*COMMISSION ON CHILDREN AND FAMILIES DIRECTOR
Pay Range GC26

INTRODUCTION

This position performs administrative duties to the Children and Youth Commission and implements Commission policies, procedures and plans through short and long-range goals that meet the needs of Douglas County children ages prenatal through 18 years and their families. The incumbent operates within areas of contract administration, budget, fiscal planning, statistical research, and gathering and disbursing information. Incumbent is responsible to encourage and facilitate partnerships and networking opportunities within county and state for increased involvement of citizens and community organizations.

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES

(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples.)

1. Develop, manage, organize, implement and evaluate operations of the department both independently and jointly with the Commission. Assist the Commission in the development of the coordinated comprehensive plan for youth, prenatal through 18 years and their families. Provide administrative coordination in the planning, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of Commission programs that includes staff support to Commission subcommittees. Respond to special project or technical assistance requests from the Commission. Develop procedures, policies and other support systems for efficient operations to meet current and long-range goals.

2. Fulfill mandates of SB 555 requiring extensive negotiations at both state and county levels. Convene and facilitate discussions among state, county, non-profit, business, and other sectors to create the envisioned system of services and supports. At the state level, involved as an executive committee member of the statewide Coalition of County Children and Family Commissions. Represents Douglas County’s position, and the consensus position of local stakeholders, in negotiations with legislators, the State Commission on Children and Families, the Oregon Department of Human Services, the Association of Oregon Counties, Governor’s office, and representatives from other local commissions on children and families. Requires working closely with the Board of Douglas County Commissioners, advising them of policy directions that will best serve Douglas County’s interests within the broader state context.

3. Develop state relations including work with our legislative delegation responding to questions and addressing legislative priorities.

4. Develop state relations with four state agencies funding our CCF including the State Commission on Children and Families, the Oregon Youth Authority, the Criminal Justice Commission, and the State Dept. of Human Services. Assume responsibility for all applicable requirements and restrictions on activities and grants.

5. Facilitate, write, and oversee the County’s Coordinated Comprehensive Plan, Early Childhood Plan and Juvenile Crime Prevention Plan.

6. In conjunction with the Commission, develop needs assessment methods to determine needs of youth. Maintain awareness of state and federal child care regulations, trends, issues and children services for advocacy purposes.

7. Prepare and administer annual budget; present to budget committee; monitor fiscal expenditures and revenues to assure compliance with funding, auditing and monitoring sources. Prepare and distribute reports and statistical information as required. Explore alternative funding sources. Research, prepare and submit grant applications.

8. Participate in development of request for proposals (RFP); prepare, distribute and receive the RFP.

9. Promote community awareness and interest in and support of Commission; maintain cooperative working relations and facilitate networking with various community agencies and organizations. Serve as liaison between the community and Commission; coordinate media releases. Respond to, and effectively resolve, inquiries, complaints or problems affecting services.

10. Lead, coordinate and prioritize work activities of support staff; offer assistance as needed and determine best solution when problems arise. Train staff and ensure compliance with standards. Assume responsibility for work performed within department. Final approval of all selection, promotion and termination of employees. Establish and interpret policy and procedure.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Knowledge of: Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of effective administrative including public relations, personnel management, fiscal management, funding sources, to develop, implement and evaluate programs; organizational skills, considerable knowledge of data collection and research techniques; reasonable knowledge of planning, community resource development and community organizational techniques; basic knowledge of human service delivery as it relates to youth and families; basic knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations relating to youth services. Skill and ability to: Gather, assemble, analyze and disburse data for Commission operations and programs. Ability to: Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; involve both individuals and community organizations to achieve Commission objective; formulate and implement operational and administrative policies; plan, develop and evaluate funding requirements; prepare and justify budget requests and grant proposals; perform short and long-range financial planning; analyze and evaluate operations and develop and implement corrective action to resolve problems; establish and maintain record keeping systems and reports; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and procedures, establish new policies when applicable and use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities; supervise, motivate and lead support staff and volunteers; utilize problem identification and resolution techniques; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high pressure situations; courteously meet and deal effectively with employees, Board of Commissioners, state and local commission, governmental agencies, community groups, media and the public.

Education, experience and training: Bachelor's degree in business management, public administration, human services or closely related field and three years work related experience - two of which have been in program management/supervision OR seven years satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which includes two years experience or training in program management. At time of appointment, must possess valid Oregon driver's license.

Desirable qualifications: Education, training or experience in services to youth and families.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

This classification is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Commissioners. This position is assigned by the Board of Commissioners to provide staff services for the Commission.

This classification supervises administrative assistant and clerical support staff and has final responsibility for work performed by the department.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within established department policy and procedures; state and county statutes, rules, regulations, orders, resolutions and ordinances; management, personnel and financial theories, principles and practices; personnel rules; Children and Families Commission bylaws and policy and audit, research, statistical, and data collection reference materials. Incumbent remains current on guidelines and utilizes seasoned judgment in interpreting and usage of appropriate guidelines. As department head, can implement or revise department policies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Work is performed in an office environment; work is generally sedentary and requires hearing voice conversation, keyboarding, sitting, standing and walking. A reasonable amount of driving is required.