Job Description
Summary The Deputy Director assists with the daily operations of Children, Youth & Family Services. This position will assist with the administration and management of the county's mandated Child Welfare Agency (this is accomplished through the State Department of Human Services (DHS), Federal Regulations and applicable laws. A person in this position is expected to demonstrate the System of Care Practice Model which maximizes all resources around an individual or family. This system of care includes child and adult serving agencies and community partners that join with an individual or family to meet their goals. The Department of Children, Youth and Families comes under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law. This job requires the following documents to be obtained, reviewed as acceptable by the supervisor and re-obtained every five years: PA Child Abuse, PA Criminal History and FBI Criminal History. Essential Duties Essential Duties, Tasks and Accountabilities: Directly supervise Intake and In-Home Unit Managers Oversee all aspects of Prevention, Intake and In-Home Services Provide oversight and support to Management Staff to ensure the provision of services and implementation of laws, codes, programs and policies prescribed by legislative bodies. Administer all child welfare services provided by the Agency. Interpret, clarify and implement applicable federal, state or municipal laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Review official directives and correspondence to determine changes prescribed in agency programs, policies, and procedures, and new assignments or responsibilities delegated. Inform supervisory personnel of changes or interpretations of laws, codes, programs, policies, or procedures. Facilitate biweekly meetings that will provide opportunity for discussion and feedback regarding regulatory compliance. Evaluate current programs and provide recommendations for new program development. Conduct periodic and ongoing needs assessment for long-range planning and program development activities. Provide direct supervision and training of Unit Manager/Quality Assurance Manager/Employee Relations Administrative Officer positions. Manage departmental personnel functions (e.g., interviews, evaluations, hiring, disciplinary actions) adhering to Department of Human Services Merit System and County Human Resource practices. Oversee department budget, income, and expenses, and maintain guidelines as set by the County of Chester. Review and signoff of all agency vendor contracts. Approve vouchers, contracts, authorization of all financial reimbursements, adoption agreements, approve final adoption for the termination of parental rights, and authorize contracts in accordance with State Department of Human Services (DHS) and regulations. Plan and develop new programs and services for abused and neglected dependent children, identify gaps in services, and develop a system to resolve these issues. Prepare and/or direct preparation and release of reports, studies, and other publications relating to program trends and accomplishments. Required attendance at county, regional and statewide meetings and conferences. Responsible for handling administrative issues in the Executive Director's absence. Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required. Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience Qualifications / Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university plus three years (3) of paid experience in the field of public or private social services, including one year working with children and youth in an management or supervisory capacity. or Any equivalent combination of experience and training. Ability to plan, organize, direct and evaluate the work of others. Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in interpreting and implementing departmental, state, federal and local policies and procedures. Ability to coordinate children and youth programs with the juvenile court and probation office. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, county commissioners, court officials, state program and administrative staff and the general public. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Knowledge of basic social, economic and health problems and available resources as related to children and youth. Knowledge of the principles of public administration. Knowledge of basic and modern principles, practices and current developments in the