Operations Director - Human Services

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What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS) serves approximately 10,000 children per year with a workforce of over 1,500 employees, and a wide range of child welfare, delinquent, and community-based service providers.   

DHS’ mission is to serve and support Philadelphia's children, youth, and families by building on their strengths. DHS’ main service areas include: 

Prevention - We work with families to safely care for children in their own home to reduce child abuse and neglect. 

Child Welfare - We operate Philadelphia’s child abuse hotline, investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect, and help children involved with DHS achieve a permanent home. We manage the private organizations (Community Umbrella Agencies) that provide case management and other support services in 10 geographic regions throughout Philadelphia. 

Foster care and Adoption- We contract with state-licensed agencies who certify homes as placements for children and youth who are not safe in their own homes. The goal of foster care is to reunite children with their families. When this is not possible, as determined by the courts, many resource parents choose to adopt the children who are in their care. 

Position Summary 

This is a senior level management position reporting directly to the Deputy Commissioner for the CWO Division.  The CWO Operations Director position will provide leadership and management to the daily operations of Child and Family Services within the County’s Child Welfare agency including Placement Services, Family Court, Nursing consultation, Psychology teaming, Data Services, Health Management and Provider relations to maintain partnerships within the Philadelphia Safety Collaborative. The Operations Director position ensures the management of mandated Child Welfare services that focus on ensuring safety to children within the county of Philadelphia.  The Children and Family Services division consist of a diverse collection of supportive services offered to system partners that aid in the mission of achieving safety, permanency and well-being for children and families. 

The position will be responsible for the development of strategic plans to increase efficiency and effectiveness of services to children and families.  Duties and responsibilities will include, but not limited to, formulating policies, managing daily operations, and implementing departmental initiatives. 

Essential Functions 

1. Review Court Orders to manage staff in following OPC process. 

1. Assist CUA, Law and Family Court Administration. 

1. Supervise Program Analysts with retro payments, language line etc. 

1. Oversee day to day functions with CRU Directors, and Administrators in Data Services, Health Management, Court, Nursing, and Psychologists. 

1. Collaborate with Directors for Provider Relations with CUA and staff. 

1. Work closely with Administrators within Data Services for process of placement payments. 

1. Reviews policy, budgetary, and day-to-day operational matters affecting the assigned responsibility areas with CWO Division programs and recommends best practices. 

1. Develop policies and implement plans to support the goals and priorities of the CWO Division.   

1. Work closely with other senior management staff within DHS to address issues impacting the assigned responsibility programs. 

1. Work collaboratively with our CUA partners, community-based providers, and other stakeholders to improve the outcomes of children, youth, and families.  

1. Establish and maintain collaborative and effective working relationships with direct reports, peers, supervisors, and departmental leaders. 

1. Represent Deputy Commissioner at meetings and/or work group committee meetings related to the CWO Division. 

1. Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Deputy Commissioner. 

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Ability to work independently to achieve goals. 

• Ability to problem solve and think creatively to produce solutions. 

• Ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and/or crisis. 

• Track record in establishing and sustaining collaborative and effective working relationships with direct supervisors, peers, staff, consultants, service providers, and vendors. 

• Ability to effectively communicate – verbally and in writing - with a variety of stakeholders including direct supervisor, peers, staff, consultants, service providers, and vendors. 

• Completion of a master’s degree at an accredited college or university with major course work in Social Work, Criminal Justice, other Social Science, and/or other relevant fields.   

• Minimum of 10 years of experience working in child welfare/behavioral health. 

• Minimum of 5 years supervising multiple staff teams. 

We value diverse experiences and are open to flexible qualifications. If you are passionate about this role and meet some of the key criteria, we encourage you to apply. 

TO APPLY:Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume and references.

Salary Range: $130,000 to $140,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx