Administrator, Children and Family Services - EXEMPT

Under the general direction of the Assistant Commissioner or designee, this position leads the planning, organizing, directing, and management of the Division of Children and Family Services (CFS), inclusive of child protective services, foster care operations, residential services oversight, and related support functions. Ensures the effective program administration within a broad framework of applicable local and federal laws, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations governing child welfare service delivery. The incumbent is responsible for division operations, internal controls, fiscal oversight, personnel management, compliance monitoring, and strategic program improvement. The incumbent is responsible for and participates in the formulation and determination of policy, programs, and activities within the area of supervision. This position requires a confidential relationship to a policymaker. Plans, organizes, and administratively directs foster care and child protective care units to ensure effective program management in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and departmental policies. Disseminates governmental and departmental policies and procedures; ensures compliance at the divisional level and communicates applicable requirements to the public and stakeholders as needed. Disseminates territorial audit reports to divisional staff and ensures implementation of applicable recommendations and corrective actions. Exercises general direction over divisional administrative and supervisory staff; reviews and signs off on employee performance ratings and supports personnel accountability measures. Directs budget operations and fiscal management including budget development, prioritization of resources, and expenditure controls to ensure spending does not exceed approved funding. Assists in preparing budget estimates for the division; recommends budgetary priorities and establishes internal controls and fiscal safeguards. Consults and coordinates with federal and local officials regarding funding, legislation, inter agency coordination, compliance requirements, and other matters impacting child welfare services. Represents the Department and Division at court hearings, meetings, seminars, conferences, and on boards and commissions, as required. Reviews progress reports and conducts periodic site visits to residential programs and foster care homes serving children in the care and custody of the department. Makes recommendations regarding the design, evaluation, and budgetary needs of annual training programs based on divisional operational needs and collective bargaining agreement requirements; submits recommendations annually to the Assistant Commissioner for approval. Implements annual training as approved by the Assistant Commissioner and coordinates with training resources to improve staff effectiveness. Analyzes the Department of Human Services goals, accomplishments, and priorities through continuous appraisal of staff workload, program outcomes, and service delivery performance. Coordinates public information and press-related matters through the Office of Public Relations with approval of the Commissioner. Participates in interview and selection activities and provides recommendations to the Assistant Commissioner regarding staffing decisions. Determines methods and approaches, allocates work to program components, and ensures effective program implementation. Performs other related duties as required.

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Public Administration, or a closely related field, supplemented by eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience relevant to child welfare and social service program administration, including at least three (3) years in a mid- to upper-management or program leadership capacity.

FACTOR 1- KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Knowledge of child welfare administration, practices, and current issues affecting child safety, permanency, and well-being. Knowledge of applicable federal and local laws, regulations, standards, and compliance requirements governing child protective services, foster care, and residential care programs. Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, and operational standards related to division programming and internal controls. Skill in program leadership, strategic planning, and directing division operations to meet performance and compliance objectives. Skill in budget development, fiscal management, and business planning, including expenditure monitoring and establishing financial controls and priorities. Skill in report writing and preparing publications for varied audiences including practitioners, consumers, and policy makers. Skill in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other administrative systems for effective program and administrative oversight. Skill in effective professional writing and executive reporting. Skill in administrative systems and software used for planning, reporting, and operational oversight. Ability to respond to child welfare emergencies and service demands, and to be on-call beyond normal working hours if required. Ability to supervise and coordinate staff and programs through effective delegation, performance monitoring, and accountability. Ability to evaluate programs and implement continuous quality improvement and system improvement initiatives within deadlines and regulatory timelines. Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with internal and external partners, including the judiciary, law enforcement, providers, and community stakeholders.

FACTOR 2- SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

Work is supervised by the Assistant Commissioner or designee who provides assignments and establishes broad program goals, priorities, and division expectations. Work is performed independently in planning and carrying out the program administration. Work is reviewed through conferences, compliance and audit outcomes, performance indicators, program effectiveness, and overall accomplishment of divisional objectives.

FACTOR 3- GUIDELINES

Guidelines include federal child welfare regulations and requirements, local Virgin Islands laws and policies, departmental procedures, professional child welfare standards, and program operating manuals. Must interpret and apply these guidelines to a variety of complex and evolving child welfare situations and recommend updates to internal procedures when necessary.

FACTOR 4- COMPLEXITY

Work requires a high degree of complexity due to responsibility for overseeing multiple program areas (protective services, foster care, residential services) with significant legal timelines, safety obligations, compliance standards, and high public impact. Incumbent must balance competing priorities, resolve sensitive issues, and implement solutions consistent with laws, policy expectations, and best practice standards. exercises considerable latitude for independent judgment and decision-making involving

FACTOR 5- SCOPE AND EFFECT

The purpose of the work is to provide executive leadership and program oversight for child welfare services delivered by the Division of Children and Family Services. The work impacts departmental performance, federal and local compliance, resource stewardship, and most importantly, the safety and well-being of vulnerable children and families served by the Department of Human Services (DHS).

FACTOR 6- PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are departmental leadership and division program staff, the courts and legal stakeholders, law enforcement, federal and local agencies, providers, community organizations, and the public. Contacts occur in the office, court settings, meetings, conferences, and on-site program visits.

FACTOR 7- PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Contacts are made to exchange information, coordinate services and inter-agency responses, provide leadership and direction, negotiate and resolve issues, ensure compliance, support program evaluation, and represent the Department in child welfare matters.

FACTOR 8- PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is primarily sedentary with extended computer use and administrative activities. The position requires periodic site visits to residential facilities and foster care environments and attendance at court hearings and meetings, requiring standing, walking, and mobility for moderate durations.

FACTOR 9- WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in an office setting but includes travel to community locations, residential programs, foster homes, and court settings. The work may involve emotionally challenging environments and high-stress situations inherent to child welfare operations. Adherence to safety precautions and agency protocols is required.