Child & Family Services Program Supervisor (2 Positions)

Steele County

Job Description

Job Title: Child & Family Services Program Supervisor

Department: Human Services

Immediate Supervisor: Child & Family Services Program Manager   

FLSA Status: Exempt

Union: N/A

Job Summary

Under general supervision from the Child & Family Services Program Manager, the Child and Family Services Program Supervisor will perform difficult skilled technical work supervising the child and family services programs and staff. This includes assisting in the planning, implementing and evaluating the child and family services programs and strategic plans. Develops and maintains a service-oriented approach and creatively supports the quality initiatives of the department, county and community. Supports the department in the maintenance of a healthy work culture by recruiting, training and developing staff. Assists the manager and director with the child and family services budget and related work as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Works with Human Resources to supervise and direct personnel functions in the department, including recruiting, training, and performance management.
• • Supervises, plans, oversees and directs work in specific program area.
  • Conducts staff meetings, communications, orientations, and trainings.
  • Supports healthy work culture by encouraging continuous improvement of staff.
  • Performs staff evaluations; disciplinary actions; and addresses complaints and problems. 
  • Issues performance improvement plan or discipline when staff is underperforming.
  • Keeps the manager informed of any personnel issues and/or performance concerns.
• Programs the child and family manager may be responsible for include: child protection and child welfare services, including out of home placements, truancy, adoption and foster care; mental health; chemical dependency; home and community based waiver services, long term care needs assessments; case management services; licensing of foster care; health plan care coordination and other programs as necessary.
• • Oversees job performance to ensure compliance with department and program requirements, guidelines and department policies and procedures.
  • Assists in development, interpretation and implementation of child and family services programs.
  • Oversees and adjusts case loads of staff as necessary.
  • Supervises intake activities.
  • Provides support and consultation to staff.
  • May act as backup or carry a caseload.
  • Participates in or attends family group decision making meetings, court hearings, etc
  • Coordinates services and supervision with contracted community agencies in the area of children’s mental health.
• Administers and oversees the approved child and family services budget.
• • Collaborates with the supervisory and management team in annual budget process and provides suggestions for child and family services programs.
  • Reviews and approves financial requests from staff for clients, bills and service arrangements.
  • Monitors program area revenues and expenditures and reports findings to management.
• Engages in professional development and training; networks with other departments, agencies and organizations to expand knowledge of services and coordination.
• Attends meetings, suggests process improvements, and shares experiences to encourage collaborative outcomes and relationships with internal county business, community partners, and community members.

·         Performs other duties of a comparable level or type, as required.

• • Keeps abreast of changing legislation, trends, policies, and developments in areas of responsibility.
  • Attends various state, regional and local training sessions.
  • Provide support and guidance to employees who are on call.

Minimum Qualifications

·         Associate’s Degree in behavioral or social sciences, business administration, nursing, social work, public administration or closely related field.

·         Three to five years of child and family services, county or state human services experience

·         One year of experience working in a lead, supervisory or management capacity

·         Valid Driver’s License

·         Ability to pass a background check

Desired Qualifications

·         Bachelor’s Degree in behavioral or social sciences, business administration, nursing, social work, public administration or closely related field.

·         Two to five years of experience working in a lead, supervisory or management capacity in county or state human services

Essential Knowledge

·         Knowledge of organizational priorities and strategy.

·         Knowledge of principles and methods of social service administration.

·         Knowledge of human behavior essential to working effectively with individuals and groups.

·         Knowledge of current social, economic, and health programs.

·         Knowledge of Federal, State and local welfare policies and programs, and the laws on which they are based.

·         Knowledge of advanced principles of social work practice, including structured decision-making, family engagement, and client-centered decision-making with a background in child welfare best practices.

·         Fundamental knowledge of community resources.

·         Knowledge of operation and use of computer equipment and human service customized applications and business productivity software programs.

·         Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state and local welfare policies and programs, social services, and juvenile laws and rules.

Essential Skills

·         Oral, written and interpersonal communications.

·         Ability to plan, organize, motivate and direct staff or professional and administrative employees

·         Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and rapport with employees, clients, supervisors, department heads, officials, and the public.

·         Skilled in budget development and allocation.

·         Skilled in supervising, planning and administering child and family services programs in accordance with established department policies and regulations, laws   and requirements pertaining to programs.

·         Skill in the use of computers, statistical software, and technology.

·         Skill in analytical thinking and problem-solving.

·         Ability to facilitate meetings with staff from a variety of programs.

·         Ability to analyze data, identify trends and recommend actions.

·         Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion.

Physical Job Requirements (Percentage of Time)

Category: Light work

Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects in the performance of the job.

·         Stand: occasionally (1-33%)

·         Walk: occasionally (1-33%)

·         Sit: frequently (34-66%)

·         Use of hands: frequently (34-66%)

·         Reach with hands & arms: occasionally (1-33%)

·         Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl: occasionally (1-33%)

·         Talk or hear: continuously (66-100%)

·         Taste or smell: never

·         Lift & carry: up to 10 pounds frequently (34-66%), up to 25 pounds occasionally (1-33%)

Working Conditions

Duties of the job include primarily administrative and staff supervision responsibilities. Employee works primarily in an indoor office setting and is exposed to minimal adverse or hazardous physical conditions.  Employees are exposed to some disagreeable, hostile, uncooperative and/or angry clients or members of the public that can make the job less than desirable.  Potential hazards and risks can be minimized through departmental procedures, training, and general county risk management techniques employed by the County.

This description is intended to describe the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty being performed by people assigned to this classification. The list of responsibilities is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Shape the future of human services in Steele County. This is more than a supervisory role—it’s an opportunity to build a lasting legacy. In collaboration with our Child & Family Services Program Manager and Human Services Director for Steele County, you will not only design operations but also define the department’s identity, values, and reputation for years to come. We are seeking a visionary and resilient leader who can help create a high-performing team, foster a healthy and inclusive work culture, and implement innovative systems that deliver services with accountability, dignity, and measurable impact. This is your chance to lead transformative change and make a difference for thousands of residents.

About Steele County Human Services

The Minnesota Prairie County Alliance (MNPrairie) is a collaborative human services agency formed in 2014 by Dodge, Steele, and Waseca counties to deliver essential services through a shared structure.  Steele County has made the decision to transition out of the collaborative and establish an independent county human services department. Planning and activities for this separation are underway, with the new department scheduled to launch on January 1, 2027.  This change reflects Steele County’s commitment to local service delivery and meeting the unique needs of its residents. We are open and will be flexible with start dates.