Foster Care Unit Manager / State Program Administrator, Manager Senior

Working Title: Foster Care Unit Manager

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior

Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 84732
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 03/08/2025
• Closing Date: 03/28/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / DHS Manager
• Division/Unit: Department of Human Services (DHS) / Office of Inspector General (OIG) Licensing Director Mgmt
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $43.38 - $62.41 / hourly; $90,577 - $130,312 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
  
  

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

• Position is currently primarily Telework with monthly to weekly in office work days at 444 Lafayette Road North, Saint Paul, MN 55155.
• Approximately, 25% travel.
  
  

In the 2023 legislative session, the Governor’s Office, Minnesota legislature, and leaders for children and families worked in partnership to pass legislation establishing the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to create a sustainable, public face for children’s issues in state government. This new cabinet-level agency brings together programs centered on children and families, including child care and early learning, child support, child safety and permanency, economic support and food assistance, and youth opportunity. This position will become a part of DCYF.

The Foster Care Unit Manager is responsible for the oversight of the county delegated licensing activities and statewide regulation of all DCYF licensed child foster care providers and for the direct licensing and oversight of private child placing agencies statewide. The incumbent is responsible to plan, direct, manage, and provide leadership for the foster care licensing unit, as well as provide technical assistance, policy development and guidance, and dispute resolution to a statewide county licensing system.

This position is recognized as a subject matter expert in laws and rules relating to foster care licensing functions, maltreatment of children, background studies, data practices, and related due process. The incumbent regularly gathers information and prepares responses for the Division Director in response to specific issues and/or concerns with the provision of services raised by government agencies, consumer groups, provider groups and/or the news media. This position represents the Office of Inspector General and the Licensing Division in meetings with other state agencies, county officials, stakeholder meetings, regulated parties, and constituent groups.

Minimum Qualifications

• To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.**
  
  

Demonstrated leadership experience*

• Leadership experience can include:
• Experience as a supervisor, lead worker, team lead, project lead;
• Completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.g. ELI, L4);
• A paid/unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee (e.g. ERG) - experience must include:
• 1 year of experience identifying issues, goals and strategic actions
• 100 hours per year time commitment
  
  

AND

Five (5) years of work experience working with child foster care program development or operations.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Management or oversight of the development of policies, procedures, forms, and/or training integral to the operation of a child foster care program.
• Oversight of licensing functions to ensure they are in compliance with applicable laws.
• Experience leading the development and implementation of new initiatives, projects, or legislation.
• Skill and ability in program planning and administration principles sufficient to create, coordinate, or implement mission and vision driven practices.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• General knowledge of the following requirements sufficient to ensure compliance with Minnesota Statutes and Rules and to perform managerial responsibilities:
• Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13 (Minnesota Government Data Practices Act)
• Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 245A/142B (Human Services Licensing Act)
• Minnesota Rules, Chapter 2960 (Foster Care Licensing)
• Minnesota Rules, Chapter 9545 (Private Child Placing Agency Licensing)
• Minnesota Rules, Chapter 9543 (Delegated Licensure of Programs)
• Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 260E (Maltreatment of Minors Act)
• Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 245C (Background Studies Act)
• Extensive knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations applicable to Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) licensing functions.
• Knowledge of prevailing philosophies, trends, and method of service delivery used in foster care programs.
• Demonstrated skills and abilities in policy and program development, and system level analysis to improve performance outcomes.
• Knowledge of Public Employe Labor Relations Act (PELRA), Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 179A, supervisory duties as well as union contracts.
• Leadership and management skills and abilities to motivate others to perform their job duties.
• Strong analytical skills to research and analyze complex policy and program issues.
• Demonstrated skills and abilities in oral and written communication, sufficient to advise leadership, write reports, facilitate meetings, make presentations, and testify at administrative hearings or before the legislature.
• Relationship building and conflict and dispute resolution skills to build networks of colleagues throughout the public sector and to deal effectively with complex and oftentimes, competing relationships and political agendas.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
  
  

Additional Requirements

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Mary Kelsey at mary.kelsey@state.mn.us.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Carolyn Rice at carolyn.rice@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services’ ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES_ADA@state.mn.us for assistance.

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
  
  

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
  
  

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
  
  

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
  
  

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.