Title: Program Consultant Sr. #W2311

State Role Title: Program Admin. Specialist II

Hiring Range: $77,000 - $84,080/yr.

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Social Services

Location: DSS HOME OFFICE

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 (VDSS), Office of Well-Being is currently seeking a Program Consultant Sr. This position will serve as a policy expert for Title IV-E prevention services (Family First), particularly in the area of planning, managing, developing, interpreting, implementing, and evaluating program policies and procedures related to evidence-based programs. Coordinates all policy and program development with key stakeholders to ensure uniform statewide delivery of evidence-based programs and Title IV-E prevention services across the Commonwealth. Provides outreach and collaborates with state, local, and community agencies, and organizations to implement and sustain evidence-based programs (including usage of EBPs). Collaborates with state, local, and community agencies and organizations to prevent child abuse.

Minimum Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of child welfare and prevention services programs and policies, preferably in title IV-E prevention services and in implementing and sustaining evidence-based programs.
• Considerable experience working in child welfare or other human services field.
• Demonstrated experience presenting information to a variety of audiences (employees, stakeholders, general public) using multiple communication channels.
• Experience designing training and/or developing and implementing communications strategies for large-scale policy changes.
• Knowledge of child development and family functioning.
• Ability to analyze and interpret federal and state laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and orally.
• Ability to facilitate workgroups and committees, manage conflict and develop consensus.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, prioritize and manage work.
• Ability to analyze and interpret statistical data, program results, and trends.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships and to develop credibility with people at all organizational levels; work independently, as well as collaboratively with and through others; work in a fast paced, dynamic and changing environment; and influence others to move toward a common vision or goal.
• Skills to use personal computers, word processing and other software.

Key competencies:

Technical and Functional Expertise - understands the relationship between law, regulations and policy.

Understanding the Business - interprets and develops law, regulations and policy consistent with the Department's mission.

Results Focus - accomplishes assigned tasks within deadlines and accurately.

Customer Service - collaborates and responds to others; work reflects the input and needs of others.

Interpersonal Communication - able to write and converse professionally with stakeholders.

Teamwork - works in collaboration with stakeholders.

Leadership - provides leadership on relevant tasks.

Personal Effectiveness - able to organize work tasks and request assistance when necessary. Identifies personal learning goal.

Additional Considerations

• Formal training or certification in project management and/or implementation science; previous experience in evaluating research and/or data analysis.

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.

Please be advised that this position may be approved to work onsite for two days per week and work remotely for three days per week.

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

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.