Assistant Director, DDU

This position is only open to candidates who are permanent (not provisional) in the civil service title of Administrative Director of Social Services N/M.

About the role

The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare and juvenile justice services and community supports. ACS manages community-based supports and foster care services, and provides subsidized childcare vouchers. ACS child protection staff respond to allegations of child maltreatment. In juvenile justice, ACS oversees detention, placement and programs for youth in the community.

The Office of Child and Family Health (OCFH) in the Office of the First Deputy Commissioner is charged with ensuring that all children and families served by Children’s Services have timely access to quality, comprehensive physical and mental health services. The Developmental Disabilities Unit (DDU) works on behalf of intellectually disabled (ID) and developmentally disabled (DD) children, youth, and parents during the protective, preventive, and foster care phases of their ACS involvement to ensure necessary steps are taken to efficiently identify, refer, and link children and families to supports that meet their service goals. The DDU also provides technical assistance, case-specific consultation, and training to ACS staff and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to the Executive Director of the DDU
• Assist the Executive Director in developing policies and procedures related to best practices for child welfare in addressing the needs of children/parents with I/DD
• Oversee and manage all programs and projects administered by the DDU, including budgets, contracts, procurements, and proposals
• Oversee trainings for internal and external stakeholders/agencies/organizations regarding parents with I/DD, related services, supports, and resources for appropriate permanency goals and service needs planning
• Guide the DDU to access resources in the city and state related to children and adults with I/DD and utilize these resources efficiently
• Serve as a liaison to external agencies and determine areas of collaboration on related issues and services, including representing ACS in community-based meetings and conferences
• Provide direct supervision and coverage of the Developmental Disabilities Unit in the absence of the Executive Director, including supervising DDU Managers, Coordinators, Administrative Assistants, Community Coordinators, and Community Assistants
• Provide direct supervision and management to full-time and per-diem administrative staff within the Developmental Disabilities Unit to ensure operations are maintained effectively
• Facilitate trainings in the areas of NYS Office of People with Developmental Disabilities, NYS Department of Health Children’s Health Home and Care Management Services, Children’s Medicaid Waiver Services to all internal ACS administrative staff and external stakeholders
• Coordinate and schedule all unit monthly, quarterly, and annual meetings, appointments, and events
• Train new DDU employees
• Manage and monitor administrative projects and initiatives
• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• Four years of progressively responsible experience, including one year at the administrative or managerial level in a large governmental agency, business firm, civic or community organization operating in the area of social services
• One year of experience at the administrative or management level (as described above)

Preferred Qualifications

• A master's degree in public administration (MPA), social work (MSW), public health (MPH), or a related field
• Previous experience working with the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities or a similar social service agency
• Experience working with the intellectually and/or developmentally disabled population
• Supervisory, team building, and leadership experience
• Experience in strength-based, solution-focused, and family-centered practice
• Excellent group facilitation and communication skills
• Experience working with community-based organizations
• Very good written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, and data entry

Pay

$97,176.00

Additional Information

Section 424-A of the New York Social Services Law requires an authorized agency to inquire whether a candidate for employment with child-caring responsibilities has been the subject of a child abuse and maltreatment report.

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter if you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

New York City residency is not required for this position.