Area Program Manager - Special Investigations Unit

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a dynamic, highly organized, mission-driven individual to fill the role of Area Program Manager (APM) for the Special Investigations Unit (SIU). The Special Investigations Unit is based out of Central Office, is a dedicated and centralized Intake and Investigations program that conducts statewide screening and investigations of abuse and neglect allegations concerning children in licensed residential programs, daycare, foster/adoptive homes, and other institutions, including allegations involving DCF employees and specific community stakeholders. The Area Program Manager is a member of the SIU senior management team, is involved with all aspects of the daily activities of the clinical staff, and reports to the Special Investigations Director. The selected candidate will provide supervision to SIU supervisors and any other specialty positions as assigned. Such supervision would include teaching, coaching, support, and evaluation of the quality and effectiveness of the work as well as, leadership and clinical consultation to all levels of staff. _Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive)_:__ * Perform case management activities such as assignment of cases and approval of transfers and closings. * Approve all SIU intake and investigation decisions on conflict and licensed institutional abuse reports/investigations. * Oversee all clinical and case management activities of assigned units which will include but not limited to screening/investigation activities, child removal decisions and process, and support/collaboration with area and regional offices. * Identify trends or practice concerns related to a specific program, foster home or DCF region. * Participate in the hiring and training of new employees. * Actively participates in the professional growth and development of staff. * Help to develop comprehensive quality assurance programs within SIU including participation in centralized initiatives. * Collaborate with other state agencies and community organizations in the shared provision of services to clients. * Participate in the development, monitoring, and evaluation of the local system of care. * Interpret and train staff on agency policy, mission, and vision. _Preferred Qualifications_: * MSW or Master’s or higher degree in psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education, or human services. * Demonstrated commitment to the core practice values of the agency and understanding of the theory and practice of Child Welfare. * Proficiency in the ability to collaborate effectively with community groups and organizations. * Proficient with use of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Outlook and other PC based software. * Ability to work effectively with linguistically and culturally diverse populations. * Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple, deadline-driven projects with strong attention to detail. * High level of self-motivation and accountability, bringing enthusiasm and energy to team and tasks. * Talent for exercising sound judgment, especially discretion in handling confidential information. * Comprehensive understanding of DCF policies and procedures related to Intake and Response, Institutional Abuse, Employee/Conflict reports, and Family Resource. * Ability to supervise, plan and assign work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of subordinates and available resources. * Proven ability to supervise staff and possess strong organizational skills. * Ability to control work through periodic review and/or evaluations. * Capability to determine subordinates training needs and provide or arrange for such training. _TO APPLY_: Please upload both Resume and Cover Letter for this position when applying. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. _About the Department of Children and Families_: The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is committed to upholding the fundamental mission of protecting children from abuse and neglect to ensure they are able to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. DCF’s vision is that all children have the right to grow up in a nurturing home, free from abuse and neglect, with access to food, shelter, clothing, health care and education. DCF works toward establishing the safety, permanency and well-being of the Commonwealth's children by: stabilizing and preserving families; providing quality temporary alternative care when necessary, safely reunifying families; and when necessary and appropriate, creating new families through kinship, guardianship or adoption. Preferred applicants will possess a demonstrated commitment to the core practice values: 1) child-driven, 2) family-centered, 3) community-focused, 4) strength-based, 5) committed to diversity/cultural competency, and, 6) committed to continuous learning. For more information about our agency and programs visit:www.mass.gov/dcf _Pre-Hire Process_: * A criminal and tax history background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants." As part of the hiring process, the Office of Human Resources will be verifying any college-level degrees conferred to the selected candidate. Additionally, any licensure required for the position will be verified. Information provided as part of the hiring process is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website. Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. * Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website. If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, professional internship, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience. II. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience. IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required experience. *Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. *Job: Community and Social Services *Organization: Department of Children & Families *Title: *Area Program Manager - Special Investigations Unit Location: Massachusetts-Boston-600 Washington Street Requisition ID: 240007RT