Program Director (Solution-Based Casework)

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. Solution Based Casework (SBC) provides a common conceptual map for child welfare Case Planners, Supervisors, Leadership staff, and treatment providers to help focus everyone’s efforts on clear and agreed upon outcomes. The Solution Based Casework Program (SBC) of the 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 child abuse and neglect. Our evidence-based clinical approach supported by the case management piece is crucial in addressing 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 is responsible for ensuring that the Program meets all ACS accountability mandates to ensure positive outcomes on all ACS measurements. The Program Director will collaborate with the other SBC program directors and the SBC model director and is also responsible for ensuring that the team meets all of the fidelity measures and outcomes set forth by SBC. In addition, the Director is responsible for ensuring the program is compliant with Children’s Aid policies, procedures and is aligned with the mission of Children’s Aid 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 of the Solution based Casework program contracts and staff.
• Ensure that the program comply with ACS accountability mandates which result in excellent ratings on Performance Evaluation (VENDEX), OCFS and PAMS reviews. Submit Monthly CWFS Report.
• To supplement QA oversight, conduct random review of case records, monitor Child Not Seen, Supervisor Monthly Reviews, FASP Timeliness Reports and PROMIS and CONNX reports, to ensure compliance and best practice.
• Ensure that practice is delivered in a culturally sensitive manner that also adheres to model fidelity.
• Collaborate with CA OPM, Division CQI, Quality Assurance Directors and Accountability Specialist to ensure prevention standard compliance and best practices.
• As an implementation ancillary team member, support the Sr. Team’s efforts, complete tasks as delegated, foster stakeholder buy-in, facilitate a continuous feedback loop with program staff, market new program services internally and externally, coordinate training, support positive change climate, develop documentation templates, and recruit staff.
• Facilitate monthly staff and Leadership meetings.
• Act as liaison with ACS Program Development (APA), FAP, Community based Initiatives, Referral Management, Family Team Conferencing and DCP staff in regard to audits, training on the models, and other inter-agency matters.
• Become familiar/trained in Solution Based Casework (SBC).
• Collaborate with other CA Program Directors to develop policies, procedures that are uniform across similar models/programs.
• Partner with consultants and developers regarding contracts, fiscal issues, and supporting model Supervisors to manage compliance with the model fidelity.
• Arrange and coordinate external and internal training and ensure scheduling of and compliance with Workforce Institute training mandates. Provide CA CORE and other training as needed.
• Provide weekly coaching, supervision and professional development to supervisors. Promote trauma informed supervision and practice and self –care. Promote a healthy work-life balance.
• Ensure that staff have access to requisite clinical supervision needed to obtain/maintain licensure.
• Provide case and staff coverage in the absence of a supervisor.
• Ensure compliance with all CA internal fiscal accountability procedures and policies including payroll issues, purchasing procedures and New York Times Neediest approvals.
• Ensure that all staff demonstrate ICREATE competencies in the execution of daily responsibilities, comply with TMHR conditions of employment as delineated in the Employee Handbook and that staff meet performance and behavior standards of Code of Conduct and Anti-harassment policies. Utilize progressive disciplinary process when indicated.
• Familiarize self and staff with agency and Division Objectives and Strategic Priorities. Integrate them into practice that enhance overall agency operations and improve outcomes.
• Collaborate with Division Recruitment Specialist to identify appropriate candidates to fill program vacancies in a timely fashion. Ensure that new hires get a comprehensive onboarding process.
• Work with supervisors to maintain positive work environment to support productivity and staff retention.
• Partner with the Model Director of Prevention services to develop ACS contract budgets, modifications, oversight of spending and reconciliations.
• Maintain utilization expectations to satisfy Performance based funding requirements for sustainable funding.
• Attend meetings and network in the community to obtain referrals, build linkages and strengthen interagency collaborations. Attend required ACS meetings, such as the quarterly Prevention Directors meetings, COFCCA meetings as indicated. CA internal meetings including administrative meetings, Regional Cabinets, Executive Outcomes meetings, etc., and budget meetings as indicated.
• Responsible for administrative aspects of ACS accountability systems including PROMIS & CNNX.
• Ensure timely and accurate usage of Time Force system by program staff at the site.
• Ensure optimal integration and cross collaboration with other CA Divisions/ programs, as well as other community-based services.
• Accept tasks as assigned by 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 required.
• Professional licensing in Social Work or Mental Health Treatment or a related field preferred.
  
  

Key Competencies

• Good organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Good managerial, interpersonal, and leadership skills with the ability to function effectively as a role model.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills.
• Good team building skills.
• Some knowledge and experience in developing and managing/monitoring budgets that are aligned with programmatic needs.
• Willing and available to respond to emergencies and urgent situations 24/7.
  
  

It is the policy of Children's Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Children's Aid will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Children’s Aid is committed to complying with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Children’s Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children’s Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department's needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department's processes. The position's requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.