wide variety of areas to support successful transition to adulthood in the areas of education, employment, financial management, housing, and emotional support for older youth in foster care.
• Identifies trends impacting service delivery and develops a resource network for youth development to help prepare them for independence.
• Guides supervisory staff in the implementation of performance standards. Resolves disciplinary problems not resolved at a lower level. Identifies and provides for staff training needs and opportunities.
• Meets regularly with first-line supervisors to discuss program progress and share information of mutual concern. Advises on and/or resolves operational problems; receives and discusses reports; makes assignments and solicits/ discusses staff recommendations.
• Interfaces with CFSA management levels and other organizational agencies and jurisdictions to build networks that support education, career and transitional services for older youth in care.
• Recommends action on obsolete, outdated, unclear and missing policies and procedures in specific program areas. Drafts or revises policies and procedures based on current changes and complexity of service needs and provides clarifying instructions to implement existing policies and procedures. Issues general written instructions to meet day-to-day needs of the program.
• Keeps abreast of new local and national developments in independent living services related to policies, procedures and practices and extracts and integrates information with staff.
• Participates in the review of laws, regulations and guidelines related to assigned program. Guides the implementation of new laws, regulations and guidelines for the program.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of child protection rules, regulations, administrative policies, procedures, programs and overall operations and the ability to apply that knowledge and work experience to individual work situations.
• Knowledge of pertinent resources, legal status and related policies and procedures as affect children and families; knowledge of the structure, function and mission of the Child and Family Services Agency, to supervise social work consistent with established goals and objectives.
• Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills with the ability to exercise sound judgment.
• High attention to detail and ability to work within stringent deadlines.
• Strong oral and writing communication skills. Effective organizational skills to make oral presentations, policy and procedures writings. Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships.
• Knowledge of federal and District of Columbia laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to the Child and Family Services Agency. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
  
  

Education

A Masters of Social Work (MSW) or master’s degree in a closely related field is highly preferred.

At least five (5) years of related experience such as comprehensive knowledge of appropriate child development benchmarks, knowledge of human behavior dynamics; sensitivity to cultural diversity, age, and religious differences affecting youth transitioning from care is highly preferred.

Work Experience

Must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least next lower grade in the District of Columbia government service or its non-District equivalent. Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position and has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Licenses and Certifications

None.

Other Significant Factors

Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday, normal business hours.

Promotion Potential: None

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under a collective bargaining agreement.

Duration of Appointment: Management Supervisory Service – Regular

Pay, Plan, Series & Grade: MS-301-14

Position Designation: This position is deemed as “security” and “emergency” pursuant to DPM Chapters 4 (Suitability) and 12 (Essential and Emergency Employees). The incumbent is subject to a criminal background check, traffic records check, and consumer credit check (as applicable), reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test, and post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test.

Residency Preference: Applicants claiming "Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Closing Statement: Official Job Offers are made by D.C. Child and Family Services Agency's Human Resources Only.