A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Philadelphia Department of Human Services serves approximately 10,000 children per year with a workforce of over 1,500 employees: and a wide range of child welfare, delinquent, and community-based service providers. 

The core mission of the Department of Human Services (DHS) is to provide and promote safety, permanency, and well-being for children and youth at risk of abuse, neglect and delinquency.

The division of Policy Development and System Enhancements operates to support the Philadelphia Child Welfare System in writing and informing policy, implementing system enhancements that impact the entire system, conduction training, technical assistance, professional development and organizational effectiveness. The division works collaboratively with Child welfare Operations (CWO); Community Umbrella Agencies (CUA); and Non CUA Providers who provide services in the home, or out of the home, for children and youth who are unable to remain safely in their homes. The division is made up of the following responsibility areas:

Policy & Planning: Development and enhance policies that inform best practices for children and families we serve.

Innovative Practices: Implement system wide reforms to improve best practices for children and families served.

DHS University: Supports the CWO, CUA and Non – CUA provides in

• Professional Development
• Training
• Technical Assistance
• Organizational Effectiveness

This is a senior level management position reporting directly to the Deputy Commissioner for the Policy Development and System Enhancement Division.  The Operation’s Director position will provide leadership and management of the daily operation Policy & Planning, Innovative Practices and DHS University.

The position will be responsible for planning, organizing, directing multiple levels of subordinate staff in writing new policies to enhance best practice, research and development ways and methods to enhance the system, training, technical assistance, professional development, projects, and organizational assessments. The position will be responsible for the development of strategic plans to increase best practice within DHS, CUA and non CUA providers staff to ensure the effectiveness of services to children and families.  Duties and responsibilities will include, but not limited to, formulating policies, managing daily operations, developing trainings and implementing programmatic initiatives.

Essential Functions

1. Plans and directs, through subordinate management staff, the work activities of the assigned responsibility areas within Policy Development and System Enhancement Division.
2. Establishes short- and long-term goals and objectives and defines responsibility areas for subordinate managers.
3. Assess process improvement opportunities to increase staff efficiency and effectiveness and management of division functions.
4. Review’s policy, budgetary, and day to day operational matters affecting the assigned responsibility areas with CWO/Policy Development and System Enhancement Division programs and recommends best practices.
5. Develop policies and implement plans to support the goals and priorities of the Policy Development and System Enhancement Division.  
6. Work closely with other senior management staff within DHS to address issues impacting the assigned responsibility programs.
7. Work collaboratively with our CUA partners, community-based providers, and other stakeholders to improve the outcomes of children, youth, and families.
8. Establish and maintain collaborative and effective working relationships with direct reports, peers, supervisor, and departmental leaders.
9. Represent Deputy Commissioner at meetings and/or work group committee meetings related to the Policy Development and System Enhancement Division.
10. Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Deputy Commissioner.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work independently to achieve goals.
• Ability to problem solve and think creatively to produce solutions.
• Ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and/or crisis.
• Track record in establishing and sustaining collaborative and effective working relationships with direct supervisor, peers, staff, consultants, service providers, and vendors.
• Ability to effectively communicate – verbally and in writing - with a variety of stakeholders including direct supervisor, peers, staff, consultants, service providers, and vendors.

• Completion of a master’s degree at an accredited college or university with major course work in Social Work, Criminal Justice, other Social Science, and/or other relevant fields. 
• Minimum of 10 years of experience working in child welfare/behavioral health.
• Minimum of 5 years supervising multiple staff teams.

Successful candidate must be a City resident within six months of hire.

Vaccination status

As a condition of employment with the City of Philadelphia, employees starting employment on or after September 1, 2021 must be vaccinated.

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670

 For more information, go to the Human Relations website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx