Director of Transitional Foster Care

Catholic Charities West Michigan • Full-time • Grand Rapids, Michigan • 1m ago

Position Summary

This position is titled Director in accordance with the requirements of the funding source. Internally, based on the essential functions and scope of responsibility, the agency views this role as consistent with a Program Manager position. While the official job title remains “Director” for external and contractual purposes, internal structures, reporting, and performance expectations are aligned with that of a Program Manager role.

The Transitional Foster Care (TFC) Director performs overall management of the programmatic, administrative, financial, and operational systems related to the provision of care and services; provision of regular and timely reports to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) regarding operations, services, and finances; establishing a respective and supportive workplace environment; elevating any issues or concerns to ORR. This includes ensuring compliance with federal, state, and ORR regulations, supervising key personnel, managing program operations, and serving as the primary liaison with the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).

Administrative functions in developing and managing clinical and non-clinical program activities. Oversees the program operations and ensures programs are consistent with their purpose as well as the mission and goals of the Agency. Responsible for providing weekly, unannounced rounds in the classrooms and/or all areas where children congregate to ensure safety, wellbeing, and best practice of care in these areas

Annual Salary Range: $67,000.00 - $81,100.00

Are you passionate about discovering new ways to help empower people and make a difference in their lives?

If you’ve got what it takes to support us in our mission to provide help and create hope through innovative, collaborative, and diverse programs within the community, then we’ve got the right opportunity for you.

About Catholic Charities West Michigan

Catholic Charities West Michigan (CCWM) is a community-based agency providing programs in Western Michigan and offering a variety of services in family preservation, behavioral health, child welfare, and community outreach.

CCWM is committed to ensuring a diverse workforce and a work environment whereby all staff are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
CCWM encourages persons of diverse backgrounds and faiths to apply for employment.

Essentials Duties and Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with ORR policies, Foundational Rule (45 CFR Part 410), state licensing requirements, and Cooperative Agreement.
Administrative functions in developing and managing clinical and non-clinical program activities.
Ensure proper staffing ratios and credentialing of all staff.
Manages, directs, and leads TFC personnel to include direct supervision of Lead Clinician and Lead Case Manager.
Facilitates and participates in weekly and resident meetings.
Programs weekly individual and team supervision to supervisory staff.
Cultivates a positive, respectful, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and team centered work environment.
Oversee the case management team regarding the reunification process while ensuring compliance with ORR and state policy and procedure.
Ensures compliance with agency policies and procedures for staff performance evaluations, conference/training requests, timekeeping, and reimbursement requests.
Assists in the development and maintenance of the program's operating manual.
Develops, maintains, and enhances a positive working relationship with referral sources, state and federal agencies, volunteer and community agencies, employers, and individuals.
Participates in public relations for the program as appropriate.
Stays up to date on current trends and theories related to the program, while proactively recommending changes to agency policy and practice, as necessary to ensure contractual requirements are met.
Hires, on-boards, and trains staff effectively to ensure efficient operations.
Manages the intake and referral process.
Coordinate with ORR on emergency operations planning, monitoring visits, and corrective actions.
Attends local and national project team meetings to enhance the provision of the refugee services.
Oversee scheduling and staffing to ensure adequate coverage at all times.
Provides weekly, unannounced round in the classrooms and/or all areas where children congregate to ensure safety, wellbeing, and best practice of care in these areas.
Stays abreast of all agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements for social services.
Drives for Agency business.
Performs other special assignments at supervisor’s request.

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Demonstrated ability to work effectively on a multi-disciplinary treatment team.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Computer and typing skills sufficient to perform essential job functions.
Knowledge of the National Association of Social Work Code of Ethics, the NASW Standards for the practice of direct social work.
Knowledge of anti-racism work and commitment to follow through on anti-racism work within CCWM, particularly in Child Welfare.
Demonstrates an attitude of flexibility with staff.
Ability to have hard conversations with staff for accountability and growth purposes.
Ability to plan, supervise, review, and evaluate the work of supervisory and professional staff.
Ability to prepare and analyze reports, make presentations, and maintain records.
Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.
Ability to relate to diverse populations and cultures while communicating with clients and the public in a courteous and effective manner.
This position requires reliable transportation.
Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record with zero work restrictions.
Must have personal auto insurance as required by law with minimum bodily injury coverage limits of $250,000 per person/$500,000 per incident or $500,000 combined.
Must be willing to work irregular hours including evenings, holidays, and weekends.
This is an on-site role that requires regular, full-time attendance at the office; remote or hybrid work is not available, however, there may be times ad hoc or situational telework is needed.
Must submit to agency approved background checks.

Physical demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and/or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee, on occasion, may be asked to move or lift items up to 40 pounds in weight.

Work Environment:

Certain responsibilities, such as overseeing site operations, ensuring child-facing services are delivered confidentially and on-site, maintaining quality standards, and addressing issues in real time, requiring consistent in-office availability. The position is on-site — must be willing to work entirely in person, however, there may be times that ad hoc or situational telework is needed.

The position on occasion may require travel to other agency offices and/or client homes as required by position responsibilities and/or agency management. This position will be routinely exposed to typical office noise levels and/or exposure to various weather conditions.

Recommended Employment Qualifications

Education:

A Master of Social Work (MSW) or an equivalent degree in education, psychology, sociology, or other relevant behavioral science degree; or
Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years’ experience in child welfare administration, child protective services.

Experience:

2 years of experience in program management; or 2 years as director of a license childcare program is required.
Bilingual Spanish/English fluency is strongly preferred.
Experience working with immigrant or refugee populations is preferred.
Familiarity with ORR systems and reporting platforms (e.g., GrantSolutions) is preferred.

Professional Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:

Must possess the administrator’s license for the care provider’s facility, if required by state licensing, possess the administrator’s license.
Valid active Michigan Child Welfare certification must be maintained for employment.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does have supervisory responsibilities.

Our Mission

Inspired by the Church's social teachings, Catholic Charities West Michigan fosters individuals and families to flourish by providing help and creating hope.

Our Vision

Catholic Charities West Michigan is called to create a just and compassionate community where all people can achieve their divine purpose.

Our Values