Program Manager

Job Summary

The Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) is a cabinet-level agency within the District of Columbia government, committed to the safety, permanence, and well-being of children and families residing in the District of Columbia. Charged with protecting child victims and those at risk of abuse and neglect, CFSA fosters collaborations within its administrations to deliver exceptional family-focused services to the community and its residents. The incumbent serves as a Program Manager for Older Youth Empowerment in the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA), Office of the Deputy Director of Well Being (OWB). The Office of Well Being directs the delivery of professional independent living services and life skills support, education support, aftercare services, financial literacy, housing support, and intensive mentoring services to youth aged fifteen (15) to twenty-one (21) in CFSA care and twenty-one (21) to twenty-three (23) through aftercare support. The incumbent is responsible for providing expert consultation, technical assistance, policy development and access to resources related to education, college, career, and transition matters, promoting, supporting, and developing educational, employment, transitional and independent living services for older youth.
Duties and Responsibilities

Exercises full range of managerial authority over subordinate staff, evaluates supervisory employee performance, participates in hiring new staff, ensures appropriate program staff ratios, and manages personnel activities within the program.
Plans and directs operations of the Chafee Independent Living Program, ensuring compliance with statutory guidelines, regulations, and Agency policies to safeguard children and youth.
Manages development and implementation of educational, career, transitional, mentoring, and independent living services consistent with program objectives; plans and evaluates daily operations.
Provides oversight, consultation, and supervision to a multidisciplinary team including education supervisory resource specialist, aftercare supervisory specialist, LifeSet supervisory specialist program assistant, vocational specialist, and educational resource specialist; oversees program implementation for eligible youth in foster care; supervises budget/program management of Chafee Independent Living programs, including training/technical consultation of staff, life skills training, and transition planning.
Develops and submits a plan of services to support successful transition to adulthood in education, employment, financial management, housing, and emotional support for older youth in foster care.
Identifies trends impacting service delivery and develops a resource network to help youth achieve independence.
Guides supervisory staff in implementing performance standards, resolves disciplinary problems that cannot be resolved at a lower level, and identifies staff training needs and opportunities.
Meets regularly with first‑line supervisors to discuss program progress, share information of mutual concern, advise on or resolve operational problems, and discuss reports and staff recommendations.
Interfaces with CFSA management levels and other agencies and jurisdictions to build networks that support education, career, and transitional services for older youth in care.
Recommends actions on obsolete, outdated, unclear, or missing policies and procedures; drafts or revises policies based on current changes and complexities; issues written instructions to meet day‑to‑day needs.
Keeps abreast of local and national developments in independent living services, integrates new information with staff.
Participates in the review of laws, regulations and guidelines related to the program, guiding implementation of new laws and regulations in the program.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications

Thorough knowledge of child protection rules, regulations, administrative policies, procedures, programs, and overall operations, applying that knowledge to individual work situations.
Knowledge of pertinent resources, legal status and related policies affecting children and families; knowledge of the structure, function and mission of CFSA, to supervise social work consistent with established goals and objectives.
Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills with the ability to exercise sound judgment.
High attention to detail and ability to work within stringent deadlines.
Strong oral and written communication skills, effective organizational skills, ability to make oral presentations, policy and procedure writing, and develop effective interpersonal relationships.
Knowledge of federal and District of Columbia laws, regulations, policies and procedures related to CFSA; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Education

A Masters of Social Work (MSW) or master’s degree in a closely related field is highly preferred. At least five (5) years of related experience such as comprehensive knowledge of appropriate child development benchmarks, knowledge of human behavior dynamics, and sensitivity to cultural diversity, age and religious differences affecting youth transitioning from care is highly preferred.
Work Experience

Must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade in the District of Columbia government service or its non‑District equivalent. Specialized experience is directly related to this position and has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties.
Licenses and Certifications

None.
Other Significant Factors

Tour of Duty:

Monday – Friday, normal business hours.
Promotion Potential:

None.
Collective Bargaining Unit:

This position is not covered under a collective bargaining agreement.
Duration of Appointment:

Management Supervisory Service – Regular.
Pay, Plan, Series & Grade:

MS-301-14.
Position Designation:

This position is deemed “security” and “emergency” pursuant to DPM Chapters 4 (Suitability) and 12 (Essential and Emergency Employees). The incumbent is subject to a criminal background check, traffic records check, and consumer credit check (as applicable), reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test, and post‑accident or incident drug and alcohol test.
Residency Preference:

Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.
EEO Statement

The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

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