Job Summary The DC Department of Human Services is seeking a visionary leader to serve as Family Services Administratora mission-critical role at the forefront of the District's efforts to end homelessness and transform lives.
As Family Services Administrator, you'll lead one of the most impactful social services operations in the country. You'll oversee nearly 275 dedicated staff members, manage a $500M budget, and direct an extensive network of nonprofit partnersall while making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable adults, families, youth, and children across the district. This position will report to the Director of the Department of Human Services; the Family Services Administrator will guide five essential service divisions:
Community Services; Adult Homeless Services; Family Homeless Services; Youth Services Division; and Administrative Operations
Duties and Responsibilities The incumbent serves as the administrator of the FSA, with delegated authority to plan, direct, integrate, coordinate and administer a variety of comprehensive and complex social service programs. Plans, directs, coordinates and administers a comprehensive program of social services which are carried out through subordinates supervisory and non-supervisory staff. Exercises a broad latitude in planning, controlling and coordinating the overall administrative, program management, and policy formulation for FSA. The incumbent keeps the DHS Director informed of the status and progress of program activities, problems involving policy or precedent, and unusual complexities of the program that need to be resolved.
Provides managerial leadership in setting and implementing policy within the framework of social service delivery, including the delineation of scopes of services, allocation of resources, grant commitments, human capital needs, prioritization of services, implementation strategies, and organizational structures. Serves as a member of the DHS executive leadership team. Represents DHS and the DHS Director on committees, taskforces, the Interagency Council on Homelessness and with the District Council. Develops and implements strategic plans which include goals, objectives, definitions of standards of care and performance measures. Oversees the development of the state plan and annual reports for the Social Services block Grant. Oversees the implementation of services related to, and ensures compliance with, the Refugees Act of 1980, the Community Services Block Grant Act and the Homeless Services Reform Amendment Act of 2017. Oversees and monitors the Homeless Services Continuum of Care contract to ensure contract compliance and performance standards are met.
Qualifications and Education Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
OR
Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position and has equipped the applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled . To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.
Licenses and Certifications None
Working Conditions/Environment The work is performed in a typical office setting
Other Significant Factors First Screening Date: November 2, 2026 Tour of Duty: Monday-Friday, 8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Pay, Plan, Series & Grade: MS-0101-16
Promotion Potential: None
Duration of Appointment: Management Supervisory Service (MSS) - At-Will
MSS At-Will Statement: Positions in the Management Supervisory Service (MSS) serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated at any time with or without cause
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under a collective bargaining agreement.
Position Designation: The incumbent in this position will be subject to enhance suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability-
Security Sensitive. Accordingly, incumbents must successfully pass a criminal background and consumer credit check as a condition of employment and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks for the duration of their tenure.
Emergency Designation: This position has been designated as Emergency pursuant to Chapter 12 of DC Personnel Regulations. Employees occupying positions designated as Emergency are required to:
- Provide advice, recommendations, and/or specific functional support necessary for the continuity of operations during a declared emergency.
- Remain at their duty station, or alternate work location (approved by their supervisor), if activated, when a situation or condition occurs and results in early dismissal for nonessential/non-emergency employees.
- Report to their duty station, when activated, on time and as scheduled when a situation or condition occurs during non-work hours, and results in the late arrival or closing of District government offices for non-essential/non-emergency employees.
- Telework during a declared emergency, instead of remaining or reporting to his or her duty station, if directed by the agency head (or designee), supervisor or manager.
- Carry or wear their official District government ID card during the period of the declared emergency, if not teleworking.
Residency Preference: When claiming residency preference, you are required, and must agree in writing, to maintain bona fide District residency for a period of seven (7) consecutive years from the effective date of employment. You will be required to present documents (proofs) to show District residency and failure to maintain bona-fide District residency for the seven-year (7-year) period will result in forfeiture of employment.
Residency Requirement: If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.
