Professional Development Section Manager

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF), Division of Milwaukee Child Welfare (DMCW), Bureau of Child Protective Services Professional Development (BCPS-PD) Section is currently recruiting to fill the Professional Development Section Manager position. 

DCF offers great benefits, personal growth opportunities and work-life balance as a State of Wisconsin employee; and the intrinsic reward associated with serving the children and families of Wisconsin. To learn more about DCF’s complete compensation package, please visit our Total Rewards Calculator!

The Vision of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families is that all Wisconsin children and youth are safe and loved members of thriving families and communities. In conjunction with the Department’s Vision, the Division of Milwaukee Child Welfare is committed to Safe Children and Healthy Families in Milwaukee County. 

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of children and families through partnership with families and community, focusing on keeping children safely at home, and have a rewarding career providing professional development, recruitment and training for staff who serve children and families in an ethical and culturally responsive manner.  If so, we want you.  Apply today to become our Professional Development Section Manager, at DMCW, in Milwaukee, WI. 

DCF is a great place to work!  We foster a workplace that cultivates positive staff morale and a welcoming and inclusive work environment that integrates equity and inclusion values.  DCF supports our employees through comprehensive training on the models we use in our work such as trauma informed practice, as well as opportunities to grow through professional development opportunities.  We value all our employees and believe we are successful because of their dedication and work. 

DCF is committed to the important work of helping children, youth and families become safer, more secure and progress down the road to true independence. For more information about DCF, visit our website at Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.

Location Details:

This position is headquartered at our DMCW Office (635 N 26th St, Milwaukee, WI 53233). This position allows hybrid work, 5-10% of the time with a primarily in-office work schedule due to the needs of the work unit.  Any hybrid work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process. Employees will need to report to the office on their first day for onboarding and orientation.

High-speed internet is required to meet the needs of hybrid work. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position works collaboratively with the organization and BCPS Directors and Managers to deliver consistent, efficient and high-quality services to children and families and support to the staff we 

employ. This position manages and supervises the Professional Development Section strategizing, developing, organizing, implementing, and administering the agency’s training program to ensure recruitment, hiring and training of Initial Assessment Specialists. 

This position requires participation in the on-call rotation for the after-hours shift. Additional hours and "on-call" hours will be required, including nights, weekends, and holidays.  

Major aspects of this position include:

1. Provide management and oversight of the Professional Development Section ensuring Initial Assessment Specialists receive the training, education and learning opportunities to understand and execute job responsibilities.   
2. Work in conjunction with the State’s training partnership ensuring training compliance for all state and contracted agency staff.
3. As a member of the organization’s management team, work collaboratively with cross section managers and teams and community partners on policy development, strategic planning and continuous quality improvement efforts

View the complete position description. 

SALARY: 

The classification title for this position is Initial Assessment Program Manager. The starting salary is between $46.00 and $50.00 per hour ($95,680 and $104,000 annually), depending on qualifications. Pay for current State of WI employees will be based on the compensation plan in effect at the time of the appointment. Pay for current state employees who are transferring will be determined based upon the pay on transfer rules (higher level duties or equity) as outlined in the compensation plan in effect at the time of appointment.

The pay schedule/range is 81-02. A two-year career executive trial may be required. 

Job Details: 

Due to the nature of the position, final candidates may be required to allow DCF to conduct a security background check to determine whether the circumstances of any pending charges or convictions would be substantially related to the job being filled.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DCF sponsorship.) The Department of Children and Families does not sponsor visas, either at time of hire or at any later time.

Qualifications: 

You must possess a valid driver's license AND meet the minimum State Department of Administration fleet standards listed below: 

• Valid driver's license
• Minimum of two years licensed driving experience
• Eighteen (18) years of age or older

Minimally qualified applicants will have:

• Experience supervising employees (i.e., training, hiring, providing guidance, evaluating performance, disciplinary processes etc.)

• Experience working within Child Welfare program functions, principles and practices.

• Experience utilizing adult education principles (principles that emphasize self-direction, relevance, experience-based learning, and problem-centered approaches to enhance engagement and retention) in developing/defining appropriate learning objectives and delivering training programs and curriculums. 

• Proficiency using computers and smartphone devices to conduct internet searches and social media posts, and experience utilizing Microsoft Office Programs, and other software tools to develop and deliver in person and on-line trainings (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft PowerPoint, Project, Visio, Articulate 360, Adobe Photoshop, etc.).

Well-qualified applicants will have:

• Experience overseeing and/or managing the work of supervisory staff (staff with direct reports).

• Experience interpreting and working under the guidelines of federal and state laws, regulations, standards, and policies in child protective service and out-of-home care of children in the public child welfare system.

• Experience establishing informal and formal collaborative relationships with a variety of stakeholders that lead to results.

• Experience analyzing detailed information, policies, or programs, and collaborating with subject matter experts to develop training materials (user guides, desk aids, visual aids, project charters, e-learnings/web-based training, materials for print, and web, etc.).

HOW TO APPLY:

If you haven’t already done so, you will need to create an account and apply online. You must apply online to be considered for this position. Application materials will not be accepted if received in an e-mail, as a hard copy or a fax. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

After you are logged in and are viewing the announcement, click “Apply Now.” You will be asked to provide your personal information and required materials.  Online applications that do not include all of the requested materials will not be considered. 

Both a resume and letter of qualification are required.  If both documents are not submitted during the application process, your application will be disqualified.  Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application at DCF and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. View instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your DCF application and what should be included in these materials. 

Submitted materials will be evaluated by one or more subject matter experts and qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. 

The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants of any race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national original, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

 

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability.  If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or former employees as a reinstatement) must complete the application process to apply.

Deadline:

The deadline to apply is July 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact, Angela Cox at 608-422-6422 or via email at angela.cox@wisconsin.gov. 

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