Deputy Commissioner, and Programs

Duties

Reporting to the Commissioner of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), the incumbent will direct all matters of policy and program management related to the Division of Employment and Income Support Programs (EISP). The incumbent will serve as a principal advisor manager regarding core agency programs including but not limited to:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Public Assistance, Home Energy Assistance Program, State Supplement Payments, Electronic Benefit issuances and related program technology support. The Division has approximately 280 staff.

• Provide organizational leadership to ensure constructive policy development and successful implementation of the Division’s programs, including day to day staff direction and development as well as providing necessary oversight of social services districts and agency contractors.
• Responsible for ensuring the Division’s work products are of high quality and completed in a timely manner.
• Keep the Commissioner’s Office informed of critical deadlines, work of the Division and emerging issues.
• Provide overall direction to Division staff to implement activities to enhance the economic security of low-income families and individuals through the development and implementation of policies and programs that help reduce poverty, enhance earnings and provide critical services to support stable households.
• Oversee the development, definition and interpretation of State policies and procedures regarding public assistance, food assistance, energy assistance and other economic support programs.
• Provide necessary policy direction, technical assistance and monitoring of local social services districts’ implementation of programs to ensure a high level of customer service and compliance with policies and procedures in their administration of programs to ensure program integrity and the accurate and timely benefit issuance.
• Keep informed on relevant best practices and evidence-based policies and practices utilized by other areas. Develop strategies for obtaining input from local social services districts, not-for-profit providers, and people with lived experience to facilitate relevant program development that is equitable and inclusive.
• Support and assist program managers with program oversight, staff supervision and staff development.
• Provide oversight for program management to develop procurements, make funding decisions, develop contracts with not-for-profit agencies and local social services districts, and provide contract monitoring and management.
• Assist in establishing internal controls and regularly evaluate compliance.
• Oversee the Division’s role in the development and implementation of the new Integrated Eligibility System (IES). This project will modernize program system support for the agency, social services districts and clients. The project is managed by another Division.
• Represent OTDA as the chief program liaison to the various federal oversight agencies for programs within the Division - including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the United States Department of Agriculture and the Social Security Administration.
• Represent the Commissioner in meetings with external organizations including nonprofits, the Governor’s Office, members of the legislature, federal, state, and local district leaders relative to programs and initiatives.

The candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree and have nine years (9) of relevant experience within human services management (either government and/or not-for-profit entities).

• Substitutions:
  Four (4) years of additional relevant specialized experience OR associate degree and two years of additional relevant experience may be substituted for bachelor’s degree. J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of relevant experience.

• At least four (4) years of experience in a managerial capacity
• At least four (4) years of overseeing human services programs
• Experience managing many staff in a manner that promotes quality outcomes and a positive work environment
• Abili…