Children and Families Program Supervisor

Introduction

Are you interested in a career where you can make a difference, do what you are passionate about, and receive personal fulfillment? If so, please read on to learn more about this wonderful opportunity! The State of Connecticut, Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking to fill a Children and Families Program Supervisor position. This position is located in our Central Office, within Government Relations and Policy Division's Licensing Unit.

• Location:
  
  Central Office, 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT with statewide travel expectations.
• Shift: Full‑time, 40 hours per week, first shift.
• Schedule:
  
  Monday through Friday with flexibility for weekly operational needs.

• State Employee Retirement System.
• Various medical and dental plans.
• Sick and personal leave.
• Eligible for Public Services Loan Forgiveness after 10 years of service.
• Opportunities for professional growth, diversity initiatives, and a healthy work/life balance.

The Program Supervisor is responsible for oversight of the licensing of privately‑operated child‑caring (congregate care) facilities, child‑placing agencies, extended‑day treatment facilities, permanent family residences, and outpatient psychiatric clinics for children. The Licensing Unit monitors these facilities and agencies for compliance with state law and Connecticut State Agency regulations, and takes adverse licensing actions as warranted. The unit also approves out‑of‑state child‑placing agencies wishing to place children with Connecticut adoptive families.

• Develop and evaluate specific clinical or behavioral programs.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and departmental mandates.
• Identify and develop new programs and funding sources.
• Schedule, assign, oversee, and review staff work.
• Provide training and assistance to staff and/or outside providers.
• Conduct performance evaluations.
• Determine priorities and plan office work.
• Establish and maintain office procedures.
• Recommend developments of policies and standards.
• Liaise with other units, agencies, outside officials, and community regarding policies, services, and coordination of resources.
• Prepare reports and correspondence.
• Consult with staff on difficult cases.
• Oversee maintenance of records.
• Collect and analyze program data.
• Interact with clients and caretakers as needed.
• Participate in decisions related to retention of a child in community versus institutionalization.
• Perform related duties as required.

• Knowledge of agency policies, case‑work principles, community resources, and legal basis for programs.
• Understanding of child development, mental health, and behavioral challenges.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Supervisory ability.

Eight (8) years of professional experience in child welfare, children’s protective services, foster services, adoption, or social and human services.

At least one (1) year of the general experience must have been in a supervisory capacity over professional staff responsible for planning, developing, or implementing administrative or program services in child welfare, children’s protective services, children’s mental health, or juvenile justice.

• College training may substitute for general experience, with fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one half (½) year of experience, up to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor’s degree.
• A Master’s or advanced degree in behavioral science, public administration, education, social work, or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) additional year of general experience.
• For state employees, two (2) years of experience as a Children Services Consultant may substitute for the general and special experience.

• Experience with State Licensing Regulations and DCF policy.
• Experience providing direct supervision of a team or unit.
• Experience collaborating with other state agencies.
• Experience managing provider partnerships and relationships.
• Experience with Excel, exporting and importing data, creating reports and pivot tables.

The State of Connecticut is an equal‑opportunity/affirmative‑action employer and strongly encourages applicants from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.