Job Description

Date Posted: Mar 19, 2026

Requisition ID: 474710

Location: Gary, IN, US, 46402

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Child Services (DCS):

Join a group of passionate, dedicated public servants to support one of Indiana’s most critical missions!

The Department of Child Services helps children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. We pursue permanency for children and families through reunification, guardianship, and adoption. Our services also encompass foster care, child support, and transitional support for those adjusting to adulthood. Our culture is built upon our MVP foundation:

Mission : Champion Indiana’s future by protecting children and strengthening families with compassion and determination.

Vision : Every child in Indiana thrives in a safe, loving, forever home.

Purpose : Ignite hope. Cultivate joy.

Role Overview :

The Local Office Director leads staff and manages operations within the DCS office. You will also participate in regional child welfare practice decisions. You will integrate and embed a learning environment for all staff, and a culture and climate of respect towards children, families, and staff alike. The Local Office Director will partner with internal and external partners to successfully fulfill the agency's mission.

This position is in the Gary, Indiana, DCS Office and will serve Lake County, and surrounding counties as needed.

Salary :

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $85,020 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

Responsibilities include:

• Oversee the management of local office operations.
• Establish and/or communicate and interpret policy and objectives to supervisors and staff.
• Interact with the community by attending meetings, serving on committees and boards, giving presentations to interested groups by informing the media.
• Set goals and objectives for Child Welfare management to ensure children are protected and/or are moved to permanency in a timely and efficient manner.
• Attend Local Office Director meetings and various local community partner meetings.
• Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
• Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

What You'll Need for Success:

Credentials:

• Four (4) years of experience in child welfare, education, public administration, business administration, or social services and a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college.
  • A concentration in Business Administration, Child Development, Counseling and Guidance, Economics, Education, Health Care, Home Economics, Law, Psychology, Public Administration, Social Sciences, Social Work, or Sociology is preferred.
• Five (5) years of supervisory experience in child welfare, education, public administration, business administration, or social services.
• A combination of experience and accredited graduate training in any of the above areas may be considered.

Additional qualifications:

• Extensive knowledge of the local, state, and federal legislative process.
• Extensive knowledge of public relations and communication theory and practice.
• Extensive knowledge of the programs, organizations, and operational goals of the DCS.
• Extensive knowledge of Indiana State laws, policies, and procedures that apply to DCS services and programs.
• Broad knowledge of state budgeting principles and practices.
• General knowledge of the operation of state and local community and advocacy groups.
• General knowledge of employee relations issues.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple high-profile cases or emergency projects/situations.
• Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
• Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 in election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.

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