Program Director, Child Welfare Services

Family and Children Services, Division of•Savannah, GA

About The Position

The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS), is seeking a Program Director, Child Welfare Services, based in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia. The role manages policies and programs designed to protect children and families, ensuring mandated services prioritize child safety and service provision. The director leads subordinate managers and staff and is a member of the agency management team. The position establishes goals, objectives, policies, and procedures consistent with the agency and division missions; evaluates program effectiveness and regulatory compliance; and supports efficient, timely service delivery. The director oversees staff development and service documentation, promotes community awareness, and performs other professional responsibilities as assigned by the County Director. The role requires a related bachelor's degree and either two years of experience managing subordinate supervisors in a human service delivery program or two years of experience at the lower-level Child Welfare Services Administrator position or equivalent. Preferred candidates have at least two years managing supervisors in DFCS or a comparable child welfare agency, with experience managing CPS, foster care, or adoptions. Reliable transportation, proof of auto insurance, a valid state-issued driver's license, and an acceptable driving history are required. The position may require assistance with departmental emergency responsibilities. Selected candidates may be subject to pre-employment screening and verification.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related area from an accredited college or university.
Either two years of experience managing subordinate supervisors in a human service delivery program, or two years of experience at the lower-level Child Welfare Services Administrator position or equivalent.
Related qualifications may include degrees in social work, behavioral science, social science, psychology, sociology, child development, family studies, criminal justice, education, public health, or public administration.
Related experience includes providing services in a social services environment.
Excellent oral, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work effectively at multiple organizational levels and with multiple teams.
Reliable transportation, proof of auto insurance, a valid state-issued driver's license, and an acceptable driving history record.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of experience managing subordinate supervisors in DFCS or a comparable child welfare agency, managing CPS, foster care, and/or adoptions.

Responsibilities

Analyze and assess program effectiveness to determine whether outcome measures are achieved.
Ensure compliance with agency policies, documentation standards, and reporting requirements.
Build a cooperative, team-oriented environment within the unit and with other agencies and providers.
Maintain positive working relationships within the community and on the county DFCS Board.
Develop and administer budgets.
Facilitate case-level and policy- or procedure-level communication within the unit and agency.
Interview, hire, direct, train, evaluate, discipline, and discharge social services employees as needed.
Lead and administer a comprehensive system of public assistance, employability, and social services.
Manage human resources and direct administrative activities for groups of social services employees.
Plan, administer, and maintain the operation of social services programs.
Review programs for efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with state, local, and federal regulations.
Serve as a member of the agency management team.
Establish goals, objectives, policies, and procedures consistent with agency and division missions.
Ensure efficient and timely delivery of services.
Direct professional staff in developing their skills, delivering quality services, and documenting their work.
Promote awareness of programs within the community.
Perform other professional responsibilities as assigned by the County Director.