Regional Policy Implementation Specialist

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a mission-driven, dedicated individual with public policy, training material development, teaching, and coaching experience to fill the role of Regional Policy Implementation Specialist. Reporting directly to the Policy Implementation Manager, the selected candidate will support and contribute to the Department's Policy Implementation initiatives through development of written, visual, and/or video training materials and guidance, conducting trainings, maintaining a library of practice and policy resources, and provide consultation to clinical staff as needed. Regional Policy Implementation Specialists contribute to agency policy development through data analysis, collecting feedback from practitioners, clients, and other stakeholders to be shared with policy unit peers and leadership
Please Note: The Regional Policy Implementation Specialist positions are assigned to DCF Central Office (600 Washington Street). Each position will be assigned to cover the Southern, Western and Boston Regions. Please list area(s) of interest on your cover letter .
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Write, edit, and format policy and practice guidance, and training materials, including the development of video and/or visual design and graphics to support implementation of new policies and clinical practice initiatives.
• Research other state policies and practices to inform and update DCF policies, practices, and procedures.
• Deliver training and facilitate learning in Central Office, Legal, Regional, and Area offices, working in coordination with Policy unit, CWI, RCDs, and RDs based on practice needs and practice gaps that may be identified.
• Contribute to agency policy development through collecting data/feedback from DCF Clinical Staff, Clients, and other stakeholders.
• Work closely with information technology staff to design/update IT systems and data tracking to reflect policy changes.
• Identify policy & practice issues/challenges and suggest/develop training interventions.
• Provide tailored implementation support and capacity building for Central Office, Regions, and Area offices.
• Provide consultation and guidance to staff from across the Department concerning quality assurance issues and work with CQI/OMPA on delivering policy fidelity metrics to regional and AO leadership.
• Act as a liaison among DCF field offices and regional offices to support Policy Implementation and address implementation challenges and needs.
• Analyze DCF management and data reports to identify policy and practice challenges and gaps
• Work with DCF legal team to ensure alignment of training objectives with state and federal laws and regulations.
• Travel to meetings and to DCF Area and Regional Offices, to provide support in the consistent implementation of policy and case practice.
• Deliver training specific to DCF SACWIS system updates and best practices in data entry.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to manage multiple job tasks and set priorities.
• Experience writing, editing, and formatting written, visual, and/or video training materials
• Experience designing and delivering trainings, in-person and virtually.
• Knowledge of child welfare laws, regulations, and national best practices
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• A strong work ethic and willingness to learn.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral expressions and to formulate management reports.

• Capacity to interact effectively with individuals at all levels within an organization

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong written and oral communication skills, including an ability to communicate across all levels of staff with varying roles.
• Strong PC Skills - including office 365 products
• Familiarity with child welfare SACWIS systems
• Experience working in child welfare system or relevant human services field
• Master's Degree in Social Work, Public Administration, or related field preferred
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment

About the Department of Children and Families:
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is committed to upholding the fundamental mission of protecting children from abuse and neglect to ensure they are able to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. DCF's vision is that all children have the right to grow up in a nurturing home, free from abuse and neglect, with access to food, shelter, clothing, health care and education.
DCF works toward establishing the safety, permanency and well-being of the Commonwealth's children by stabilizing and preserving families; providing quality temporary alternative care when necessary, safely reunifying families; and when necessary and appropriate, creating new families through kinship, guardianship or adoption. Preferred applicants will possess a demonstrated commitment to the core practice values: 1) child-driven, 2) family-centered, 3) community-focused, 4) strength-based, 5) committed to diversity/cultural competency, and 6) committed to continuous learning.
For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dcf
Pre-Hire Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants."
As part of the hiring process, the Office of Human Resources will be verifying any college-level degrees conferred to the selected candidate. Additionally, any licensure required for the position will be verified. Information provided as part of the hiring process is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form
For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option 2.
Qualifications:
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full time, or equivalent part-time, professional, administrative or managerial experience in business administration, business management or public administration the major duties of which involved program management, program administration, program coordination, program planning and/or program analysis, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the-required experience.*
II. A Graduate degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for the required experience.*
III. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.*
*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.