Job Description 

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a dynamic individual to fill the critical role of Foster Care Supervisor. The selected candidate will provide supervision and guidance on complex or specialized casework to Social Workers in their unit and act as the liaison between Social Workers in the field and agency management.

• Assign casework based on the overall caseload as well as the qualifications and abilities of direct reports.

• Review all unit casework, both in the field and through written and verbal reports, to monitor performance and to ensure agency needs are met in compliance with policies and practices.

• Assess the level of safety and risk and monitor case decisions and activity to protect the safety of involved Social Workers and to determine if decisions and actions are appropriate and in the best interest of the client and family.

• Provide or arrange training regarding current issues in the field, problem-solving techniques, available resources, and navigation of the agency and systems to encourage professional development and to improve Social Workers’ ability to assist families and clients.

• Reconcile complaints from families, community contacts, or others within the agency regarding Social Workers in the unit to ensure appropriate case management, maintain effective relationships, and ensure the safety of the client involved.

• Serve as a role model and help Social Workers prepare for interactions with the community and agency contacts to provide support for the unit and to ensure effective and professional unit representation in the community, building awareness of the agency and improving collaboration with contacts.

• Build morale and address personnel issues within the unit and across the agency to maintain a positive working environment.

• Assist unit members to coordinate and implement services that will address clients’ needs as outlined in their respective action plans.

• Act as a liaison between Social Workers and management to request and negotiate needs and resources for the unit and to implement agency policy in the field.

• Demonstrated knowledge of state agencies and family systems.

• Proven ability to lead others and organize work.

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants."

Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements: 

Applicants must have (A) a master’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education, or criminal justice, or a relevant human services degree, and (B) a current and valid license as a licensed social work associate, licensed social worker, licensed certified social worker, or licensed independent clinical social worker issued by the Massachusetts Board of Registration*, and (C) three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in social work, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (C) experience.

*Applicants at the Department of Children and Families must obtain the required license in social work within the first nine (9) months of employment.

The classification may require possession of a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at a class level specific to the assignment.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

 An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.