A Day in the Life:

Responsibilities include:

• Develop draft policies and procedures for the Indiana Child Welfare Manual and Administrative Manual.  
• Facilitate draft policies through the policy approval process.  
• Serve as a policy liaison on various DCS committees and recommend changes in policies based upon committee recommendations.  
• Provide local office support on policy by answering questions submitted to the DCS policy e-mail account.  
• Revise and reformat Indiana's Child Welfare Policy Manual and Administrative policies based on best practice, federal and state law, and administrative rules.  
• Identify gaps in policy and create policies/procedures to eliminate these gaps.  
• Develop, implement, and maintain a policy workflow and approval process.  
• Work with policy staff and DCS Deputies to set up and maintain a policy development and approval process.  
• Ensure that all constituent policy requests receive responses within the proscribed designated timeframes.  Responses must be thorough and accurately address the proposed question.      
• Represent DCS interest on specialized policy projects that require a child welfare policy subject matter expert.  
• Serve as an active participant in workgroups, committees, trainings, and panels where child welfare policy expertise is requested or needed.  
• Manage staff activities and responsibilities within the policy unit.  Conduct monthly staff meetings and informal meetings as needed.   

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours that may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Broad knowledge of public child welfare practices; Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws, as well as agency rules and procedures regarding child abuse or neglect;
• Extensive knowledge of the principles and practice of social work;
• Working knowledge of child welfare practice in other states and best practice standards or resources and databases containing these materials    
• Ability to identify best practice in the field of child welfare and translate that into policy that meets the needs of DCS staff and the children and families we serve.
• Ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with DCS staff, the community, various governmental agencies, parents and family members; and
• Ability to prepare accurate, detailed reports, as well as excellent oral and written communication skills; and  
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

A degree is not required.  However, at least 10 + years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.  Completion of relevant education degree(s) may substitute for equivalent years of experience.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports: