Career Center

An Overview

Under the supervision of the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) Director, this senior management level position works with the DCHS Director and leadership staff in setting policy to achieve the department’s vision that City’s diverse populations will enjoy a sense of equity, safety, well-being and economic security. The position will focus on increasing the capacity of the department to provide comprehensive and integrated services through the coordination and leadership of public and private partnerships, the expansion of an ecosystem approach and data-informed and strategic approaches. Key elements of the incumbent’s work include, but are not limited to, supporting service integration efforts within the department and with partners, leading the strategic planning efforts for the department; developing and maintaining effective working relationships with new and existing external and internal partners; managing the Alexandria Fund for Human Services and supports other grant-making and grant-seeking processes for the department. The incumbent is also responsible for managing the collection of programmatic data, evaluating and monitoring program performance and impact, to include quality assurance and compliance across the department; developing meaningful performance measures based on best and evidence-based practices in the fields of human services and behavioral health. As a member of the DCHS Leadership Team, the incumbent ensures that action items from team meeting are executed.

The Opportunity 

• Works in partnership with Center Directors to create integrated service, ecosystem approaches with a focus on improved long-term outcomes for residents.
• Supports the Director’s partnerships with community-based organizations, City residents, counterparts in other City departments, regional and state organization and stakeholders interested in a partnership with the Department. 
• Leads the Department’s data collection and analysis processes and assists with the development of short- and long-range plans and meaningful performance measures; 
• Provides staff support to the City Council/School Board Subcommittee (CCSBS), DCHS Boards and Commissions Chairs’ Convenings, and other collaborative structures. 
• Manages the Alexandria Fund for Human Services’ grant making process, to include program monitoring and compliance, grant recipient consultation and training, preparation of related reports for City Council review, and supports other grant making and grant seeking processes for the department. 
• Prepares key performance related reports and documents.   
• Provides guidance to staff in the development program goals, objectives and efficiency and effectiveness measures, to include quality assurance and compliance across the department. 
• Develops and administers the department policies, procedures and guidelines.  
• Leads the department’s legislative planning and responses for Virginia General Assembly and Congressional actions.    
• Manages the City Council docket process and supports DCHS staff in developing and framing City Council docket memoranda and other documents for City Council or City Manager action. 
• Serves as Acting Department Director when requested; and 
• Performs related work as required.

About the Department

DCHS provides a wide array of services to more than 27,000 Alexandrians each year, working to advance the vision that all residents enjoy a sense of safety, well-being and self-sufficiency.  The services cover the life span from early childhood to aging services.

DCHS works to provide the highest quality of services to support individuals and families as they work to accomplish their goals and overcome critical challenges.  The staff draws on their expertise and best practices to assure that those we serve are engaged most effectively and that their needs are meet.  The bravery, hard work and resiliency of the residents who access our services are routinely demonstrated, and we continue to learn from their achievements.

As an organization, DCHS focuses on key elements that provide the best experience and outcomes for those we serve, including improving access to services, utilizing trauma informed approaches, focusing on racial equity, attracting and retaining the best staff, unified planning approaches and increasing the integration of our services.  Equally important, we work to maximize revenue and diversify our funding to address resource challenges.

If you are a highly committed and experienced individual interested in joining an organization focused transformation for itself and those it serves, you are encouraged to apply for this job opportunity.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Four-Year College Degree in psychology, sociology, social work or other related fields and five years of progressively more responsible, upper-management experience administering a medium-to-large size behavioral health, social or human services or developmental disability division, program or organization and experience with grant-writing, management, program evaluation, accreditation and best practice service models and/or any combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's Degree; graduate-level courses in Public Administration, social work or planning or related fields; five years of experience in leading, managing or creating behavioral health or human service or related programs; and experience facilitating interagency collaboratives, initiatives, or community coalitions. Bilingual in Spanish.

Notes

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to:  Criminal Records Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; and education/certifications.