Description
Main Purpose of Job
The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) is the state's primary social service provider, serving over one million people annually. Through 24 local departments of social services across all jurisdictions, DHS empowers Marylanders by providing preventative and supportive services, economic assistance, and meaningful connections to workforce development and career opportunities. We aggressively pursue opportunities to assist people in economic need, provide preventive services, and protect vulnerable children and adults. Our vision is a Maryland where people independently support themselves and their families and where individuals are safe from abuse and neglect.
The Deputy Secretary for Programs advises and makes recommendations to the Secretary for the Department of Human Services on all strategic activities affecting programs administered through the Family Investment, Social Services, and Child Support Administrations. This senior executive role directs the 24 Local Departments of Social Services that administer DHS programs, including setting and monitoring goals, outcomes, and performance measures. The Deputy Secretary formulates and implements DHS policies, goals, and priorities in collaboration with the DHS Secretary, Deputy Secretary for Operations, Deputy Secretary for Talent & Customer Service, Chief of Staff, Executive Directors, and Directors of the Local Offices of Social Services. The role also involves representing the Department on external Commissions, Advisory Councils, and Interagency Committees.
POSITION DUTIES
- Acts as a principal adviser to the secretary.
- Directs DHS programs, including managing budgets, personnel, and strategic plans, both in the Administrations and the Local Departments of Social Services
- Manages executive level staff
- Represents Secretary and Department on interagency committees
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Master’s degree in Social Work or related fields, such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Services Administration, Health, Education, Psychology, Sociology, and other Human Service related degrees
Experience: Eight years of executive level experience in the administration of human service programs, with emphasis on Child Welfare.DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will possess:
- Demonstrated leadership with strong organizational and communication (verbal and written) skills for interacting and working with colleagues across the state and at the leadership level, agency management, sister departments, stakeholders, vendors and property owners.
- Expectational critical thinking and analytical skills with ability to identify strengths and weaknesses on solutions to challenges.
- Ability to demonstrate a strong commitment to ensuring positive customer experiences.
- Ability to implement change, motivate staff and maintain relationships.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be placed on the employment (eligible) list. The resulting list may be used for future vacancies with this agency or other state agencies.
If you are in State service and are a promotional candidate, your salary will be determined in accordance with State of Maryland guidelines.
BENEFITS
As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost. CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS: STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS.
- Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).
- Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.
- Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.
- Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.
- Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least thirteen (13) holidays per year.
- Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension.
- Positions may be eligible for telework.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to, Maryland Department of Human Services, Employment Services, Attention: Kendra Young, 25 South Charles St, Room 1116-L, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.
