09/30/2011 43536

DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF POLICY, PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS, OCYF

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible administrative work directing the policy and program development of state-operated child welfare services, child welfare licensing policy and approval processes and administration of child welfare grants in the Office of Children, Youth and Families (OCYF).

The employee in this job plans, organizes, directs and coordinates policy development, implementation and evaluation of new and revised child welfare system procedures and regulations impacting dependent and delinquent youth statewide. Work involves managing and directing the collection, coordination, standardization and analysis of child welfare data for policy and program development, implementation and evaluation of state-operated child welfare services, oversight of child welfare licensure policy and licensing approval processes and the administration of child welfare grant programs. An important aspect of this work is overseeing the management of the administration of child welfare grants for adoptive services, foster care, residential care, child welfare staff training and development and other specialized services. Work also includes overseeing state-operated children's programs, such as the Childline and Abuse Registry, Pennsylvania's Adoption Cooperative Exchange, and Interstate Compacts; overseeing child welfare program development research; and coordinating policy and program development and ensuring unification and consistency of OCYF goals, priorities and policies. Extensive contact is maintained with program administrators as well as with representatives of other departments, agencies and community groups. Supervision is exercised over a professional and technical staff. Work is performed with a high degree of initiative and independent judgment in ensuring the implementation and review of policies and procedures and attaining coordinated program development and optimum delivery of services. Work is reviewed by the Deputy Secretary for Children, Youth and Families through conferences, reports and program effectiveness.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates the policy and program development of new and existing child welfare procedures and regulations impacting dependent and delinquent youth.

Directs the management of state-operated child welfare services for the Office of Children, Youth and Families.

Oversees OCYF child welfare policy and program development and evaluation processes for child welfare services and licensing processes.

Directs the on-going evaluation of OCYF policies, goals, and standards governing child welfare programs including child protective services, residential care, adoption services, foster care, child welfare licensing processes and state-operated children's programs.

Plans and organizes the collection, coordination, standardization and analysis of child welfare data and statistical reporting for policy and program development, administration, evaluation, federal reporting compliance and public information.

Directs and coordinates the management of state-operated children's programs, including the Interstate Compact for Juveniles, Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance, Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, Childline and Abuse Registry, and the Pennsylvania Adoption Cooperative Exchange.

Ensures the integration and coordination of state-operated child welfare programs with county and privately administered child welfare services statewide.

Confers with federal, state and local government officials and other interested parties on child welfare programs and services planned and developed by the Department.

Oversees the interpretation of state and federal child welfare regulations pertaining to services provided by County Children and Youth Agencies, and public and private child welfare service providers to ensure regulatory compliance.

Prepares reports on statewide child welfare programs, services and operations.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and methods of policy and program planning, development and evaluation.

Knowledge of federal laws and regulations pertaining to child welfare services.

Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in conducting data collection, analysis and evaluation.

Knowledge of the functions and resources of federal child welfare organizations and programs.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

Ability to analyze and interpret policies, procedures and regulations.

Ability to analyze and interpret program and fiscal data.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Six years of professional experience in the development, implementation, and evaluation of a human services or social services program, including three years in a supervisory capacity in a child welfare program, and a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes three years in a professional supervisory capacity in a child welfare program.