Area Program Manager 213-08-26

General Description
Provides leadership and oversight for NWSDS Eligibility Specialist or Case Manager programs through Program Managers and Supervisors. Ensures programs deliver consistent, effective, and compliant services; supports the development and performance of leaders and staff, monitors program outcomes and operational effectiveness, and advances agency priorities, community partnerships, and continuity of services.
Essential Functions

Lead assigned programs and management teams
Direct Eligibility Specialist and Case Manager program operations
Lead people and organizational performance
Maintain compliance, quality, and risk management
Support strategic, fiscal, and operational stewardship
Represent NWSDS and strengthen service partnerships

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of public benefits eligibility, Medicaid long-term services and supports, case management, and service delivery principles relevant to the assigned program.
Ability to interpret and apply laws, administrative rules, contracts, policies, procedures, and guidance to complex program and operational situations.
Demonstrated ability to lead managers and supervisors, develop staff, manage performance, and address employee and labor relations matters.
Knowledge of program planning, budgeting, resource allocation, contract administration, quality assurance, audit response, and risk management.
Ability to collect, analyze, and present quantitative and qualitative information and use data to guide decisions and improve processes or performance.
Ability to lead organizational change, establish priorities, manage complex projects, and allocate resources among competing needs.
Ability to build effective relationships with individuals served, employees, labor representatives, government agencies, providers, community partners, and the public.
Communicate complex information clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, including reports, policies, presentations, and instructions.
Remain calm, exercise sound judgment, and provide leadership in tense, adversarial, high-risk, or emergency situations.
Facilitate groups, resolve conflict, build consensus, and support effective collaboration among diverse individuals and teams.
Organize and prioritize multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and use agency resources responsibly.
Work independently with substantial discretion while maintaining appropriate communication and accountability.
Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, respect, cultural responsiveness, service, and compassion.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervises assigned Program Managers and may directly supervise Supervisors. Provides leadership and oversight to Supervisors and employees through subordinate managers.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must possess the following qualifications, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential functions:

Bachelor’s degree in human services, social sciences, public administration, business administration, health administration, or a related field.

Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in human services, public benefits, health or social service administration, or a related field, including at least five (5) years of supervisory and management responsibility.

Preference may be given to applicants with experience supervising managers or supervisors and leading complex programs, multiple teams, or operations across multiple locations.

Other Requirements

Background Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history check. A conviction does not necessarily disqualify an applicant. Some may require additional clearance, including but not limited to national or state fingerprinting.
Driving for Agency Business. This position requires travel throughout the agency service area and may involve operating an agency or personal vehicle. Employees who drive on agency business must maintain a valid driver’s license and meet applicable agency driving and insurance requirements.

Work Environment/Physical Demands
This job is performed in office and field settings. Office work involves general office equipment, substantial sitting and computer use, and routine noise and interruptions. Field work may include travel to agency offices, partner meetings, community settings, the homes of individuals served, residential and long-term care facilities, and other locations with varying environmental conditions. Field work may require driving an agency or employee vehicle.
The essential functions require regular sitting, talking, hearing, and computer use; frequent repetitive hand motions and handling or feeling; and occasional standing, walking, reaching, bending, and lifting up to 25 pounds. The employee must be able to communicate effectively and understand, follow, and provide verbal and written instructions necessary to perform the job.
As a manager, the position may occasionally require additional or irregular hours and response to emergency situations. Contact with the public in home, facility, community, or office environments may involve exposure to hostile or unpredictable behavior, contagious diseases, domestic animals, and other environmental conditions.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.