If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!
Reporting to the Associate Director for Foster Care, the Head of the Program for Transitional Foster Care is responsible for the programmatic and operational management of the Global Refuge direct transitional foster care program. The Head of the Program provides vision and leadership to ensure quality service provision and coordination of services to UAC. S/he closely collaborates with the Assistant Director and Director for Children's Services and works closely with leadership at partner agencies to ensure the successful provision of high-quality transitional foster care services at Global Refuge and partner agencies. In this role, it is essential to maintain program efficiency and compliance and communicate effectively with key stakeholders.
This position is expected to function effectively with minimal supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, state, and federal regulatory requirements.
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 leadership, oversight, and administration of foster care services for unaccompanied migrant children including child welfare best practices, program management, and compliance with the Global Refuge cooperative agreement and Federal and state policies and procedures.
Act as the Chief Administrator for Global Refuge 's child-placing license
Supervise direct employees to ensure quality service is delivered in accordance with changing work demands, agency standards, and licensing requirements.
Maintain the delivery of quality services that are consistent with state licensing and standard operating practices.
Coordinate regular effective collaboration with Global Refuge partners, ORR, Voluntary Agencies, Legal Services Providers, and other key stakeholders who are engaged in service provision to unaccompanied migrant and refugee children
Ensure effective program operations through staff selection, hiring, training, and development.
Facilitate team cohesion through meetings with staff on a collective and individual level.
Proactively seek out, engage, and follow through in communication and action with staff as well as internal and external stakeholders in order to ensure a solid program structure.
Oversee compliance of the policies and procedures that govern annual employee evaluations, employee leave requests, and timesheet management.
Oversee the timely preparation and submission of documentation for services and reporting purposes.
Monitor and assess child placement activity and family resettlement, while remaining apprised of foster care and resettlement planning and decision making.
Maintain current knowledge of child welfare concerns, refugee and immigrant updates, internal and external issues, legislative trends, and practices.
Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with contractors, referral sources, and partner agencies.
Foster peer-to-peer learning in the network through conference calls, newsletters, and facilitation of conferences.
Develops new program proposals in coordination with direct foster care providers and states.
Provide crisis intervention and guidance to staff regarding crisis intervention.
Provide office, school, offsite, and in-home support services to UC and foster parents as needed and in the absence of treatment team members.
Work after hours and on weekends as needed.
Participate in and oversee a system of 24-hour on-call rotation to clients and foster parents, as required.
Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree in Social Work with clinical experience AND licensure to provide clinical services in Maryland
Board-approved supervisor in the state of Maryland (LCSW-C) is strongly preferred.
2+ years of experience in program management or as director of a licensed childcare program.
Prior experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations, is preferred.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including interpersonal communication, group leadership skills, public speaking, and persuasive writing skills.
Ability to work under stress in a fast-paced environment.
Effective communication with stakeholders and timely provision of regular reports to ORR regarding operations, services, and finances.
Strong organizational skills with knowledge of financial, human resource, and marketing requirements.
Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred
Active motor vehicle license, clean driving record, and a reliable automobile with adequate insurance coverage.
Ability to pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries.
Up to 25% travel required including escorting youth to family unifications by car and air. Typically requiring same-day travel but may, on occasion, involve overnight stays.
Commitment to Global Refuge 's core mission and values and an ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners. commitment to refugees and immigrants.
SPECIAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Must be willing and able to clear a criminal background check for the past 7 years.
Must be willing and able to request and clear Child Abuse and Neglect background check in all states lived within previous 5 years, updated yearly.
Must obtain a negative TB Test yearly.
Must be CPR, First Aid, and AEC certified upon hire or within 60 days of hire.
Must be willing and able to obtain an FBI fingerprint check every 5 years.
Must have a valid driver's license and MVA check free of major infractions for the last 7 years.
Must be able to pass a physical exam and demonstrate they are up to date on all Coronavirus vaccines and boosters.
Must clear a State of Maryland Department of Public Safety and Corrections Services screening.
Global Refuge is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We participate in E-Verify.
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.