Program Director (Solution-Based Casework) – Children’s Aid

Salary: $82,000 - $100,000/yr

Solution Based Casework Program (SBC) is an evidenced-informed casework practice model that prioritizes working in partnership with families, focuses on pragmatic solutions to difficult situations, and notices and celebrates change. The model is based on three theoretical underpinnings: solution-focused family therapy, family life cycle theory and relapse prevention. SBC provides a common conceptual map for Child Welfare staff to help focus everyone’s efforts on clear and agreed upon outcomes. The SBC of Children’s Aid serves 384 families in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island. Using an evidence-based, family-centered framework we strive to strengthen families and reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect. Our evidence-based clinical approach supported by the case management piece addresses safety and risk issues for our families to become independent of system involvement.

Position Summary: The Program Director of the SBC Program provides administrative supervision to two model Supervisors in addition to two FTC Conference Facilitators. The Program Director ensures the program meets all ACS accountability mandates to achieve positive outcomes on ACS measures. The Program Director collaborates with other SBC program directors and the SBC model director and ensures that the team meets fidelity measures and outcomes set forth by SBC. The Director ensures the program is compliant with Children’s Aid policies and aligned with the mission and the Division’s goals and strategic priorities.

Essential Duties:

• Understand and promote the organization’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with organizational policies and procedures.
• Provide Administrative and Clinical oversight of one SBC program contract and staff.
• Ensure program compliance with ACS accountability mandates and maintain excellent ratings on Performance Evaluation (VENDEX), OCFS and PAMS reviews. Submit Monthly CWFS Report.
• Conduct random review of case records, monitor relevant reports, and ensure compliance and best practice.
• Ensure practice is delivered in a culturally sensitive manner that adheres to model fidelity.
• Collaborate with OPM, CQI, Quality Assurance Directors and Accountability Specialist to ensure prevention standard compliance and best practices.
• Support implementation efforts, foster stakeholder buy-in, facilitate feedback with staff, market new program services, coordinate training, and recruit staff.
• Facilitate monthly staff and Leadership meetings.
• Act as liaison with ACS Program Development and other inter-agency matters, including audits and trainings on the SBC model.
• Become familiar/trained in Solution Based Casework (SBC).
• Collaborate with other CA Program Directors to develop uniform policies and procedures across models/programs.
• Partner with consultants and developers regarding contracts, fiscal issues, and model fidelity.
• Arrange and coordinate external/internal training and ensure Workforce Institute training mandates are met. Provide CA CORE and other training as needed.
• Provide weekly coaching, supervision and professional development to supervisors. Promote trauma-informed supervision and self-care.
• Ensure staff have access to clinical supervision needed for licensure.
• Provide case and staff coverage in the absence of a supervisor.
• Ensure compliance with CA internal fiscal procedures including payroll, purchasing, and approvals.
• Ensure staff demonstrate ICREATE competencies and comply with TMHR and Code of Conduct policies; use progressive discipline as needed.
• Align practice with agency objectives and strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with Division Recruitment to fill vacancies promptly and onboard new hires.
• Maintain a positive work environment to support productivity and staff retention.
• Manage ACS contract budgets and spending in coordination with the Model Director of Prevention services.
• Maintain utilization requirements to satisfy performance-based funding.
• Attend meetings to build referrals and strengthen interagency collaborations. Participate in required ACS meetings and internal meetings.
• Oversee administrative aspects of ACS accountability systems including PROMIS & CNNX and ensure Time Force usage is accurate.
• Foster cross-collaboration with other CA divisions and programs.
• Accept tasks as assigned by the Model Director and/or Deputy Division Director of Prevention Services.

Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree in social work or a related area, with a minimum of 3 years of supervisory and administrative experience working with children and families in a child welfare or mental health setting. Professional licensing in Social Work or Mental Health Treatment or a related field is preferred.

Key Competencies:

• Good organizational, managerial, interpersonal, and leadership skills; able to model best practices.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills; effective team building.
• Experience in budgeting aligned with programmatic needs.
• Willing and available to respond to emergencies and urgent situations 24/7.

Equal Employment Opportunity: It is the policy of Children’s Aid to provide equal employment opportunities and to maintain a work environment free from harassment and discrimination. Children’s Aid will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on any basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. Children’s Aid will investigate all complaints of discrimination or harassment and take appropriate action. Flexibility in scheduling (in-person or hybrid) may be required to facilitate collaboration. The position’s requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs.