Program Consultant Sr. (Kinship Policy Specialist) #W5471

Title: Program Consultant Sr. (Kinship Policy Specialist) #W5471

State Role Title: Program Administration Specialist II

Hiring Range: $70,000 - $80,000/yr.

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Social Services

Location: DSS HOME OFFICE

Agency Website: www.dss.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

At the Virginia Department of Social Services, we put people at the center of everything we do. We believe that every Virginian can live a life of dignity and that all voices, ideas and experiences contribute greatly to our pursuit of excellence. Inspired by continuous improvement, we commit ourselves to listening, learning and cultivating environments of trust, respect and positive engagement. Together, we are mission-driven, eager to achieve, and passionate about bringing the best of who we are to those we serve.

We design and deliver high-quality human services that help Virginians achieve safety, independence and overall well-being. We are a $2 billion agency – one of the largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia – partnering with 120 local departments of social services and 31 community action agencies, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children, adults, and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside 1,650 (state) and 12,200 (local) human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens have easy access to the services and benefits available to them.

In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDSS offers excellent health and life insurance benefits, pre-tax spending accounts, state funded Short and Long Term Disability, paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, free wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching – Employee Benefits.

The Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Family Services is currently seeking a Program Consultant Sr. (Kinship Policy Specialist) to providing leadership across the Division of Family Services for kinship, family engagement, and Family Partnership Meeting policies and practices by planning, developing, interpreting, implementing and evaluating program policies and procedures. Analyzes and interprets federal and state laws and regulations; develops appropriate regulations and policy; assesses program implementation. Coordinates all policy and program development with key stakeholders to ensure uniform statewide service delivery on behalf of children and families.

This position will be responsible for coordinating with the Permanency and Prevention kinship specialists: The kinship policy specialist will coordinate with the kinship practice consultants to align kinship practice in all aspects of the child welfare continuum and support the development of kinship and Family Partnership Meeting related content in training and presentations. The policy specialist will closely collaborate with the practice consultants and with the Resource Family and Prevention/Protection programs to evaluate effectiveness of kinship and family engagement practices to ensure program efforts in evaluation and implementation are coordinated.

Lead and Support Workgroups and Committees: This position will be the lead for coordinating the Commonwealth FPM Facilitator’s Forum and providing support to Regional Consultants and Kinship Practice Consultants in answering FPM and family engagement policy questions. This position also participates with other Policy Specialists in the development and facilitation of the Permanency and Protection/Prevention Practice Advisory Councils.

Written Policy: This position will ensure Family Engagement guidance and written guidance related to kinship caregivers is updated and in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.

Project Management: This position will support the Resource Family and Family Engagement Program Manager in the ongoing implementation of kinship and family engagement related projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Extensive experience in child welfare, with a focus on kinship care, family engagement, and experience working with kinship caregivers.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and experience in leading and managing projects or initiatives.
• Experience participating in and/or facilitating Family Engagement strategies (i.e..Family Partnership Meetings.)
• Demonstrated ability to