Title:  Permanency Planning Program Manager

Overview

Provides consultation to the 12 DCF Family Services district offices and other community organizations in the subject area of developing permanency outcomes for children and youth involved with DCF. Provides expertise and completes reporting on the various state and federal funding streams and federal benchmarks that guide and fund permanency work. Administers Federal and State funded Adoption Assistance and Guardianship Assistance benefit programs to ensure adherence to State and Federal guidelines. Oversees and monitors the flow of work of the Adoption/Permanency Team, consisting of the administrative assistant, two adoption assistants and private grantees. Assists team members in problem solving and in prioritization of permanency cases. Designs and implements a variety of trainings in the field of permanence and post permanence family preservation. Researches and disseminates information on best practices concerning permanence of children with special needs to DCF Family Service offices, private and grantee agencies, and other community partners. Provides information as requested by the DCF Business Office, Deputy Commissioner or Commissioner on adoption budget needs based on program service needs, federal and state funding sources, and contracting/grant requirements. Monitors benefit program costs to maintain budgetary integrity.  Prepares cases for audit as required.  Reviews all subsidy and permanent guardianship agreements and authorizes changes in adoption and permanent guardianship subsidy payments based on the needs of children. Works with non-governmental agencies to disseminate information on adoption and responds to their concerns. Cooperates with regional and national groups to develop legislative changes and program enhancements for the adoption and post permanency process. Works with attorneys concerning permanence and benefit programs. Attendance as participant or presenter at various conferences, trainings or meetings pertaining to permanency planning outcomes for children involved with DCF. Provides State response to various adoption related questions as requested. Performs related duties as required.  After the probationary period has been completed, this position will allow for some telework capacity.

Who May Apply

This position, Permanency Planning Program Manager (Job Requisition #49955), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact barbara.joyal@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail.  You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

 

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS:  Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position.  In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed primarily in a standard office setting. Considerable travel is required to district offices and to meetings with outside organizations, for which private means of transportation must be available. Highly contentious issues and problems, involving biological parents, children, and adoptive or guardianship families must be handled fairly and cooperatively. Some work outside of normal office hours may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's Degree in Social Work AND two (2) years or more of direct casework experience involving adoptions.

OR

Bachelor's degree AND four (4) years or more of direct casework experience in child protective or juvenile services, INCLUDING two (2) years or more involving adoptions.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.