PROGRAM MANAGER
965 E. Van Buren St.
Avondale, AZ 85323
Salary : $38.0770 hourly / $79,200.1600
Grade : 22
Closing Date : 1 / 29 / 2026
Job Summary
This position is responsible for managing unit supervisors and support staff and for promoting the safety and protection of children through sound decision-making and the consistent application of policies and procedures.
Job Duties
- Directs, instructs, and counsels unit supervisors in accordance with policies related to child services and personnel; initiates and follows through on disciplinary actions as necessary.
- Oversees unit workloads and work in progress; identifies resource needs and problem areas and implements corrective actions to ensure performance expectations are met.
- Conducts quality assurance activities, including random reviews of supervisors’ evaluations and employee documentation entered in Guardian, and monitors high-profile cases.
- Develops and implements strategies to meet departmental goals; completes required weekly and monthly reports and provides feedback on policies and procedures.
- Resolves issues and responds to inquiries from staff, clients, case participants, mandated reporters, internal Department of Child Safety (DCS) staff, DCS Administration, and the public regarding policies, procedures, and case-related matters.
- Prepares critical incident reports and participates in debriefings.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSA's)
Knowledge of :
Federal and state laws and statutes pertaining to child welfare programs.Contemporary child welfare concepts and practices, including strength-based and family-centered approaches.Juvenile Court system policies and procedures.Community resources used in the delivery of child welfare services.The needs and responses of abandoned, neglected, abused, and economically disadvantaged children.Skilled in :
Applying principles of leadership, supervision, and work management.Conflict resolution and supervisory techniques.Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with governmental officials, contracted service providers, and program clients.Verbal and written communication.Ability to :
Supervise multiple units within an assigned area.Conduct individual and group supervision focused on competence, skill development, and improved outcomes for children and families.Identify and ensure supervisory competence in safety and risk assessment practices.Travel statewide, work holidays as needed and be available after business hours and on weekends to support child safety decisions.Selective Preference(s)
The ideal candidate will have supervisory experience, experience with automated case management systems (Guardian), and knowledge of child welfare statutes and processes, including both investigative and ongoing case management.
Pre-employment Requirements
A master’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and :
Three (3) years of DCS Program Supervisor experience; orOne (1) year of DCS Program Supervisor Coach experience; and / orOne (1) year of OCWI Investigations Manager experience.Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card and the ability to secure and maintain clearance from the DCS Central Registry.This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, and the following requirements apply : Driver’s License Requirements.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Benefits
As an employee of the Department of Child Safety you will be entitled to a comprehensive benefits package that can become effective as soon as two weeks after starting!
Benefits include :
Paid sick leave.Paid vacation that includes ten (10) holidays per year.Competitive health and dental insurance plans.Life insurance and long-term disability insurance.We also offer optional employee benefits that include :
Vision coverage.Short-term disability insurance.Deferred compensation plans.Supplemental life insurance.Employee wellness plansLearn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here.