Practice Model Consultant

About the role

The Practice Model Consultant position within the Department of Child Services (DCS) focuses on integrating the Practice Model into daily operations across the agency. This role involves mentoring, coaching, training, and feedback to strengthen child welfare practice. The consultant collaborates on statewide improvement initiatives that enhance family engagement, refine service delivery, and support outcomes aligned with agency and federal goals.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate coaching, learning labs, and in-service trainings; provide one-on-one consulting to refine skills and ensure fidelity; and lead learning experiences that equip staff with the tools and mindset for effective child welfare practice.
• Consult with staff on family-centered practice and MVP implementation; support challenging team meetings and case consultations; and provide written feedback to leadership on practice performance and staff development needs.
• Collect and analyze data from systems like CQI, PMR/CFSR, KidTraks, Tableau, RPS, and Safety Culture to identify regional barriers, recommend solutions to leadership, and support corrective actions that strengthen practice fidelity.
• Act as a liaison between the central office and regional staff to implement new policies, align training with field practice, deliver updates at regional meetings, and complete special assignments in response to emerging statewide needs.
• Develop and provide regional pre-service sessions for the assigned divisions and departments.
• Provide content expertise to curriculum writers on topics identified for curriculum development through seminars/workshops, videoconferencing, and webinars for the agency.
• Aid resource parents with accessing online training modules necessary to complete both pre-service training and ongoing training through coordination with local libraries and local offices as appropriate.
• Assist staff development trainers in becoming experts on new curricula and weaving DCS mission, vision, and values into DCS resource parent training.
• Travel statewide overnight to deliver training and in-services.
• Train during evening and weekend hours to accommodate resource parents' schedules.

Requirements

• Completion of relevant educational degree(s) such as a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Education, or other related fields may substitute for equivalent years of experience.
• Three years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role.
• Extensive knowledge of and subject matter expert in child development, child welfare, family systems, or related behavioral health topics.
• Ability to promote teamwork by working with other staff development members and field operations personnel to achieve established goals.
• Excellent computer skills with Microsoft Word products including Word and PowerPoint and willingness to learn basic information regarding MS Excel and Access if requested.
• Excellent writing skills and the ability to convey written information in a clear, concise manner.
• Candidates must have the ability to travel statewide overnight to deliver training and in-services.
• Ability to provide training during evening and weekend hours to accommodate resource parents' schedules.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of and subject matter expert in child development, child welfare, family systems, or related behavioral health topics.
• Ability to promote teamwork by working with other staff development members and field operations personnel to achieve established goals.
• Excellent writing skills and the ability to convey written information in a clear, concise manner.
• Candidates must have the ability to travel statewide overnight to deliver training and in-services.
• Ability to provide training during evening and weekend hours to accommodate resource parents' schedules.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of child welfare practices and policies.
• Experience with data analysis and reporting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans.
• A wellness rewards program.
• A health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution.
• A deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match.
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options.
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs.
• Group life insurance.
• Free parking for most positions.
• Free LinkedIn Learning access.

Pay

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

Schedule

This position works primarily from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and will serve counties in Northeast Indiana. Residency in the service area is preferred.