Deputy Director- Alamosa County Department of Human Services

ALAMOSA COUNTY, Department of Human Services, Deputy Director

UNIT: Child Welfare and Adult Protection

REPORTS TO: Director of Human Services

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY: $76,000-$80,000/year DOE

DATE ADOPTED: July 2023

CLOSE DATE: February 28, 2025

Job Summary

Position is responsible for the supervision of Program Managers, Social Workers and Case Aides in the areas of child welfare and adult protection to include sexual abuse, crisis intervention, physical abuse, child neglect, foster care, youth-in-conflict, day care, placement alternatives, adoptions, elder abuse, financial and sexual exploitation of the elderly. Involvements can be in the intake process, investigations and on-going family counseling.

The incumbent assists the Director of Human Services with providing leadership and strategic direction for the agency which includes tracking, analyzing, and data collection.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (The following are illustrative of essential functions to perform duties and responsibilities of the job. The position may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional tasks as needed by the Department. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible.)

• The incumbent serves as acting Director as required in providing information, attending meetings, and supervision of agency staff.
• Evaluate and assist in agency decision making involving child welfare, financial planning and cost comparisons.
• Assist in directing, reviewing and implementation of various service delivery systems.
• Act as a liaison between managers, staff and community partners.
• Position requires a thorough knowledge of supervisory techniques, human behavior, the dynamics-of child abuse and neglect, youth in conflict and other areas related to service delivery focused on children and youth, casework principles and practices.
• Incumbent must possess extensive skill in case planning and the handling of problem cases, ability to instruct and teach social casework techniques, ability to supervise professional casework staff. Must possess skill in writing and editing reports; skill in interpreting rules, regulations, laws and procedures; an ability to deal with stress and emergencies; knowledge of the court system and its workings with respect to child welfare. Ability to resolve conflict; evaluate staff and clients, knowledge of agency, state, and federal guidelines, Colorado Children's Code and laws pertaining to Child Welfare and Adult Protection.
• Position provides direct supervision to the child welfare and adult protection managers which provides child welfare and adult protection services. The Deputy Director is accountable for the work of the child welfare and adult protection units, including the quality and quantity of work. Deadlines are set and monitored for workflow issues within the unit. Deviation from approved guidelines must be referred to upper level management.
• Incumbent must train unit managers in the particular area of child welfare and adult protection; oversee interventions and removal of children from homes; attend court hearings in support of casework staff; problems are often solved under duress and in emotionally charged situations. Follow guidelines set in Volumes VII and VIII of the CDHS manual, the Children's Code, state statutes, instructions from higher level management, and if applicable, the Child Protection and Adult Protection Team. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting the guidelines for a particular case situation.
• Contacts are with the social casework staff to give guidance and supervision, training and direction. Prepares documentation and consults with attorney on irregular or difficult cases. Initiates and receives communications both written and verbal, to and from clients, district courts, public and private agencies.
• In crisis situations, incumbent may be required to coordinate cooperative problem solving with hostile parents, police and other community organizations. Must be in contact with various community resources and agencies in order to provide coordination in the provision of services to children through the exchange of information and problem solving.
• The impact of the work performed is primarily on the child involved whether it concerns abuse, daycare, placement, foster care, youth in conflict etc. The result of an error in judgment could be serious injury, neglect or abuse, inappropriate placement, etc. Both the worker and the supervisor are subject to court action in the event of a bad decision resulting in negative impacts on the children served.
• Incumbent works under the general supervision of the county director. Work is reviewed periodically for results obtained through ongoing program reviews and reports. Other duties or projects as assigned.
• Ability to work schedule to meet all the obligation of the position
• Ability to work independently or in a team
• Ability to communicate (verbally & in writing) in English
• Ability to follow the policies and procedures of the County
• Ability to meet the physical requirements listed below
  
  

