Title: Permanency Practice Consultant (Eastern Region) #W1071

State Role Title: Program Administration Specialist II

Hiring Range:  $77,250 - $85,879/yr.

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Social Services

Location: EASTERN REGIONAL & LICENSING

Agency Website: www.dss.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

At the Virginia Department of Social Services, we put people at the center of everything we do. We believe that every Virginian can live a life of dignity and that all voices, ideas and experiences contribute greatly to our pursuit of excellence. Inspired by continuous improvement, we commit ourselves to listening, learning and cultivating environments of trust, respect and positive engagement. Together, we are mission-driven, eager to achieve, and passionate about bringing the best of who we are to those we serve.

We design and deliver high-quality human services that help Virginians achieve safety, independence and overall well-being. We are a $2 billion agency – one of the largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia – partnering with 120 local departments of social services and 31 community action agencies, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children, adults, and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside 1,650 (state) and 12,200 (local) human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens have easy access to the services and benefits available to them.

In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDSS offers excellent health and life insurance benefits, pre-tax spending accounts, state funded Short and Long Term Disability, paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, free wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching – Employee Benefits.

The Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Local Engagement and Support is currently seeking a Permanency Practice Consultant for the Eastern Regional Office. This position is responsible for providing feedback to the Program Manager and Regional Director on issues that pertain to specific local agency operations or have region-wide/statewide implications. Additionally, this incumbent will provide programmatic supervision, consultation and support to Local Departments of Social Services to promote efficiency/accountability in program operations and enhance service delivery to customers in the region.

Minimum Qualifications

• Working knowledge of specific program areas (Foster Care and Adoptions).
• Experience with OASIS, SafeMeasures, and Accurint.
• Considerable experience in interpreting and applying Federal and State human services policies and regulations.
• Documented experience in providing casework or other social services in a public or private social services or other human services agency.
• Considerable knowledge in specified program area with the ability to:
  • Provide guidance, training, assistance and support to local departments to ensure quality/efficiency/accountability in all program operations.
  • Develop/ deliver policy, procedural and automated systems training to individuals with varying levels of program knowledge.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Understand human behavior, as it relates to social/ economic concerns and casework principles/ practices.
  • Ability to work independently and as a team member.
  • Manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Occasional overnight travel required.

Key competencies:

Influence Others – The ability to work with people of diverse styles and backgrounds, to gain trust and support of peers, and to find common ground and solve problems for the good of all.

Focus on Customer – The person who is effective in this competency embraces a customer-focused mindset in all parts of engagement with internal and external customers. He or she demonstrates concern for satisfying the expectations of customers, and uses their understanding of customer needs as the basis for decision-making and actions.

Manage the Work Process – The ability to figure out the processes and workflows necessary to get things done, develop a plan and organize people and activities to achieve the best results.

Build Relationships – The ability to work with people of diverse styles and backgrounds, to gain trust and support of peers, and to find common ground and solve problems for the good of all.

Solve Problems – The ability to use logic, critical thinking and analysis skills to identify and analyze problems in a systematic but timely manner, drawing correct and realistic conclusions based on data and information, and accurately assessing root causes before moving to solutions.

Lead Others – Through trust, empowerment, and teamwork, create an environment that supports diverse perspectives, fairness, dignity, compassion, and creativity. The ability to work with and influence others to achieve common goals.

Additional Considerations

• Experience in both Family Services and Benefit Programs.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a fingerprint-based criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks.

VDSS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Selected candidate may be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

Frequent in-state, overnight travel may be required. Selected candidate(s) may be required to use their personal vehicle or state vehicle as available for business use.

To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site no later than 11:55 p.m. on the closing date listed. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and additional considerations as stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date.

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity within its workforce.

VDSS does not provide sponsorship.

VDSS is an official certified state agency that values the service and experience of our Veterans. As such, Veterans are encouraged to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni also are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants, if requested, during the application and/or interview process.

If you have been affected by Policy 1.30 Layoff as a state employee and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Card (Blue Card), you must submit this document through the “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site when you apply.

Contact Information

Name: VDSS - Division of Human Resources

Phone: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov

Email: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.