09/09/2009 43537

DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES, OCYF

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible administrative work directing the statewide licensing operations of County Children and Youth Agencies and other public and private agencies serving dependent and delinquent Pennsylvania youth in the Office of Children, Youth and Families (OCYF).

The employee in this job plans, organizes, directs and coordinates statewide licensing operations including monitoring and evaluation of child welfare services provided by 67 County Children and Youth Agencies and other public and private agencies overseen by the Department of Public Welfare. Work involves directing the development, implementation, interpretation and revision of regulations, policies, and procedures for licensing operations through oversight of the activities of four regional offices. Work includes establishing policies for overseeing the reviews of county children and youth agencies’ annual plans and needs-based budgets to ensure federal and state mandates, goals, policy objectives and other priorities are met; directing the licensing and monitoring activities of the regional offices; and assisting with the implementation of new federal or state laws or regulations pertaining to the licensing and oversight of public or private child welfare agencies. An important aspect of this work is overseeing the technical assistance provided to county children and youth administrators, county chief juvenile probation officers, judges, program executives and other local public and private child welfare agencies and promoting the OCYF policies regarding practice standards for quality enhancement of programs and services. The employee also recommends public and private agencies to be audited; resolves program and fiscal audit issues with agencies; and monitors child abuse investigations and Child Death Reviews involving county children and youth agencies. 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 statewide monitoring and evaluation of the licensure process of child welfare services overseen by the Department.

Establishes and implements statewide policies and procedures for the licensing of child welfare services and recommends needed legislation or amendments to existing legislation.

Directs regional managers in policy, program development and evaluation of licensing functions for child welfare providers.

Directs the development of licensing administrative procedures and licensing standards throughout the regions and ensures consistent, accurate and timely implementation of licensing functions.

Oversees the provision of technical assistance to County Children and Youth Agencies and local and private child welfare provider staff on licensing issues.

Directs the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of full or provisional licensure, denial, non-renewal, or revocation licensing processes.

Directs the review of annual county children, youth and families program plans, grants full or provisional approval or disapproves plans and reviews exceptional cases with the OCYF Deputy Secretary.

Oversees the approval and processing of county children and youth agencies needs-based budgets and invoices, approves or disapproves staff recommendations for exclusion of expenditures, and advises county officials of disallowance actions.

Advises and assists the OCYF Deputy Secretary and other program administrators in the formulation of regulations impacting child welfare licensing functions.

Prepares reports on statewide review, monitoring and evaluation of licensing determinations, operations and areas requiring improvement.

Directs investigations of complaints regarding child welfare quality or service delivery.

Directs investigations of suspected child abuse occurring in public programs and facilities and ensures compliance with the Child Protective Services Law.

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, practices and methods of policy and program planning, development and evaluation.

Knowledge of the state and federal laws, standards, policies and procedures pertaining to child welfare services licensing functions.

Knowledge of child welfare licensing development, implementation and evaluation standards, policies and procedures.

Knowledge of the principles, dynamics and structure of child welfare community, county and local organizations and agencies.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of administration and budgeting.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

Ability to read, analyze and interpret policies, procedures and regulations.

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 licensing 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 supervisory capacity in a child welfare licensing program.