Foster Care Support Manager

Company: Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Location: Boston
Posted on: February 1, 2025

Job Description:

An Official website of the Commonwealth of MassachusettsALERTEffective January 25, 2024, Executive Order #627 cements the Commonwealth's well-established practice of skills-based hiring, paving the way to a more equitable hiring process. The Commonwealth is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to serve our citizens. Join us today!Job Description - Foster Care Support Manager (24000A15)The Department of Children and Families seeks dedicated child welfare professionals who are committed to upholding the Department's fundamental mission of protecting children from abuse and neglect to ensure they are able to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. The Department'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 children by stabilizing and preserving families; providing quality temporary alternative care, when necessary, safely reunifying families; and when necessary and appropriate, creating new families through kinship, guardianship or adoption. Preferred applicants will possess a demonstrated commitment to the core practice values: 1) child-driven, 2) family-centered, 3) community-focused, 4) strength-based, 5) committed to diversity/cultural competency, and, 6) committed to continuous learning.The Foster Care Support Manager is a strategic function in the placement and permanency service operations that are under the management of the Director of Foster Care. This critical managerial role supports the Director of Foster Care in monitoring the delivery of services to over 6,000 children in the care and custody of DCF placed in departmental foster homes and contracted foster homes. Under the direction of the Director of Foster Care Support Services, provides leadership, clinical consultation, and technical assistance to all levels of managers and social workers in the field, as well as oversight to contracted foster care provider agencies.GENERAL DUTIES:

• Provides statewide oversight, clinical and technical assistance to Foster Care and Recruitment Supervisors, staff, and Area Program Managers to ensure compliance with Departmental policy, procedures and protocols in the licensing/relicensing of foster and adoptive homes.
• Provides trainings and assists in the implementation of Foster Care policies, programs and practice development strategies.
• Assists Regional and Area Offices in preparing for Licensing by the Department of Early Education & Care.
• Assists the Director of Foster Care Support Services and other Central Office staff on recruitment and retention issues, both statewide and at the area level.
• Assists Regional and Area Office staff in establishing and maintaining collaboration with resources in the community.
• Assists Regional and Area Office staff in promoting diversity by recognizing and responding to the needs of foster parents from different cultural, ethnic, and racial communities.
• Updates and maintains family resource-related content on Mass.gov.
• Provides support and technical assistance on special projects as directed.ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES:

• In collaboration with Foster Care Director and Regional/Area Office Managers, conducts periodic evaluation of practice quality and efficiency and ensures that issues are promptly addressed, and appropriate systemic changes/adjustments are recommended for timely resolution.
• Develops a communication plan with Regional/Area Office Managers and Supervisors to support consistent practice and implementation of new strategies, updates and compliance oversight.
• Stays current with best-practice trends and policy in foster care to contribute ideas of enhancements within current model.SYSTEMIC DUTIES:
  • Attends and provides feedback for agenda items for the quarterly Statewide Foster Care Supervisor meetings.
  • Attends regional Foster Care Leadership meetings. Provides feedback for agenda items when applicable.
  • Maintains consistent contact and attends meetings with the staff of the various contracted provider agencies.
  • Ensures consistent distribution and utilization of data reports to support best-practice, problem-solving and accountability.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
    • Knowledge of DCF Regulations, policies and practices.
    • Knowledge/experience with family resource activities.
    • Knowledge/experience of the adoption and foster home approval process.
    • Knowledge/experience in use of i-FamilyNet.
    • Knowledge/experience in use of Microsoft Office applications.Please ensure that you attach a resume with your application submission to this requisition.A criminal and tax history background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be
      #J-18808-Ljbffr

Keywords: Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Newton , Foster Care Support Manager, Executive , Boston, Massachusetts