Program Manager, Protective Services

About the Role

The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) invites applications for the position of Program Manager, Protective Services. This role serves as the statewide authority and technical expert for the Adult Protective Services (APS) and Adult Public Guardianship programs within the Social Services Administration (SSA), Office of Adult Services (OAS). The position is responsible for administrative, operational, and regulatory oversight across all 24 local jurisdictions. The Program Manager ensures comprehensive statewide compliance with federal APS guidelines, policies, and mandates.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct the statewide implementation of federal Adult Protective Services (APS) regulations, acting as the primary compliance authority within the Social Services Administration.
• Utilize statewide data from the CJAMS/MD THINK platforms to identify program compliance gaps and systemic deficiencies, designing and enacting remediation strategies.
• Develop and maintain compliance monitoring frameworks, performance metrics, and corrective action plans for the 24 Local Departments of Social Services to guarantee adherence to state and federal legal requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and other federal regulatory bodies by leading the submission of mandatory state plans and program performance data.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in Social Work, Public Policy, Public Administration, Health or Human Services, or a closely related behavioral science.
• At least five years of professional experience in planning, developing, conducting, or evaluating human services, regulatory compliance, or quality assurance programs.
• Minimum of two years in a supervisory or managerial role overseeing professional staff.

Desired Qualifications

• Two years of experience drafting regulatory updates (such as state administrative codes and regulations), enforcing policy directives, or interpreting federal compliance mandates for legal and oversight purposes.
• Two years of experience using enterprise-level data analytics or electronic case management systems to monitor quality assurance, track performance metrics, and implement targeted improvements.
• Two years managing program budgets, including oversight of external vendor or university training contract expenditures and adherence to federal grant conditions.

Additional Information

This is a Management Service position appointed at the discretion of the appointing authority. The role is based at the Maryland Department of Human Services, Social Services Administration, 25 S. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.

The position is classified at Grade 21.

Selection Process

Applicants must supply adequate information demonstrating their qualifications through the application process by the closing date. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans at low employee cost.
• Personal leave with six days awarded annually (prorated by start date).
• Annual leave accumulation of ten days per year.
• Sick leave accumulation of fifteen days per year.
• At least thirteen paid state holidays annually.
• Participation in the state pension system with retirement benefits.

Application Instructions

Online application submission is highly encouraged. For applicants unable to apply online, paper applications along with the supplemental questionnaire may be mailed to the Department of Human Services, Recruitment Services Unit, Attention Mario West, 25 S. Charles Street 1115-J, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. All mailed documents must include the applicant's name and job number and must arrive by 5 p.m. on the closing date. Resumes alone are not accepted in place of applications.

For additional information requests, uploading documents through the online system is preferred. If uploading is not possible, email materials to mario.west2@maryland.gov. Only requested materials will be accepted and must be submitted by the closing date and time.

For questions concerning this recruitment, call 410-767-6081. TTY users can contact via Maryland Relay. For general assistance with the application system, contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov.

Equal Opportunity

The State of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer actively committed to diversity and inclusion. Candidates who are persons with disabilities or bilingual are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans are appreciated for their service.