Licensing Specialist Social Service Administrator III

Overview

Join the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) and become part of a dedicated team of over 5,000 employees working across the state to impact positively more than one million Maryland residents each year. DHS delivers crucial economic support, preventive programs, and care services for children and adults, striving to meet community needs efficiently through innovative solutions while ensuring inclusivity.

This management service role operates under the appointing authority's discretion and is based at the Office of Licensing and Monitoring in Baltimore, Maryland.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing consultation, management, and evaluation for Child Placement and Residential Child Care Agencies licensed or contracted with DHS, Juvenile Services, or Maryland Department of Health.
• Issue licenses, renew licenses, and conduct compliance monitoring following relevant state policies and regulations.
• Enforce specific Maryland Code of Regulations (COMAR) statutes during onsite inspections, including unannounced visits; examine child care, personnel, and foster parent records within in-state facilities.
• Conduct qualitative and investigative evaluations through site visits, data reviews, interviews, and benchmark comparisons to assess program effectiveness.
• Review regulatory adherence, operational procedures, staffing adequacy, program delivery, safety, and personnel credentials.
• Identify compliance violations and develop corrective action plans to align programs with legal and policy requirements.
• Assess violations' severity and assign risk values in relation to potential impacts on youth safety.
• Collaborate with multiple stakeholders such as DHS, Department of Health, Juvenile Services, Governor’s Office for Children, advocacy groups, and case managers to coordinate assessments and interventions.
• Lead or coordinate investigations concerning complaints lodged against DHS-licensed or contracted agencies to ensure youth welfare.
• Prepare comprehensive quarterly reports detailing assessments supported by inspections, interviews, audits, program evaluations, corrective measures, and relevant documents.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Master’s degree in social work from an accredited institution approved by the Council on Social Work Education.
• At least seven years of professional social work experience in public or private settings, including four years in administrative, supervisory, or consultative roles.
• Licensure by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners is mandatory.
• Possession of a valid Maryland motor vehicle operator’s license if job duties include driving.
• Experience equivalency may be considered for U.S. Armed Forces service at specified ranks within social work or related specialties.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Minimum two years monitoring agency compliance and enforcing state regulations within human services.
• At least two years' involvement in child welfare programs.
• Demonstrated experience producing written reports and evaluations.
• Strong communication abilities including writing, listening, and interpersonal interaction.
• Capacity to work autonomously and collaboratively with a results-focused mindset.

Employment Details and Benefits

• Position Grade: 18.
• Work location: Maryland Department of Human Services, 25 S. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD.
• Standard work hours: Full-time onsite role.
• Eligible for telework options depending on position duties.
• Comprehensive state benefits including health, dental, vision insurance plans at low costs.
• Leave entitlements include personal leave (six days starting, prorated), annual leave (ten days), sick leave (fifteen days), parental leave (up to 60 days), and thirteen holidays annually.
• Participation in Maryland’s state pension plan.

Application Process

Applicants must complete the application thoroughly to demonstrate eligibility; resumes alone are insufficient. Submission via online application is preferred, or mailed hard copies to the given address must be received by 5 p.m. on the closing date. Additional requested documentation must be submitted per instructions and deadlines. For inquiries or assistance, candidates may contact the specified departmental representatives by phone or email. Equal opportunity is emphasized, with encouragement for people with disabilities, bilingual candidates, and veterans to apply.