Head of Program

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 Program for Foster Care is responsible for the programmatic and operational management of the Global Refuge foster care program. The Head of Program provides vision and leadership to ensure quality service provision and coordination of services to immigrant children. This individual closely collaborates with the Associate Director and works closely with headquarters to ensure the successful provision of high-quality foster care services at Global Refuge, while managing the program team. 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, care for unaccompanied children, and economic empowerment and employment. Our work also extends to Guatemala and Mexico, where we help young people with skills training and community reintegration. To date, we have served over 800,000 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, vision available the first day of employment
• 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

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.

 

Responsibilities/Duties

• Provide leadership, oversight and administration of foster care services for immigrant 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 and other key stakeholders who are engaged in service provision to immigrant 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 network through conference calls, newsletters, and facilitation of conferences.
• Develop new program proposals in coordination with direct foster care providers and states.
• Provide crisis intervention and guidance to staff, as applicable.
• Provide office, school, offsite and in-home support services to clients and foster parents as needed and in the absence of treatment team members.
• Work after hours and 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 (LCSW-C).
• Board-approved supervisor in the state of Maryland.
• 2+ years of experience in program management or as director of a licensed childcare program, strongly preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish, strongly preferred.
• Prior experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations, 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.
• Strong organizational and multitasking capabilities, navigating competing priorities and deadlines.
• Effective communication with stakeholders and timely provision of regular reports to ORR regarding operations, services, and finances.
• 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 10% 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 relationship 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 seven (7) years.
• Must be willing and able to request and clear Child Abuse and Neglect background check in all states lived within previous five (5) years, updated yearly.
• Must be willing and able to obtain FBI fingerprint check every five (5) years.
• Must undergo an enhanced background check following hire.
• Must have valid driver's license and MVA check free of major infractions for the last seven (7) years.
• Must maintain personal vehicle insurance of (a) Bodily injury insurance at $100,000 (bodily injury – individual) / $300,000 (bodily injury – accident) / $25,000 (property damage liability) in accordance with Maryland state licensing requirements, and provide proof of insurance within two weeks of hire.
• Must clear a State of Maryland Department of Public Safety and Corrections Services screening.
• Must complete a bi-annual physical exam and TB testing, in accordance with Maryland state licensing requirements.
• Must maintain proof of childhood and annual vaccinations, including: MMR, varicella, Tdap, and influenza.
• Must be CPR, First Aid, and AED certified upon hire or within two weeks of hire.

 

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 in the states that permit its use.

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on your first day of employment, 403(b) with company contribution and match, 20 days of vacation per year, tuition reimbursement, professional development, and much more. 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.