SOCIAL SERVICES DEPUTY COMMISSIONER 46152

07/01/92 A

This is a single class series. Positions in this class direct the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of agency public assistance, regulatory and/or administrative and financial programs.

Complexity of Work: Positions in this class perform work of unusual difficulty in directing, complex, multiple programs which are implemented through locally administered social services agencies and state administered programs within an assigned division.

Finance and Administration - Responsibilities include the direction and management of all financial and administrative services for the agency, ensuring compliance with relevant state and federal laws and the policies and standards of the State Board of Social Services. Decisions made include implementation of legislative changes, budget, staffing, facilities management, public information, community services, and implementation of complex automated information systems linking central, regional, district and branch support enforcement offices and local social services agencies. The position reviews and evaluates agency operations, guides division directors, and shifts funds and resources between operating divisions and regional offices; coordinates with the Deputy for Local Programs the shifting of funds among local social services agencies; and recommends and/or implements decisions applicable to the entire department and local social services departments.

Local programs - Directs planning, budgeting, implementation and oversight of public policy for social services, client benefits, and regulation of child and adult care providers. Responsible for supervision of directors for the Divisions of Benefits, Services, and Licensing Programs, and local operations with 5 Regional Offices and 124 local departments of social services. Acts for Commissioner in his absence with respect to Local Programs areas. Provides leadership to 4 major program areas and 5 Regional Offices to ensure their achievement of agency goals and objectives. Reviews and authorizes plans, budgets, programs, policies and studies formulated by program directors proposed for adoption by the state board of social services or for action by General Assembly. Assess impact of proposed legislation (state and federal) along with programmatic changes.

Supervision Given: Directly supervises division directors who are responsible for local support, benefit programs, service programs, licensing programs, research, statistics and evaluation, management information systems, finance and budget, and

general services. Directly supervises one or more of the following sections: civil rights, communications, special initiatives and fraud. Positions are responsible for multiple agency programs and levels of subordinate staff in the central office, regional offices, and local social services agencies.

Supervision Received: Works under the executive direction of the agency head and plans, develops and organizes all phases of the work within very broad program and policy parameters.

Scope: The work affects all operations of the Department of Social Services, its local agencies and numerous boards; the delivery of a statewide public assistance and social services system designed to meet the basic needs of less fortunate citizens; and the continuity of funding in grant-in-aid programs.

Impact of Actions: Positions have a significant impact upon clients receiving benefits from social services and public assistance programs. Improper performance of duties could result in a serious breakdown of the system which could result in death, injury, suffering and deprivation of the client population dependent upon the department for the basic necessities of life. The continuity of funding to the department and local agencies could also be disrupted if guidelines are not followed. Positions must respond in a timely manner to changes in legislation impacting their respective functional areas since delays may result in costly litigation.

Personal Contacts: Communicates frequently with individuals inside and outside the agency and represents the Commissioner on issues related to all departmental programs including officials of local, state and federal governments; board members; the General Assembly; courts, attorneys and law enforcement officials; and public, private, professional and client groups. Serves on committees, task forces, study groups and commissions involved in human resource delivery.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of large-scale organizational functions related to administrative planning, procedures, systems, laws and regulations affecting management principles and legislative processes; principles and practices and management and finance; and legal and legislative processes affecting public sector programs. Working knowledge of the laws, regulations, standards and policies affecting public sector programs.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to apply managerial, financial and regulatory knowledge to agency administration and state and local programs; plan, organize, implement and evaluate large-scale programs and policies; analyze legislative statutes and agency needs to develop applicable policies and procedures within designated functional area; direct and coordinate diverse organizational activities and staff in their work; and communicate effectively orally and in writing.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE

Licenses or Certifications: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from a college or university with advanced course work in social work; public, business or educational administration; law; or a related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Extensive managerial experience in the development, management or delivery of social or human services programs at the community, state or federal level.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was revised effective 7-1-92.