Child Welfare Area Administrator (WMS2) - Richland

State of Washington • Benton County – Richland, WA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Our vision is to ensure that “ All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community". This position leads a team of child welfare employees to implement a full range of child welfare programs within a designated geographical area. The result will be effective deployment of child welfare employees via established standards to protect children and enable families to flourish. The Area Administrator will administer and oversee the delivery of regional child welfare programs and services, including but not limited to Child Protective Services (including CPS investigations and FAR), Family Voluntary Services (FVS), Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS), Indian Child Welfare Services (ICW), and Family Reconciliation Services (FRS). As a member of the DCYF extended management team, this position supports Child Welfare development, oversees case-carrying social service specialists, and implements policies, procedures, and protocols regarding child welfare practice.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or Master’s degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND Four (4) years of paid social service experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.
• OR A Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or Bachelor’s degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND Five (5) years of paid social service experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.
• OR One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 5.
• OR Nine (9) years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Paid social service experience must include at least one (1) year assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services AND one (1) year of experience must include the supervision of professional staff in social service delivery.
• A minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced supervisory and managerial skills.
• Advanced knowledge of the Federal Indian Child Welfare Act and the WA state Indian Child Welfare Act.
• Working understanding of state and federal law and agency policies and regulations concerning public child protective services, Indian Child Welfare services, risk assessment, safety planning, and permanency and well-being services as delivered in a public child welfare setting.
• Budget analysis, allotments, and fiscal accountability applications.
• Assessing and understanding complex casework options.
• Use of business applications and Child Welfare information computer systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor supervisors.
• Manage workforce development.
• Manage the recruitment and hiring of employees in coordination with supervisors.
• Establish goals and objectives, develop performance standards, equip staff, develop expectations and procedures, resolve problems, and evaluate supervisors and staff in program areas.
• Develop training plans to ensure all staff have the skills and information necessary to make appropriate decisions for child safety, permanency, and well-being.
• Develop and monitor corrective action plans.
• Ensure compliance with agency, state, and federal standards and policies.
• Monitor regional and statewide performance measures; ensure office staff meet performance measures and casework practice as required by performance standards, law, policy, and other mandates.
• Identify, analyze, and communicate problems, concerns, and barriers.
• Develop and monitor interventions; communicate with the Regional Administrator and make recommendations.
• Ensure timely completion of employee evaluations.
• Ensure work is distributed equitably and resources are adjusted to meet business and client needs.
• Respond and manage critical incidents, ensuring client, provider, and staff safety.
• Report critical incidents through the Administrative Incident Reporting System (AIRS) and notify the chain of command in high-profile situations.
• Provide guidance and consultation to staff on case management, legal services, and permanency decisions.
• Guide the office to fully integrate the agency’s efforts on racial equity, social justice, non-discrimination, and reduction in disproportionality in all areas of practice and conduct.
• Provide guidance on the implementation of Indian Child Welfare practices per ICWA and WICWA expectations.
• Consult with and guide staff on resources and case management that are culturally appropriate, linguistically responsive, and ADA-compliant.
• Provide guidance and consultation on federal policy directives, guidelines, and laws, including Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC), Title IVB, Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) requirements, Title IV-E federal requirements, Multi-Ethnic Placement Act/Interethnic Adoption Provisions (MEPA/IEAP), Adam Walsh Act, Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), Adoption Foster Care Analysis Reporting System (AFCARS), State Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS)/Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS), DS lawsuit settlement agreement, and other polices designed to improve the child welfare system.
• Manage and maintain quality relationships with tribes, law enforcement, medical providers, schools, contracted providers, child advocates, courts, attorneys, and other community entities.
• Respond promptly to client, caregiver, Ombuds, constituent, stakeholder, and community concerns regarding child safety and case planning.

Benefits

• The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington’s children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving.
• We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager