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As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

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.

  Opportunities in Tech - Don’t wait for the future, shape it.

  Benefits - We care about your well being.

Agency Description

The Philadelphia Department of Human Services 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. 

The core mission of the Department of Human Services (DHS) is to provide and promote safety, permanency, and well-being for children and youth at risk of abuse, neglect and delinquency.

The division of Child Welfare Operations operates 24 hour/7 days a week child abuse call center in order to gather information about allegations of the abuse or neglect of children and youth. The division works collaboratively with Community Umbrella Agencies and Community Based Providers to provide services in the home, or out of the home, for children and youth who are unable to remain safely in their homes. The division is made up of the following responsibility areas:

Hotline: 24 hour/7days a week call center.

Intake: Investigates reports of abuse and neglect.

Ongoing Services: Provide in home and placement services to children, youth, and families.

Adoption and Permanency Services: Work with children and youth to achieve Adoption and Permanent Legal Custody.

Court Support Services: this area serves as liaisons between the CWO, the Family Court staff, the City Solicitor’s Office, and other counsel representing parents/legal custodians and children.

Center for Well-Being: this area consists of the Central Referral Unit, Health Management Unit, Psychologists, and Nurses.

Family Team Conference: Complete team meetings with families, youth, DHS, CUA, and other members who know the families to develop a plan with the family

Community Umbrella Agencies: Provide case management services in 10 geographical areas

This is a senior level management position reporting directly to the Deputy Commissioner for Child Welfare Operations (CWO) Division.  The Operation’s Director position will provide leadership and management of the daily operation of Ongoing Services, Adoption and Permanency Services, Court Support Services, and Center for Well-Being. 

The position will be responsible for planning, organizing, directing multiple levels of subordinate staff in the provision of continuous, protective and/or centralized social services for children and youth as mandated by state and local regulations to ensure safety, permanency, and well-being of all children and youth in DHS’ care. 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 programmatic initiatives.

Essential Functions

1. Plans and directs, through subordinate management staff, the work activities of the assigned responsibility areas within CWO Division.
2. Establishes short- and long-term goals and objectives and defines responsibility areas for subordinate managers.
3. Assess process improvement opportunities to increase staff efficiency and effectiveness and management of division functions.
4. Reviews policy, budgetary, and day to day operational matters affecting the assigned responsibility areas with CWO Division programs and recommends best practices.
5. Develop policies and implement plans to support the goals and priorities of the CWO Division.  
6. Work closely with other senior management staff within DHS to address issues impacting the assigned responsibility programs.
7. Work collaboratively with Community Umbrella Agency (CUA) partners, community based providers, and other stakeholders to improve the outcomes of children, youth, and families.
8. Establish and maintain collaborative and effective working relationships with direct reports, peers, supervisor, and departmental leaders.
9. Represent Deputy Commissioner at meetings and/or work group committee meetings related to the CWO Division.
10. Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Deputy Commissioner.

Qualifications (Education and Experience)

• 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.

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• Employees are eligible for a 25% tuition discount program (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• 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 

Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

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

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