What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Officer for Foster Care - Michigan, Indiana or Illinois position at Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service?

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!

The Program Officer for Foster Care will provide oversight and coordination of a continuum of Foster Care programs to ensure holistic, culturally competent services for unaccompanied refugee and migrant children and their families. This position acts as a liaison between Global Refuge partner organizations, Global Refuge, and federal foster care stakeholders. This position ensures the effectiveness and quality of services through supportive program management, monitoring, data management, trend analysis and evaluation, training, and technical assistance. This position involves close collaboration with the Associate Director for Foster Care and the Senior Program Officer to identify trends, and opportunities to enhance program services, and training needs and implement recommendations for effective quality service delivery. This position will provide backup and support to the Associate Director for Foster Care, fellow Program Officers for Foster Care, and the Program Assistant.

Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. Since 1939, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in The United States through our work in refugee resettlement, welcome and respite services for asylum seekers, economic empowerment and employment, and family unification for unaccompanied children. To date, we have served over 750,000 people from around the globe. Our comprehensive services leverage our extensive organizational expertise as well as government, community, and faith partnerships.

Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including :

medical, dental, and vision available on the first day of employment,
professional development, tuition reimbursement,
generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays,
12 weeks of fully paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave,
company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match which vests immediately,
Family Building benefits for reproductive procedures, adoption / foster care assistance, and
an annual wellness benefit that can be customized to support your personal needs including funding enrichment classes, gym memberships, and healthy eating plans (to name a few) all in an inclusive and progressive environment!

At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn't just our duty-it's an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values and serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.

DUTIES

Provide oversight and administration of Foster Care grants to network partner agencies including; child welfare best practices, program management, and compliance with the Global Refuge cooperative agreement and ORR policies and procedures.

Lead collaboration efforts with Foster Care partners engaged in service provision to unaccompanied migrant and refugee children. Responsible for network coordination, communication, and peer learning throughout the network.

Provide support and technical assistance to partners related to issues of service delivery, documentation, reporting, Global Refuge, and Child Welfare best practices, as well as Federal obligations.

Provide ongoing desk and onsite monitoring to Foster Care Partners to assess program functioning and compliance with State / ORR / Global Refuge standards, as well as to identify trends, and service gaps, and evaluate service models.

Identify training needs and program challenges, for the development of materials, resources, and tools to enhance the delivery of program services in accordance with recognized child welfare standards, Global Refuge Best Practices, and Global Refuge / ORR Policies and Procedures implementation.

Assist with the writing of various governmental reports (quarterly, annual, and monitoring visit reports).

In collaboration with the Associate Director for Foster Care, oversee network capacity and development, including recruitment, retention, and termination of partners throughout our network. Provide support for regular referral coordination throughout our network.

Coordinate regular effective collaboration with Global Refuge partners, ORR, Voluntary Agencies, and other key stakeholders who are engaged in service provision to unaccompanied migrant and refugee children on various tasks.

Assist the Associate Director for Foster Care by ensuring coordination, collaboration, and information sharing on major developments, trends, activities, and initiatives are communicated effectively and efficiently.

Represent Global Refuge Children's Services at assigned external meetings, trainings, or groups.

Engagement in agency-wide activities and initiatives including all-staff meetings, working groups, or task forces and implementation of strategic initiatives.

Other duties as assigned by the supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS

Master's Degree in Social Work or other behavioral science with at least three years of professional work experience highly preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience, such as a bachelor's degree in a related field with at least five years of experience.

Minimum of three years of experience with progressive roles and responsibilities in supervision, program management, program development, and / or quality assurance methods.

Demonstrated knowledge of child welfare systems, principles, and practices is required. Experience with federally funded unaccompanied children's services programming preferred.

Demonstrated ability to work within a team and independently to establish priorities and exercise sound judgment in response to systems that are highly complex, sensitive, and confidential.

Demonstrated ability to develop and manage collaborative partnerships across various systems.

Demonstrated experience in providing training and technical assistance to internal staff and external partners.

Experience and knowledge of legal and political issues related to immigration and child welfare.

Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to interact well with all levels of various systems.

Experience with and commitment to working in a cross - cultural or diverse workforce.

Bilingual in Spanish and English strongly preferred.

Valid driver's license and the ability to drive unrestricted are required.

Able and willing to travel 25% of annual time.

Commitment to Global Refuge's core mission and values and an ability to model those values in relationship with colleagues and partners; commitment to empowering refugees and migrants.

Special Position Requirements

Spanish language ability strongly preferred

Up to 25% travel required

Valid driver's license required

Must be able to pass an FBI background check as well as a CA / N check for every state resided in for the last five years.

GLOBAL REFUGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND COMPLIES WITH ALL FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL EMPLOYMENT LAWS.

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills, and requirements for the role. Differentials may exist based on the region and language abilities. Global Refuge has been welcoming newcomers since 1939. Learn more at globalrefuge.org.

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