Foster Care Program Director

Rooted in our Christian faith, Bethany Christian Services works to ensure children are safe, loved, and connected through family. Across 29 states, we strengthen families, support foster care and adoption, and walk alongside refugees with compassion. Here, living out your faith means using your gifts to bring hope and make a lasting impact.

Working at Bethany means joining a team of dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we’re united in our Christian mission and these shared values: We’re motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we’re in it for the long haul. As a Foster Care Program Director, you’ll help carry this mission forward and make a meaningful impact every day.

How Your Role Makes a Difference

• Manage, direct, and lead direct reports to include but not limited to program managers and program supervisors, while facilitating weekly supervision meetings in accordance with agency expectations;
• Provide indirect leadership at staff meetings to ensure all facets of service are successfully implemented;
• Cultivate a positive, team centered work environment with high staff morale;
• Ensure program requirements are being met in accordance with COA, agency, and other licensing standards;
• Provide strategic direction to the Foster Care service line and related services in partnership with Branch Director;
• Ensure that the program is developing and implementing ongoing quality improvement measures to provide specific and measurable program outcomes that meet and exceed both identified internal benchmarks and the requirements of regulating bodies;
• Oversee all inspections and evaluations of the program by county, state, federal and COA evaluators;
• Develop and implement timely correction plans to maintain appropriate licensure, contract and accreditation status;
• Oversee the effective recruitment and retention of foster parents, while ensuring effective orientation, training, and family assessments produce competent and well-prepared foster families to meet the special needs of children and to work effectively with biological families;
• Ensure compliance with agency policies and procedures through completion of annual and staff evaluations, staff leave requests, conference requests, and re-imbursement vouchers;
• Maintain effective foster unit operations through selection, training, development, and motivation of engaged, supported and competent staff who serve our clients with excellence;
• Actively work to develop a team atmosphere within the department and establish a supportive and productive work environment;
• Participate in the preparation of the annual service unit budget in conjunction with Branch Director;
• Monitor revenue and expenditures for all foster care and related services in accordance with agency policies and update statistical reports, when needed;
• Assess program development and provide leadership in service expansion opportunities;
• Ensure that accurate and prompt billing and payment for services rendered is achieved through monitoring and communication with referring agencies;
• Attend County Children and Youth Agencies, and local and national meetings that will enhance provision of services to clients and ensures that Bethany takes a leadership position among provider agencies in the ongoing reform of policy and practice within the local child welfare community;
• Develop strategic alliances with other service providers to ensure that children and families at Bethany have excellent access to all needed services;
• Remain apprised of current trends, legislation, and practices in foster care and child welfare through networking and publications to develop new programs to either meet changing needs in our community or to diversify our services;
• Essential job responsibilities may vary based on the specific needs of each program/department;
• May be required or asked to participate in a Bethany sponsored event;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What Will Make You Successful

• Master’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, or similar field of study from an accredited college;
• At least three (3) years of experience managing others;
• At least five (5) years of experience working in foster care, strongly preferred within the state of Michigan;
• Hold or be willing to obtain state certifications as required by the program;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Must exhibit strong interpersonal skills with a team player attitude;
• Must possess a strong attention to detail and be highly organized;
• Must be a self-starter with an ability to take initiative in a fast, paced environment;
• Must be reliable with time sensitive deadlines and tasks;
• Exercise a high level of confidentiality and integrity;
• Work well under pressure and adaptable to change;
• Knowledge of state, community and agency resources.
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver's license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany;
• Must pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity

We Invest in You

• Experience a team environment with other professionals who are motivated by faith, support one another, pursue excellence, and are in it for the long haul
• Access to training, professional development, and career growth opportunities
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match eligibility
• Generous time off (11 paid holidays, PTO Your Way, paid parental leave, separate sick and paid absence banks)
• Access to education reimbursement for those that qualify
• Comprehensive employee assistance and wellness program
• Employer paid long-term disability and group term life insurance