Supervisory Essential Functions

• Oversees staff scheduling; conducts individual and group conferences to set and monitor deadlines; establishes unit goals and timetables usually ranging from thirty (30) days to one year. Meets with administration as needed to participate in program planning.
• Organizes the work within the unit to assure coverage and efficiency in caseload handling based on the available knowledge and skills of the assigned workers. Develops systematic methods for implementing programming, which includes developing controls and monitoring workflow.
• Assigns specific tasks, usually work on hand, to immediate subordinates. Provides guidance and consultation for the accomplishment of day-to-day tasks assigned to caseworkers and case aides.
• Written and verbal instructions are given to subordinates on program issues. Incumbent meets with workers individually and in groups to explain rules, policies, procedures and laws. Meets with staff on individual cases, reviewing actions taken, counseling on effective resolution of problems in cases that are difficult for the worker and creating work situations that allow professional growth.
• Professional standards are set primarily through state rules, statutes, and manual regulation. Unit rules for work performance on the job are made by this position. Establish workload and qualitative standards for the unit.
• Monitors the work of immediate subordinates and reviews the work of the total unit's effectiveness with regard to plans and programs. This may be done through individual conferences, through the case plans, the treatment plan, and the placement plan. Reviews occur before, during, and after the performance of tasks.
• Training needs are established on an individual basis and carried out by this position, staff development, state department employees and outside facilitators when sufficient resources are available. Assures that an effective training program is in place that includes the assessment of need, and the evaluation of training upon completion.
• Checks with employees on missed deadlines, problems of tardiness, chronic absences, and interpersonal problems and other concerns that are individually focused. Responsible for the resolution of problems and complaints involving the unit, participates in resolving grievances and has the input on disciplinary action taken against staff members in the unit.
• Reviews the performance of workers on a periodic basis and establishes individual performance plans and objectives and evaluates based on the achievement of plans and objectives.
• Interviews and participates in selection of employees for the unit with upper level manager(s) on hiring and termination decisions for the unit.
  
  

Required Qualifications

Knowledge:

• DHS Policies and procedures
• Staff scheduling to assure coverage and efficiency in case loads
• Conducting individual and group conferences
• Creating and monitoring deadlines for the unit with both short term (2 weeks) and long term (1 year) goals
• Program planning for unit and department in association with Director
• Implement programs to develop controls and monitor workflow
• Provide guidance to subordinates on cases
• Knowledge of rules, policies and procedures for the department
• Knowledge of law and statutes pertinent to the department
• Promoting professional growth for staff and self
• Teaching case work techniques
• Monitoring subordinates training progress and assisting as needed
• Interviewing and selection techniques in hiring for the unit
• Court procedures
• Local resources that are available
  
  

Skills

• Operate software specific to DHS
• Computer/word processing to include Microsoft Office
• Math and statistical understanding
• Analytical and problem solving skills
• Decision making skills
• Effective verbal and listening communications skills in English
• Effective written communication skills
• Time management skills to meet required deadlines
• Report analysis and revision
• Monitor department standards and make sure all units are effectively meeting those standards
• Motivating employees to meet required deadlines
  
  

Abilities

• Ability to take initiative to accomplishing all tasks assigned
• Ability to work alone and supervise other staff
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to adjust to changing priorities
• Ability to understand and follow simple to challenging oral and written instructions
• Ability to manage and evaluate subordinates
• Ability to work with the Director to develop and implement programs and processes
• Ability to speak effectively before groups, clients and employees
• Follow and teach standards as set by state rules, mandates and regulation
• Ability to manage interpersonal needs of subordinates and provide them with constructive feedback as necessary
• Ability to work with other agencies
• Ability to resolve emergencies and handle hostile clients
• Ability to work in a stressful environment
  
  

Education

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S) required in Social Work or other human behavioral science field.
• Five (5) years of full time professional social casework journey level experience preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. When using a combination of experience and education to qualify, the education must have a strong emphasis in the human behavioral science fields. Master’s degree or higher in social work in behavioral sciences field and two (2) years professional casework experience at the journey level obtained before or after the advanced degree.
• Valid Driver’s License Required.
• Successfully complete state mandated Child Welfare Caseworker and Supervisor Academy Training.
• Maintain recertification by obtaining 40 hours of training annually for Child Welfare.
• Successfully complete state mandated Adult Protection Supervisor Academy Training.
• Maintain required ongoing training of 15 hours annually for Adult Protection.
  
  

Physical Requirements, Work Conditions And Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Minimal physical effort generally required in the performance of duties under typically office conditions. Position requires the ability to operate a computer keyboard and standard office equipment at efficient speed. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls, and to reach with hands and arms. The position is required to stand, sit for long periods of time, talk and hear. Hearing and vision correctable to normal ranges; close-up vision and the ability to adjust focus across an audience. Occasionally, the position may stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, carry, twist and push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight. The employee is required to communicate both orally and in writing. Employee must be able to reach and manipulate objects, tools or controls, drive, and lift up to 25 pounds. The noise level may be very quiet to noisy depending on the situation. On occasion it may be required to drive in poor weather conditions.

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The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this job, the level of knowledge, skills and abilities typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

It is the policy of Alamosa County to not discriminate against any person with regard to all federally protected classifications including race, color, religion, sex (pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), age (over 40), national origin, marital status, any disability, genetic information and testing, family status or any other applicable status protected by federal, state or local law.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

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