Deputy Director, Office Of Community Support Services (deputy Director 6)

Deputy Director, Office of Community Support Services

The Office of Community Support Services (OCSS) plays a pivotal role in enhancing the well-being of Ohio's residents. Under the strategic direction of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), OCSS administers a range of statewide programs designed to provide essential support to communities. These programs include the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP), Electric Partnership Program (EPP), Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP), and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). Through these initiatives, OCSS aims to ensure that vulnerable populations receive the necessary resources and assistance to improve their quality of life.

This role assists the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director and the Health and Human Services (HHS) Assistant Director in defining program goals and objectives. This position involves directing operations within the Office of Community Support Services (OCSS) and supervising assigned staff. Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Planning: Contribute to the development and execution of the agency's strategic plan, aligning program goals with overall agency objectives.
• Program Management: Oversee the development, submission, and monitoring of state plans required to support OCSS programs. Ensure program compliance with federal and state legislation, laws, and regulations.
• Policy Development: Form and direct task forces in developing policies, procedures, and rules regulating service eligibility and eligibility expansion. Oversee the preparation and implementation of policies and procedures to guide program operations.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring fiscal resources are used effectively and efficiently. Monitor fiscal compliance, including estimating revenues and expenditures, and forecasting future needs.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Foster relationships with community stakeholders, including local government, community action agencies, non-profits, and Ohio residents, to promote program awareness and participation.
• Research and Analysis: Direct research, analysis, and interpretation of federal statutes governing program plans. Monitor state compliance with plans and recommend necessary corrective actions.
• Reporting and Representation: Prepare and present reports on program performance to agency leadership and other stakeholders. Represent the State of Ohio and ODJFS with federal agencies, state agencies, county officials, and local representatives at professional conferences and legislative hearings.
• Issue Resolution: Respond to inquiries and complaints from government officials, legislative bodies, and other public entities. Act on behalf of the ODJFS Director and/or HHS Assistant Director as needed.
• Staff Supervision: Supervise assigned staff by assigning work and providing direction, making recommendations for hire, reviewing work and providing feedback, establishing employee goals, conducting performance evaluations, monitoring and evaluating staff performance, approving/disapproving requests for leave, recommending disciplinary action, conducting staff meetings, and encouraging staff development.
• Other Related Duties: Conduct and attend staff meetings; travel within and outside the state of Ohio to attend meetings, conferences, and trainings.

Potential challenges of this position could include:

• Balancing Multiple Priorities: Managing a diverse range of programs and initiatives simultaneously.
• Navigating Regulatory Changes: Keeping up with and ensuring compliance with evolving federal and state legislation, laws, and regulations.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Engaging and coordinating with a wide array of stakeholders, including local governments, community organizations, and residents to promote program awareness and participation, which requires strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Risk Management: Identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies to avoid disruptions in program delivery.
• Performance Monitoring: Continuously monitoring program performance and making necessary adjustments to improve outcomes.

Schedule: Full-time. Hours: Standard workdays are Monday through Friday. Hours are between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Travel: Travel required, including in and out of state with overnight stays. Must provide own transportation or, in order to operate a state vehicle, you must have a valid driver license.

The State of Ohio provides a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this role will possess strong leadership and management skills, with a proven track record in strategic planning, program management, and policy development. Candidates should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with a diverse range of stakeholders. A deep understanding of federal and state legislation, as well as experience in budget management and fiscal compliance, is essential. The final candidate should be adept at research and analysis, with the ability to interpret complex statutes and regulations. Additionally, they should be capable of representing the agency at high-level meetings and handling inquiries and complaints with professionalism.

Information in attached resumes or cover letters must be entered into your application in the appropriate Work Experience or Education & Certification sections to be considered.

This position falls under the State of Ohio's E2 (Executive) Pay Schedule. Compensation will be based on the final candidate's education and experience.

This position is Unclassified per Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 124.11 (A)(9) and is overtime exempt.

If you require an accommodation based on a disability for any step of the selection process, please contact ada_public@jfs.ohio.gov.

The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Some positions may require drug testing and/or fingerprinting. Criminal convictions do not necessarily disqualify candidates from consideration.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.