The Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD) is requesting to add one (1) Employment and Human Services Division Manager position temporarily pending the retirement of an incumbent Employment and Human Services Division Manager. The Division manager position is critical in the operations of Children and Family Services (CFS). They have the responsibility of identifying and securing Relative Family Approval (RFA) placement for youth in need of alternate care. This position has become increasingly crucial since the implementation of the Continuum of Care Reform and the decrease in available beds and placement resources for high-level placement needs youth. This position is an anticipation of the retirement on July 31, 2023, of an incumbent Employment and Human Services Division Manager. The Department is requesting the creation of a parallel position to the ensure adequate training and smooth transition of responsibilities.

If not filled, management and oversight of Child Welfare Operations, Services and Support to Social Work Supervisors, Social Workers and youth in need of placement will diminish. Creating increased liabilities, challenges in delivering services, securing placement, shelter options in addition to a potentially negative impact on supervision, safety, risk and oversight of Bureau policies as well as children in foster care.