Assistant Director Child Support - Human Service Administrator III

Introduction

Joining the Maryland Department of Human Services means becoming part of a dedicated workforce of over 5,000 employees who positively impact the lives of more than 1 million residents annually. Our work spans economic support, preventive services, and care for vulnerable children and adults, focusing on innovation and inclusivity to ensure no Marylander is left behind.

Position Overview

This management-level role, classified as Grade 19, is based at the Garrett County Department of Social Services in Oakland, MD. It oversees the Child Support Administration Unit, coordinating all related programs and operations, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations while maintaining high standards of customer service and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Child Support program in accordance with applicable laws and policies.
• Develop, evaluate, and adjust local policies, programs, and procedures to fulfill client and organizational needs.
• Engage actively in departmental initiatives, committees, and meetings to enhance programs and policies.
• Serve as the authority on Child Support issues in interactions with public officials, agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Foster strong partnerships by representing the department in community outreach and interagency collaborations.
• Participate in the creation and oversight of agreements, contracts, and memorandums related to Child Support operations.
• Supervise and assess staff performance to ensure adherence to regulations and achievement of performance goals.
• Maintain operational integrity through compliance with controls, recordkeeping, reporting, and audits.
• Develop and monitor budgets and contracts affiliated with the Child Support program.
• Contribute as an executive team member by offering innovative solutions and participating in strategic decision-making aligned with the department's mission.

Qualifications

Minimum Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

Experience: At least eight years in administrative, professional, or technical roles with a minimum of three years supervising others or leading program development.

Substitutions Allowed:

• Up to two years of general experience may be replaced with graduate education (30 credit hours equate to one year experience).
• Additional professional or technical experience related to human services program administration or organizational studies may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• U.S. Armed Forces service in specific administrative or officer roles may also substitute for education and experience, with a minimum of two years in supervisory or consultative roles.

Preferred Experience:

• One year familiarity with Child Support Management Systems.
• One year performing quality control and fiscal tasks.
• Two years in program development.

Placement and Conditions

The position is limited to applicants willing to work in Garrett County. Successful candidates will be retained on an eligible list for at least one year to fill this and future vacancies within the agency or other state bodies. Applications must include complete education and experience information to be considered; resumes alone are not accepted. Salary is determined per State of Maryland guidelines for current employees.

Employee Benefits

• Access to comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans at low costs.
• Six personal leave days awarded annually, pro-rated.
• Ten days of accruable annual leave per year.
• Fifteen days of accumulating sick leave annually.
• Up to sixty days of paid parental leave following childbirth or adoption.
• A minimum of twelve paid holidays yearly.
• Participation in a state pension retirement plan.

Application Instructions

Applying online is strongly preferred. Alternative submission methods include mail or email directed to the HR office at Garrett County Department of Social Services. Maryland is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, encouraging applications from people with disabilities, bilingual individuals, and veterans.

Additional Information

This role operates under the pleasure of the Appointing Authority with responsibility for ensuring the Child Support unit meets its performance targets through data analysis, compliance monitoring, and process improvement. Strong leadership, programmatic, fiscal, and customer service expertise are essential.