Program Director, Foster Care Services

Employment Status

Full Time / Exempt

Department

Family Services

Reports to

Vice President of Family Services

Work Schedule / Conditions

• General office hours are 8A-4:30P, Monday-Friday

• Work often requires duties that extend beyond regular office hours.

• The Program Director for Foster Care Services is expected to provide timely guidance and be a resource to Resource Family Developers and Regional Managers for critical licensing issues. His/her cell phone number will be given to staff to use outside regular office hours. In addition, the Program Director for Foster Care Services must carry a cell phone with voicemail option when not on vacation

Qualifications

• An individual with strong convictions who aligns with Josiah White’s mission statement, Statement of Faith, and Code of Conduct

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related Human Services area from an accredited college or university is required

• Two years of paid experience in Social Work or in a Supervisory or Administrative capacity in a field related to Social Work

• Licensed as an LMHC, LCSW, or willingness to obtain said license

• Valid driver’s license without restrictions that would impede job performance

Role Summary

The Program Director for foster care services is responsible for the overall management of the agency’s foster care program. This position requires thorough knowledge and execution of agency policies, as well as compliance with regulatory and accrediting bodies related to foster care services. The Program Director collaborates closely with the Vice President of Family Services to promote the clinical integrity of programs and lead efforts to develop a dynamic foster care program. This individual must demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must have a professional commitment and the ability to build strong working relationships with staff, foster families and all other agency stakeholders.

• Must possess strong leadership abilities

• Must demonstrate excellent public relations skills

• Must take initiative and work with minimal supervision.

• Must have working knowledge of budgets

• Must have advanced technology skills, including Google Suite and database use.

• Must communicate effectively in both oral and written forms

• Must be able to prioritize tasks while handling multiple projects simultaneously.

• Must be dependable, organized, and manage time effectively.

• Must understand clinical issues, treatment programming, and counseling.

• Must maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.

• Must be a team player, flexible, adaptive, and positive in interactions with others.

Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Collaborate with the VP of Family Services to develop a vision and strategic plan for foster care program growth.

• Identify, assess, and inform leadership of internal and external issues impacting the foster care program’s strategic focus and well-being.

• Serve as subject matter expert and primary contact for questions related to Josiah White’s Foster Care program, providing expert evaluations and recommendations to keep others informed on critical issues.

Responsibilities: Operational Planning and Management

• Regularly conduct risk assessments to mitigate harm to clients, foster parents, staff, and the agency; analyze and respond to critical incidents.

• Develop and implement an operational plan with goals and objectives aligned with the strategic direction of the foster care program.

• Create a metrics system to evaluate program effectiveness and assess each office’s success in meeting established goals.

• Leverage all available resources—including staff, clinical expertise, and environmental data—to build an effective, engaging foster parenting program that increases qualified foster parents and supports enrollment growth.

Responsibilities: Program Planning and Management

• Establish quality assurance standards in compliance with accrediting and regulatory bodies; regularly evaluate their implementation.

• Develop therapeutically sound treatment programs and clinical resources in collaboration with program supervisors and regional managers.

• Direct the PQI (Performance Quality Improvement) processes related to the foster care program.

• Manage licensing and accrediting body audits of foster parent and child records to ensure compliance.

• Provide regular compliance reports and plans to address deficiencies to the VP of Family Services.

• Lead a comprehensive data management process to enhance the foster care program.

• Offer accurate and definitive guidance to staff on foster home licensing policies and procedures; troubleshoot issues and provide consistent feedback.

• Provide coverage for mandatory licensing duties in the absence of Resource Family Developers.

Responsibilities: Human Resource Management

• Determine staffing needs for program management based on goals and budget allowances.

• Recruit, interview, and select candidates to fill vacancies within the direct reporting structure.

• Identify training needs and resources for Family Specialists and Clinical Supervisors in collaboration with the VP and Regional Managers/Supervisors.

• Provide ongoing training as needed to support staff development when necessary.

• Implement a performance management process that includes regular direct and constructive feedback to ensure goals are met and challenges are addressed.

Responsibilities: Agency Support and Enhancement

• Develop and implement communication strategies for agency stakeholders related to the foster care program.

• Establish and maintain a working relationship with the DCS central office.

• Serve as a spokesperson for the agency to support and advance strategic objectives.

Responsibilities: Professional Development

• Attend workshops and other professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.

• Analyze and assess performance feedback and respond appropriately to improve effectiveness.

Responsibilities: Other

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Family Services

Physical Demands of Position:

Physical Action

Frequency

Description

Standing

Frequently

May need to stand during meetings, while greeting visitors, or when organizing files.

Sitting

Occasionally

Much of the work involves sitting at a desk, working on a computer, or attending meetings.

Walking

Frequently

May involve walking between offices, meeting rooms, or different areas within the workplace, or locations around campus.

Lifting up to 30 lbs

Occasionally

May involve occasional lifting of office supplies, files, or small equipment. Typically, weights would be up to 30 lbs.

Bending / Twisting

Occasionally

May need to bend or twist to reach files, organize office supplies, or retrieve items from lower shelves.

Reaching

Occasionally

Reaching for files, office supplies, or equipment on shelves.

Climbing

Rarely

May involve using a step stool or ladder to reach high shelves or retrieve items.

Pushing / Pulling

Occasionally

Could involve pushing/pulling office chairs, carts, or file cabinets.

Typing / Data Entry

Frequently

Significant time spent on computers for data entry, preparing reports, and handling correspondence.

Communicating

Constantly

Frequent verbal communication with employees, management, and external contacts, both in person and over the phone.

Definitions:

#ZR

Constantly: 67% to 100% of the time

Frequently: 34% to 66% of the time

Occasionally: 1% to 33% of the time

Rarely: Less than 1% of the time