Policy Director
Date Posted: Aug 31, 2026
Requisition ID: 483075
Location:
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
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:
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 Policy Director evaluates Indiana's child welfare practice against child welfare practice in other states and current best practice standards. Based upon this comparison study, the Director develops draft policies and procedures for the Indiana Child Welfare Manual and Administrative Manual.
Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $67,314.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator (https://in.accessgov.com/spd/Forms/Page/spd/compensation-calculator/0) to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
Responsibilities include:
Develop draft policies and procedures for the Indiana Child Welfare Manual and Administrative Manual.
Facilitate draft policies through the policy approval process.
Serve as a policy liaison on various DCS committees and recommend changes in policies based upon committee recommendations.
Provide local office support on policy by answering questions submitted to the DCS policy e-mail account.
Revise and reformat Indiana's Child Welfare Policy Manual and Administrative policies based on best practice, federal and state law, and administrative rules.
Identify gaps in policy and create policies/procedures to eliminate these gaps.
Develop, implement, and maintain a policy workflow and approval process.
Work with policy staff and DCS Deputies to set up and maintain a policy development and approval process.
Ensure that all constituent policy requests receive responses within the proscribed designated timeframes. Responses must be thorough and accurately address the proposed question.
Represent DCS interest on specialized policy projects that require a child welfare policy subject matter expert.
Serve as an active participant in workgroups, committees, trainings, and panels where child welfare policy expertise is requested or needed.
Manage staff activities and responsibilities within the policy unit. Conduct monthly staff meetings and informal meetings as needed.
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.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours that may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
Broad knowledge of public child welfare practices; Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws, as well as agency rules and procedures regarding child abuse or neglect;
Extensive knowledge of the principles and practice of social work;
Working knowledge of child welfare practice in other states and best practice standards or resources and databases containing these materials
Ability to identify best practice in the field of child welfare and translate that into policy that meets the needs of DCS staff and the children and families we serve.
Ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with DCS staff, the community, various governmental agencies, parents and family members; and
Ability to prepare accurate, detailed reports, as well as excellent oral and written communication skills; and
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
A degree is not required. However, at least 10 + years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered. Completion of relevant education degree(s) may substitute for equivalent years of experience.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.
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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