PROGRAM DIRECTOR - RESIDENTIAL FOSTER CARE PROGRAM

Key Responsibilities:
Program Oversight and Operations

• Oversee the overall management and administration of the residential foster care program, ensuring compliance with regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Oversee the provision of casework services and the overall planning for residents and their families.
• Ensure timely intake and discharge processes, including assessment and placement decisions, with a focus on meeting residents' permanency goals.
• Plan and implement in-house and community-based activities, including programming for mothers and children, to foster a sense of engagement and belonging among residents.
• Monitor the physical environment to ensure safety, cleanliness, and compliance with inspection standards.
• Ensure services address the strengths and needs of residents and their families, focusing on achieving permanency goals.
• Leadership and Supervision
• Provide direct supervision to program managers, a director of social service, and ensuring the effective performance of their assigned duties.
• Review and sign off on payroll bi-weekly using Kronos.

Case Management and Family Support

• Handle compliance with casework management standards, including the design, implementation, and management of internal and external tracking systems.
• Work with residents and families to provide support, information, and self-advocacy training to improve the quality of care and life for individual residents.
• Assist clients in developing measurable goals related to permanency objectives.
• Establish medical necessity for all new residents in the EHR system.
• Referral Management and External Collaboration
• Review incoming referral packets submitted by ACS and determine their appropriateness for the program.
• Outreach to ACS, schedule interviews with potential residents and families, and ensure timely follow-up and processing of all referrals.
• Follow up on admissions from new referral sources to determine satisfaction and strengthen relationships with ACS and other partners.
• Represent the program during audits, licensing visits, and community meetings.

Quality Improvement and Crisis Management

• Respond to crises effectively, implementing conflict resolution strategies and ensuring safety protocols are followed.
• Develop and implement safety plans to address incidents and prevent future occurrences.
• Collaborate with law enforcement and legal representatives as needed, including facilitating access to camera footage when required.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong understanding of child welfare laws, trauma-informed care, and best practices in foster care.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in managing budgets, using EHR systems, and creating actionable program metrics.
• Ability to handle crises effectively and implement conflict resolution strategies.

Core Competencies:

• Empathy: Fostering trusting relationships with residents and staff.
• Accountability: Delivering high-quality outcomes and maintaining team accountability.
• Resilience: Thriving in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
• Cultural Competency: Demonstrating respect for diverse populations and practicing inclusion.