Description

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is a State agency with an annual budget of over $3.5 billion and almost 5000 employees and is searching for a self-motivated, results-driven candidate to serve as the Director of Children & Family Services (CFS). 

As part of the DHHS executive leadership team, this position is responsible for managing and directing the CFS Division toward its primary objectives of being family focused and strength based, cultivating strong collaborations with community partners, and providing support and direction to their reporting teams. The Director will oversee services to Nebraskans that includes child welfare, adult protective services, economic assistance programs and the youth rehabilitation and treatment centers.  In addition, they will oversee initiatives pertaining to foster care, adoption, child support, amongst others.

The Director must have an accomplished strategic background, effective interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills, and possess a dynamic and energetic demeanor.  In all areas of responsibility, the successful candidate will show a dedication to our mission of “Helping People Live Better Lives.”

To learn more about Lincoln, Nebraska: https://vimeo.com/770851588

Duties:

• Strategically plan, develop, implement, direct and evaluate the Department's operational functions and performance.
• Ensures appropriate utilization and administration and/or delivery of services.
• Provide leadership to the Division’s team to ensure Federal and State regulatory compliance and services are provided according to the goals and mission of DHHS.
• Build and manage relationships with colleagues across DHHS divisions, and liaise with stakeholders from the Governor’s office, other State agencies, and community partners on issues impacting agency operations.
• Travel to all facilities/offices as needed to provide sound leadership as well as visiting communities and providers to build relationships. 
• Develop and implement plans for the operational infrastructure of systems, processes, and personnel designed to achieve the goals and mission of DHHS.
• Coordinate with Human Resources to review staffing trends, reduce staff turnover, strengthen recruitment activities, and develop training programs to enhance the professional development, cross-training, and skill-building for staff at all levels at the Residential Facilities.
• Oversee the development and execution of comprehensive internal audits across all programs within the department.
• Be responsible for the preparation and stewardship of the division’s annual budget of $780M and all fiscal operations.
• Monthly review of financial metrics to identify opportunities for expense reduction and management.
• Continually evaluate services provided by DHHS regarding long-term strategy to ensure it meets the goals and objectives of the agency.
• Collaborate with Support Services to develop, implement, and monitor procurement and contractual services, physical space management, and records management initiatives related to the Department.
• Maintain a firm understanding of all federal and state laws, regulations, policies and trends impacting Health and Human Services.
• Assist with legislative program plans and/or program models.

Requirements

The successful candidate must have achieved:

• Master's degree in human services, public/business administration, or social/behavioral science, or closely related field. 
• Experience working with diverse groups including but not limited to Federal partners, State Legislators, and community partners; ability to build consensus among diverse groups. 
• Proven track record of progressive leadership positions with the children & family services field.
• Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision making capabilities.