A Day in the Life:

This position is approximately 90% assessment and/or service utilization support, collaboration, and consultations and 10% other responsibilities as assigned.  Responsibilities include:

• Review and supervise the work of Family Case Managers (FCMs) responsible for assessing allegations of child abuse or neglect (CA/N) and completing service referrals for children and families.
• Consult with staff to ensure they follow statutory requirements, agency standards, policies, and procedures regarding CA/N assessments and service utilization.
• Consult with Family Case Managers to review pertinent information, update biographical and contact information, determine safety and risk, ensure contact standards, monitor service utilization, and promote adherence to the DCS safety model.
• Provide consultation and documentation for timely completion and notification of determinations regarding allegations of child abuse and neglect and/or service utilization.
• Assist local DCS supervisors and leaders with documentation and communication of assessment and service utilization reviews and consultations that result in identifying next steps.
• Provide feedback regarding ASCC/USS activities and operations with quantifiable information to assist with policy clarification, training needs, and additional supports that may be helpful based on FCM interactions and data collected via consultations statewide.
• Perform and participate in quality assurance checks by monitoring verbal interactions, written interactions, and documentation prepared by ASCC/USS Team.
• Utilize feedback from Division Managers and Local Office Directors to adjust and adapt best practices and improve efficiency and consistency throughout the ASCC/USS Team.
• Respond to questions and concerns from Regional Directors, Assistant Regional Directors, Local Office Directors, and Division Managers regarding the scope of the ASCC/USS Team and training and performance needs.
• Respond to internal customers regarding questions or concerns that involve the review/consultation process and/or previous reviews/consultations.
• Assist in establishing ASCC/USS policies, procedures, and long-term goals and objectives.
• Serve as a coach/mentor by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with DCS staff statewide.
• Practice active and skilled collaboration.Support and promote the DCS practice model.Support statewide on-call activities/duties.
• Remain current on relevant Federal and State laws, policies, procedures, models, and tools.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Advanced knowledge of principles and practices of social work, casework, sociology and group and individual counseling including new methods and theories of treatment.
• Thorough knowledge of state and/or federal laws, regulations, guidelines, and standards affecting child protection services, foster care, family preservation and adoption.
• Thorough knowledge of state and federal rules, regulations and policies governing public assistance programs and the ability to apply them in the administration of the program.
• Thorough knowledge of the operation of the local court system and law enforcement agencies.
• Specialized knowledge of State Personnel Department and Settlement Agreement rules, regulations and policies and the ability to apply them in the management of staff.
• Specialized knowledge of the state budget process.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment while managing crises situations including those involving confrontational, aggressive adults being investigated for child abuse or neglect.
• Ability to prioritize and manage workflow of subordinate supervisors and staff.
• Ability to supervise the work of supervisory, professional, and clerical staff.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate reports.
• Ability to use tact and empathy in working with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with supervisory staff of other organizations whose cooperation is necessary in delivering services to children and families in protective services.
• Ability to communicate articulately for court testimony.
• Ability to use computerized caseload data in planning and coordination of work.
• Ability to investigate and interview alleged victims and perpetrators of child abuse or neglect in an appropriate and effective manner.
• Ability to effectively manage a satellite office or major unit within a county office.
• Required to possess and maintain a valid drivers’ license, independent reliable automobile, and appropriate automobile insurance coverage always.   
• The Indiana Department of Child Services is a drug free workplace.  Candidates are subject to pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

A degree is not required.  However, at least 5+ years of human services or relevant experience and at least 1+ year of experience in a leadership, managerial, or supervisory capacity applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.  

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports: