Assistant Commissioner for Protective Operations

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a positive, effective professional to fill the role of Assistant Commissioner for Protective Operations.  The selected candidate will report to the Deputy Commissioner for Protective Operations.  The Assistant Commissioner for Protective Operations oversees the centralized programs designed to address abuse and neglect of children in institutions; delivery of Mental Health, Substance Use, LGBTQIA+, Disability and Domestic Violence consultation services to support field staff; and the identification and placement of children between the Commonwealth and other states.  In addition, the Assistant Commissioner for Protective Operations oversees the work of contracted providers in delivering social services to Department employees and their families experiencing abuse or neglect. The Assistant Commissioner for Protective Operations also oversees the 24 Hour Child Abuse and Neglect Screening Operations.  The Assistant Commissioner represents the Deputy Commissioner in various liaison both internal and external to DCF.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Develops strategies, objectives, and systems to oversee the clinical practice of the Protective Operations’ budgets.
• Develop programs and best practice strategies with related grant funding.
• Assist in the development of procurements that fall under the purview of Protective Operations
• Provide support to the field by participating in case reviews and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities
• Assist regional and area management teams to manage their clinical practice and oversight.
• Represents the Deputy Commissioner for Protective Operations in various liaison roles.
• Directly supervise (6) Protective Operations Directors at Central Office
• Serve as a liaison to the after-hours screening operations
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge, skills, and ability in interdisciplinary child protective social work
• Clinical understanding of service delivery and program development
• Broad knowledge of public child welfare system
• Knowledge of public and private financial management systems
• Knowledge of Massachusetts laws and regulations
• Ability to formulate and interpret agency objectives, policy, and procedure
• Skill in building consensus
• Ability to demonstrate leadership
• Skill in managing complex systems
• Working knowledge of Quality Management

Please upload both Resume and Cover Letter for this position when applying. 

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 childr