Director of the Office of Children, Youth, & Families

Allegheny County, PA supported by HR&A Advisors•Pittsburgh, PA

9d•$165,000 - $190,000

About The Position

Allegheny County is seeking an experienced, ethical leader to direct its Office of Children, Youth and Families (CYF), the County’s public child welfare agency and one of the largest offices within the Department of Human Services (DHS). CYF is responsible for protecting children from abuse and neglect, preserving families whenever possible, and ensuring children have safe, permanent homes. The Director will lead the office’s work to increase the safety and well-being of the County’s 230,000 children, while collaborating with courts, schools, community agencies, and other child welfare partners. The role calls for a leader who will strengthen quality practice and guide the next decade of system improvements, including minimizing unnecessary entry into child protective services, reducing inequities, and supporting families. The Director reports to the Director of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services and serves on its nine-person executive team. The role oversees several direct staff, including three Assistant Directors, and 540 indirect-report staff. CYF operates through regional offices and contracted provider agencies and is subject to local and state oversight. The Director will work across DHS and with governmental entities, courts, community organizations, families, staff, and providers. The position includes responsibility for developing the County’s annual Needs-Based Plan and Budget with DHS leadership and state officials, and for maintaining a consistent framework for continuous improvement. The ideal candidate has successfully administered large-scale programs or agencies and can lead a complex system with care, clarity, and sound judgment. They communicate effectively, listen to differing points of view, engage openly with criticism, and are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The salary range is $165,000–$190,000.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and six years of progressively responsible experience in social services, including three years in an administrative role within a children and youth services agency, or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
Leadership experience and aptitude.
Ability to understand and synthesize information.
Professional experience operating a large system or programs, including operations and management expertise.
Integrity.
Commitment to using abilities and position to reduce disparities in child welfare systems and practice.
Commitment to engaging families, communities, staff, and providers to understand system performance and identify improvements.
Openness to hearing criticism and using it to improve personal work and the system led.
Experience managing a large number of contracts that are critical to delivering services and support to families and achieving expected performance.
Track record of leading large, complex organizations through significant change and ambiguity.
Track record of identifying, developing, and retaining strong leaders and frontline staff.
Track record of using data and evidence to drive decisions, measure performance, and reduce disparities.
Track record of managing provider contracts and holding partners accountable for results.
Track record of building trusted partnerships with community organizations, courts, schools, and families.
Track record of navigating federal, state, and local funding streams and policy environments.
Track record of communicating a clear vision to staff, providers, elected officials, and the public.
Strong communication skills, active listening, and willingness to understand other points of view.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

Lead CYF and shape a system of care that protects children, respects families, and minimizes unnecessary entry into the child welfare system.
Establish the operational structure, culture, and practice standards needed to meet goals and key performance indicators; ensure staff and providers understand and work toward the organization’s mission.
Direct and manage staff, programs, and operations in an organized, professional, and respectful manner.
Collaborate with DHS offices, courts, and County partners to meet child safety and well-being goals and reduce inequities.
Build and leverage partnerships with community organizations trusted by clients and families.
Communicate the office’s strategic vision through public presentations, listening sessions, staff and provider presentations, and relationship-building.
Stay current on local, state, and national affairs, policies, and legislation affecting child welfare, and understand the parameters of funding sources.
Represent DHS and build relationships with governmental entities at state and federal levels.
Ensure CYF applies a consistent framework for continuous improvement.
Interpret and apply state, federal, and County regulations governing children and youth services, translating them into clear practice for staff and providers.
Develop the County’s annual Needs-Based Plan and Budget with DHS leadership and state officials, based on community needs and available resources.
Work effectively with judges, court officials, and legal counsel, using knowledge of juvenile court, probation, and dependency practice.
Build staff capacity through training and professional development.
Lead large, complex organizations through significant change and ambiguity.
Identify, develop, and retain strong leaders and frontline staff.
Use data and evidence to guide decisions, measure performance, and reduce disparities.
Manage a large portfolio of provider contracts and hold partners accountable for results.
Build trusted partnerships with community organizations, courts, schools, and families.
Navigate federal, state, and local funding streams and policy environments.
Communicate a clear vision to staff, providers, elected officials, and the public.